Lilly

I should never have named her Esther, because I know it comes from the Bible. But I thought it was so pretty, anyway. But every time I say her name, the fact that she is a Christian comes back to my mind, and it disgusts me. I've always found Christians to be hypocrites, and my daughter is no different. Christian is just a name for being goody-two shoes, and a liar. I hate my daughter for it, you know. I'm not a horrible person, I'm just a self-sufficient woman.

I don't ask any favors or lean on anybody, and I can take care of myself.

Let me be clear: there is no "God" that is hovering over us, and there is no such think as true love. It's all just false emotions in the spur of the moment, and the sooner my daughter learns this, the better.

Two weeks passed by, and the tension between Esther and her mother grew greater. Neither were trying very hard to get along with one another, and both were very stubborn, and both believed that they were right in every way. But one day, Esther called a truce.

"Mom, just for one day, can we do something together?" Esther herself couldn't believe what she was suggesting. She wanted to spend time with her mom like she'd like to pour pepper in her eyes. But for the sake of peace, Esther was willing to try.

Esther

That's right...I didn't do it for the sake of trying to get along with my mom. I wasn't sure if she would actually agree to it, so I was surprised when she did.

Lilly

I almost didn't. I had no doubt that my daughter had something up her sleeve, but I was really tired of all the strife. So, I relented.

Esther asked if we could go on a picnic together, a usual spot we had gone to before when Esther was growing up. As I packed up a picnic basket, I wondered why we hadn't gone back in such a long time.

Esther

We didn't say anything the whole drive there. I was glad, because I was sure we'd just start arguing again. When we got there, I set the tablecloth on the table while mom started unpacking the food.

Ham sandwiches, chops, and apples. It's the same every picnic. I don't think we've ever had anything else. Maybe one day I'll ask mom why.

Lilly

I've never really looked at my daughter before, like never studied her. Black hair like me, light green eyes, and a dusting of freckles across her nose. She's not petite, but she isn't really medium sized either. Just smaller. She looks like me, but then not. I finger my dyed blonde hair, and suddenly feel fake.