In the bathroom, Aran unzipped the little nylon bag and rifled through its contents. She selected a compact of Super Orgasm Blush and, with a soft brush, applied a shimmering pink flush to her cheeks. Pleased with the result, she dedicated herself to the task of choosing an eyeshadow from the assorted jelly-bird-egg powders: Seafoam, Lavender 9, Tatiana, Lagoon, Jolie Poupée…. She decided on Primer Potion, gently smoothed it on her lids, then carefully brushed some Graffiti Deluxe eyeshadow over it. She was about to start lining her upper lashes with Covet 24/7 when she was startled by the sudden opening of the door, which she had (out of a habitual yearning for privacy) left barely ajar. It was, mercifully, just Talisker.
“Want me to polish your paw nails, Tali?” She asked. The dog licked her arm appreciatively. “Let’s see…” she continued talking to her attentive companion. “I think we’ll use the Vert next. What do you say, girl?” Turning to the mirror, she was taken aback to see another face, behind her own, reflected in the glass. At first, Aran thought that she was looking at Skye’s contemptuously cocked eyebrow and derisive smirk. But then she recognized her mother’s voice.
“You might as well write ‘MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT’ on your forehead while you’re at it,” Arden sneered, then pivoted abruptly and walked away.
