Alice joined Betty for a quick meal later that evening after spending a frustrating several hours pacing in her room, going from a new book to her computer to her homework in an effort to distract her from her rising anger at Rose's lack of cooperation. She only came down when her mother called for her, the echo of the front door slamming preceding Betty's voice. Alice crept down the stairs, keeping her head low, eyes on her feet and sat in silence as Rose handed her a plate filled with pizza, the woman tsking softly under her breath. She left a few moments later after a short, quiet conversation with Betty. Alice poked at the cupped round of pepperoni clinging to the side of her slice, hating she was hungry again when she wished she wasn't even as Betty hustled into the kitchen and sat
