TRISHA
"Why does that Beatrice woman hate you so much?" The question slipped out before I could stop myself. My voice trembled, but I needed to know.
Mom looked at me, her eyes searching mine like she was trying to figure out where this was coming from. It was like she couldn't understand why I'd even ask, like she hadn't been on the receiving end of Beatrice's cruel comments all day. But I had seen it. I had heard it. And there was something there, something more than just petty jealousy or an old grudge.
My mother was secretive, always had been. But hearing Dad being described as kind by someone other than Lila made my skin crawl. It felt wrong, like there was something I wasn't seeing.
"Well…" she began slowly, her voice measured. "Bea has always been a b***h. Back when I was in t
