[2018 Wattys Short-Listed]
When Charlotte 'Charlie' Avery and her friends discover Robert Mifflin's diary, they didn't think much of it. That is, until they realize that he had hidden one million dollars for someone to claim. Now as they embark on t...
"So, Cassandra, tell me. What do kids your age do? Where do they feel the most safe and secure?"
As if the previous questions weren't weird enough, this one took the toll. Cassie couldn't help but arch her eyebrows suspiciously. Ellen beckoned her for a response just by her eyes.
"Um," Cassie cleared her throat, "well, I just read or watch TV and hang out with friends... I guess my house would be the most safe and secure. My favorite place?"
Ellen failed to hide her disappointment. That wasn't the answer she was looking for. Nonetheless, she placed Richard back onto the floor and faced her employee.
"Thank you for the chit-chat. You may go," Ellen said. Cassie nodded her head, pushing herself off her chair and scooping Richard into her arms.
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Ava sat across her sister at a coffee shop without any drinks in hand; it was a sad reality. Every penny had counted at this point and after the rest of the Maitner kids found out about the money ordeal, they chipped in picking up extra shifts at their jobs.
It was a Saturday afternoon and Ava and Lyla met half-way to talk. Ever since the shocking discovery of Lyla's real life, Ava had felt even closer to her sister than before. They shared secrets, thoughts, and laughter - something that she didn't think was possible.
"So, how's Rex?"
Lyla, glancing out the window, looked back to her sister and smiled. "He's great. Just perfect."
Ava couldn't help but feel disgusted with the cuddly love that her sister shared with Rex and always gushed about. But deep down, she was waiting for that moment, too.
"When are you going to tell mom and dad?"
She looked at with disbelief and arched an eyebrow. "Are you nuts? They'll have a heart attack!"
"So, what?" Ava shrugged her shoulders. "You're just going to keep dating this guy - possibly marry him - and not tell them at all? Am I going to be your bridesmaid and walk you down the aisle?"
Ava scoffed but she could understand the hesitation from her sister. Their parents weren't really a piece of cake. She couldn't possibly imagine the looks on their faces once they found out that the perfect Rylan that Lyla was supposedly dating was actually a tattooed, taller man name Rex with longer hair and a blunt to his lips.
"I can help you break it to them," Ava offered, watching Lyla concerned face.
"They already have a lot on their mind now with the money and everything."
"Don't worry about that. I have a plan to fix the money and be back on - debt-free," Ava said, confidently. Lyla rolled her eyes and leaned her head against the hand that was propped up by her elbow on the table.
"You're a kid, Ava. This is definitely the adult department. Even I don't know how to help them. I know Liam is working things out though."
