I sat in the gardens of the hotel, having seen my parents arrive and my mother approaching the moment she laid eyes on me, I felt the need to escape and as quickly as I could. I saw the same disapproving look as she looked me up and down and instantly those same feelings of shame and humiliation washed over me. I would never be good enough in her eyes and I did not know why. I wanted to enjoy myself here tonight, and the better way to do that was to stay out of her way, and my father’s too.
I excused myself, telling my friends I needed a moment on my own, and thankfully, they gave me my space. I had half-expected Sam or Summer to follow me, but they respected what I had said. There were a number of party-goers out in the gardens and on the decking, enjoying the last of the evening heat,
