Page 63 of Such Sharp Teeth

“We wanted to celebrate,” Mom says. “Celebrate you and the baby.”

“Oh . . .” Scarlett says.

She pulls out a chair and sits down. I can sense her anxiety. It’s palpable.

I get her a plate and a glass of sparkling cider. I sit next to her, and she squeezes my kneecap.

“I couldn’t stop it,” I whisper. “It’s gonna be fine. None of that corny shit.”

I expect some well-concealed anger, something only I’d be able to pick up on, but get none. All I get is a reserved “Thank you.”

Mia strolls over and kneels in front of Scarlett.

“You look beautiful,” she says, slipping Scarlett an envelope. “Maybe it’s tacky to give cash, but I’ve heard babies are expensive. And I’ve never had a problem being tacky.”

“Really? Never noticed,” Scarlett says. “Thanks for coming. It’s good to see you, Mia.”

Overall, their reunion is surprisingly cordial.

People compliment the food, and from there the conversation starts. There’s no fussing over Scarlett, no measuring her circumference like she’s a science project. None of that. Just talking. It’s surprisingly chill.

Time passes, and as it does, the unease dissipates. People are enjoying themselves. Scarlett is enjoying herself. I hear her laugh. Her friends are all cool, laid-back, similar in temperament to my sister.

Just when I start to relax, the front door opens, and in walks Matty’s mother, Joann.

All my orifices cinch simultaneously.

“Sorry I’m late,” she says. She walks straight up to my sister and kisses her on the cheek.

“Hi, Joann,” Scarlett says.

I’m horrified, but Scarlett doesn’t seem to be. They’ve always had a good relationship, but I would think that the current situation would have some effect.

“Thanks for coming,” Mom says, giving Joann a hug.

I don’t bother to hide my disgust. Ash pinches my arm, trying to get me to change my face. She can pinch me all she wants because I can’t feel it. I’m undeterred.

I watch Scarlett closely, searching for some hint of something, a sign of how she’s feeling, but she goes on smiling like she’s fine.

Maybe I was wrong. Maybe this shower was a good idea. Maybe she’s grateful for it.

She opts in to opening presents in front of everyone, so maybe she’s been body-snatched, because the Scarlett I know would never. Her coworkers chipped in and bought her a stroller. Joann bought her a crib. Ash got her some diaper device.

I dig holes in my palms with my fingernails. They heal as fast as I can make them. I feel the skin break. I feel it come back together. It doesn’t hurt. It just is.

After presents, we get cake. Scarlett is made to cut it for some superstitious reason.

“Didn’t it kind of look like a dick?” I whisper in her ear as she passes a plate.

“Everything looks like a dick to you,” she whispers back.

“Stop whispering about dicks,” Mom says. She hands me a piece.

I give the plate to Ash.

“You don’t want any?” she asks me. “It’s good cake! Have some.”

“I’m keto,” I say.