The party had ended for good. After Cammie and Alyssa left, I sat in the living room. My mom was right beside me, one of her arms held my shoulders for moral support. Octavia was sitting opposite us on another chair, a look of intense concentration registered on her face.

"Honey, maybe it's just a phase, you're only having it the hard way, that's all," Mom tried to soothe me.

"Mom it's definitely not a phase and you know that," I said dryly.

"Maybe we can make a readjustment to your diet," Mom suggested. I opened my mouth to protest, but this time, Octavia spoke quietly.

"I believe there is...