Chương 27: Self-Loathing

Santa Maria High

Lisa had gradually instilled confidence in Rosalie. She no longer dropped her head as much, and she wore cleaner uniforms to school. Of course, her mother wasn't happy with that. She never wanted Rosalie to be beautiful, blaming her for ruining her chances with men.

Rosalie's late father had cherished Rosalie. They had lived in comfort and a little luxury. Rosalie's mother had gotten pregnant from a one-night stand with her father and pushed for marriage. There was no love between them, but Rosalie was loved by her father. After he died when Rosalie was 12, her mother remarried one of her lovers.

Rosalie's stepfather found her sexually attractive. He tried to touch her indecently, but Rosalie fought back and called her uncle. Her father's brother pursued the matter, but the stepfather refused to leave. He became violent.