#allc.a

it had been a russian idea that every happy family was alike, but every unhappy family was unhappy in its own way -- tolstoy, the opening lines of anna karenina. the same held true to dysfunction: for all without it, they were the same; for those mired by it, it was unique unto itself.

for example: it couldn’t be said how many young women had seen their cousin’s best friend exit their other cousin’s room looking disshevelled, but at least one had. and she stood in genovia’s grand ballroom, wearing vintage chanel once garnished with a feather headdress on christy turlington, holding her gin like a cross.

“the bar at the back has nolet’s reserve,” it’s what adelaide says in place of greeting to arthur, who she sidles up next to. “but not the front. don’t waste your time.” 

there were experiences that, although universally dreaded, could not be avoided by any individual regardless of their geographical location or social standing in life -- namely, running into your ex’s sister in a washroom. adelaide had only intended to reapply lipstick in the ornately rimmed mirror, but attention diverts from her makeup as she catches the reflection of a blonde girl.

“olivia.” she intones by way of greeting. “it’s been some time.”