The girl, whose image was reflected back from the mirror, was not her usual self. Even Caroline could see right through her. What remained was the string of large white pearls clasping her neck – the only sign of status and prestige that she could hold onto. Even that was not enough anymore and she heard the girl from the other side of the mirror loud and clear. What a phony! You're nothing without your money. Before the negative thoughts could loom over her mind, a familiar hand grabbed her on the shoulder.
"We should get going," Max said. Caroline eased her shoulders. Max noticed the sullen color on Caroline's face. "Is something bothering you?"
"Maybe we shouldn't attend the hearing…"
"You're having doubts now when we're already here!" Max rolled her eyes and sighed. "Do you know how many kissing lessons we have to teach Han just so we could get the day off?"
"Well, it's just that…what will my presence here do anyway? How will it help? If he's guilty, he's guilty. I sure am not going to be able to change that."
"Snap out of it!" Max shook Caroline. "You're not getting married yet."
"You're right. I shouldn't panic." Caroline drew a deep breath. "It's not like I can make it any worse than it already is."
"Hurrah for positive thinking!" Max said. "Besides, remember how you felt two days ago?"
Caroline stared back at her blankly, her mind still out of it.
"You so wanted to come here." Max reminded and then she mimicked Caroline's voice: "I would shag Han if he'll let us attend my dad's hearing." Then, her voice returned to her usual sarcastic tone. "Turns out he'll settle for some love lessons."
The short skit made Caroline chuckle. "Good point," she exclaimed. Max always knew what to say to make her feel better. I don't know what I'd do without you.
Max combed through Caroline's golden blonde hair and patted her blouse to get rid of the wrinkles. "Chin up, head up high, smile." She gazed deeply into Caroline's eyes to reassure her. "Now repeat after me – I'm strong. I'm confident. I will survive. Max is awesome!"
Caroline raised her eyebrow and had a quizzical look on her face.
Max put her hands up. "I just asked myself – what would Oprah do? Oh, except for the last part. I made that up." She grinned sheepishly. "Anyway, let's scoot. The hearing will start in 5 minutes."
Caroline glanced at her reflection again and repeated in her mind. I'm strong. I'm confident. I will survive. Max is awesome! A smile crept up her face as she proclaimed the last statement in her mind.
