Within This Frame Read Online Free PDF Page A

walked over. “That color looks great on you. You should wear it more often.” She warmly squeezed Maggie’s bicep. Short and compact, the blue top and black shorts she wore molded to her trim figure in a flattering way. Jennifer Smiley had short brown hair laced with gray and an unlined face that allowed her to pass for being much younger in years than she was. She was routinely mistaken for Nora’s sister, much to Nora’s annoyance.
    Maggie looked down at her rainbow shirt and blinked. “Which one?”
    “What? Oh. All of them. It’s a happy shirt.” With a twinkle in her amber-colored eyes, Maggie’s mom turned away and drank from her water bottle.
    She laughed. Her mother made sure to compliment her every time she saw her, whether it was valid or not. Maggie had self-esteem issues, and that was her way of trying to make her feel good. Maggie appreciated the effort.
    “Bacon!”
    The smile was wiped from her face and her shoulders stiffened. Her sister, on the other hand, seemed to enjoy her insecurities. She caught the chastising look her dad gave Nora as she turned to face her sister.
    “Nora, don’t you think it’s time to come up with a new nickname? Something not quite so juvenile, possibly?” Jennifer said, lips pressed together to show her displeasure.
    “Why?” Nora blinked. “I’ve always called her that. Maggie likes bacon. It fits. Besides, she knows I don’t mean anything by it.” In Nora’s mind, if she didn’t mean to offend someone, then they shouldn’t be, regardless of whether or not her words were actually offensive.
    With strawberry blond hair that rested on her shoulders, large green eyes, and a smattering of freckles along the bridge of her nose and cheeks, Nora was slender with defined muscles and overflowing confidence. Not that Maggie ever wanted to be like her, but to have that self-assuredness would be nice.
    If someone told Nora she couldn’t do something, she told them to watch her.
    “Hi, Nora,” she said in a strained voice.
    “You wanted to see me? How’s the personal trainer working out? I bet you were surprised, huh?” She smiled her straight smile, hands on hips. In the white t-back top and short shorts, her muscular physique was displayed to be readily admired.
    “You hired a personal trainer?” Leon asked.
    “When did this happen?” her mother added.
    “Uh . . .” Maggie stared at her sister. “Just today, actually. We haven’t started yet.”
    “Good for you.” Her dad set down the free weights and patted her arm. “I’m going to hit the elliptical machine. How about we get some coffee later this week, go for a walk along the river?”
    “Sure, Dad. That sounds great,” Maggie said, tilting her head to the side to better allow him to press a chaste kiss to her temple.
    “Maggie,” her mother said, touching her hand. Concern floated in the depths of her dark eyes. “It’s wonderful that you want to get in shape, but don’t overdo it, okay? It isn’t worth getting skinny if it’s harmful to you. Remember that. And . . . if you need to talk to someone, do you still have Dr. Morgan’s phone number?”
    Her stomach clenched, but all she did was smile and nod. “I know, Mom, and yes, I do. Don’t worry. I’ll do it the right way.”
    “But if you need someone to talk to . . .” Her mother gave her a pointed look.
    “I’ll call him. I promise. I’ve talked to him off and on throughout the years. Everything is good, and it will remain that way.”
    With a satisfied nod, she turned to her older daughter and waggled a finger at her. “Be nice.”
    “Mom,” Nora whined. “I’m always nice.”
    “Be nicer. See you later, girls.”
    Nora rolled her eyes and turned to Maggie. “She acts like I’m the meanest sister ever.” She eyed Maggie. “I have, like, two minutes before my next class. What’s up?”
    Maggie tucked a lock of hair behind her ears, watching her mother bend and stretch on a mat. “Why him?” When Nora didn’t say