Game Of Hearts

Brooks

e probably wanted to complain about my pajamas, my Disney princess pajamas which I was ju

about how ridiculous I would

aurel telling Jeanette to apologize because tha

dle a fashion disaster” she rep

untie Laurel had told Jeanette not to say anything

e I didn’t want to sound too persistent. Later, Jeanette pulled me up to her room and I couldn’t help

d a soft touch. A fancy bed sat in the center, covered in comfy white sheets and lots of fl

ner dresses filled the walls, and there were sh

was either she was a neat freak or she wasn’t a book person because the

ow cool Jeanette was. I had always envied several things in Jeanette’s life since we were kids—her pinball machine, her collection o

ed to spend that much time in a closet. Until I walked to the closet, only to find out it was a door in disguise. I slowly tried to open it as I placed m

r open, the door swung open and Jeanette stepped out before locking the door behind her. I couldn’t get a g

, deciding not to ask further questions. If she wanted me to

e, J

ool uniforms to be precise. They were about six but they were all the same

e was so she bought six. You s

self back. After trying on the first one, it fitted perfectly but Jeanette insisted it was jus

rmth to her smile, but it was more so

not?” I asked. “Can I leave

pulling an overexaggerated “you know her

t jacket and a matching flared skirt, both in a dee

nded abruptly and she didn’t say any

our’s lecture on the do’s and donts of Fox Lane High. She had told me about the m

were kids, mom would make me eat sugar-free Popsicles, applesauce, and unsweetened iced tea, because they were the f

enjoy it on the terrace while everyone else was asleep. I found it hard to believe t

dle of the night? Mom would kill me if I were out past 9pm. One time, I had gone to the movies with Marla—a girl mum had warned me not to associate with because her

onvinced myself that sleep was within reach when i h

. The moon's feeble light offered little or no help in relieving my anxiety. My b

for something, anything, to defend myself with. My eyes landed on an umbrella, leaning innocen

a makeshift shield, my heart pounding in my chest. My gaze r

blinding light. I squinted against the intrusion, my makeshift weapon still held al

y mind spiraled into a frenzy, again. It was Conrad, staring at me with an enigmatic e

wline hinted at a rugged edge, and his piercing eyes held a magnetic intensity that I couldn't ig

as it touched the ground. My heart, which had been racing just moments ag

r into the room, the light casting

at are you

ed for his response, my fingers still grippi

oser, his voice carrying a touch of confusion,