CHAPTER 10 THE FESTIVAL

CLAIRE "You look like a princess in that dress." I beamed at Irene the next day as she pretended to be in the mirror. Her contiguous smiles infected me instantaneously. "I'm a princess. Mom says it all the time." Her smile left her face. "I mean, my real mom." "Yes, you are, dear." I touched her face lightly, hoping to get the smile back on her face. "She's taking too long." She smiled up at me, nodding towards Willow. "I'm glad someone else has the same thoughts." Willow came out in beautiful pants and a shirt. She looked lovely. "Look how lovely you are!" I didn't hesitate to compliment her. "We all do. And we are going to have so much fun together at the festival grounds." Willow was beaming with joy. "Oh really?" Irene asked with a radiant smile back then. Irene and I stepped out as Willow double-checked that everything was locked. I opened the car door for Irene as she got in her seat. I chose the front seat, and Willow slipped behind the wheel. "Your pill?