How could she look up to her now?

11:25pm. Pinks was home earlier than usual. As she walked up the stairs, she was surprised to see the light was still on in her room. She shared the room with her sister who was always asleep when she came home. Her sister was older than her by 3 years. They had their ups and downs. They were closer at earlier stages in their lives. Now, they joked here and there. 

She opened the door to see her sister, Sweetie, applying lipstick slowly in front of the wardrobe mirror.  

Sweetie asked: 'does this colour suit me?' in which Pinks kindly yet truthfully, as always, replied: 'not really, it's too bright.' Sweetie continued: 'you know, I think I've perfected how to wear lipstick, and now I'm going onto foundation.'  

Sweetie saw the immediate shock in her sister's face. She knew Pinks was disappointed in her. So she quickly decided to explain herself as if she knew she was in the wrong and needed to prove her point.  

'It's a part of growing up. THIS IS WHAT YOU DO. You know, it might sound stupid but I've noticed, even in the work place, looks really DO matter.' 

As these words were being forced out of Sweetie's mouth, Pinks thought about how much her sister had changed. They were once on the same page when it came down to wearing make-up. –They both agreed they’d never wear it. What was once their strong, shared view, was now like empty promises their elder sister used to make to them. 

She quickly felt alone. Everything had just changed. 

Pinks walked slowly back to her bed. She had never felt more disgusted by her sister's words than that moment. How could she mutter such nonsense? Was her sister implying that, she, too, would have to start wearing make-up, as it was a part of ‘growing up’? 

How could she look up to her now? Not that she ever did, past the age of 15. 

She felt betrayed. She WAS betrayed. The only belief she shared with her sister was now shattered. Just like their relationship. The little closeness they had, was now fading even more. 

'Well, goodnight Pinks' said Sweetie apologetically. 

'Okay, goodnight' Pinks replied. She was a mixture of disgraced, angry, and most of all, sad.