WE LEAVE FOR THE MALL an hour after school with Daphne. I'm not exactly thrilled about being seen with her - I mean, hello, social status? But hey, it's all part of my genius scheme to take down Gemma. I don't mind spending ten thousand dollars on clothes I intend not wearing. I'll probably give it to a poor fellow in the street.
I sat at the back seat in the car with Caroline and Betty, while Daphne sat in the front seat with the driver.
"So what store are we going to?" Daphne asked.
"Abercrombie and Fitch," Caroline suggested.
"It's going to be a party I'll never forget!" Betty exclaimed with a devilish grin.
Betty's excitement about the party got me all jittery. Ever since the thing with Gemma, we've become close, and now she's on board with our plans too.
I guess she stops being the good girl. I love this!
The driver secured an empty parking space and turned off the car. We climbed down the SUV and headed toward the building.
"This is so cool!" Daphne clamoured. As we walked into the store, I guess she couldn't believe she was hanging out with me.
We stepped into the store and hopped on the elevator to the third floor. Daphne made a beeline for the clearance racks, leaving Caroline, Betty, and me standing there like deer caught in headlights. I let out a dramatic sigh, thinking, "Well, this is my life now, isn't it?"
"Oh. Zoey. This feels like torment," Caroline whispered as she bit her lower lip.
"You didn't think it through before bringing someone of her level with us to the mall," Betty narrowed her eyes with a slight chuckled.
We wandered toward the other side of the shop. The First thing that caught my eyes is a black dinner gown with crystal sequins. I didn't bother to check the price tag. I love the dress no matter how much it cost.
"Are you going to get it?" Daphne asked, suddenly behind me. "It's too expensive!"
I nodded.
She brought out a pair of jean shorts and wave them at me. "These are cute and cheap."
I groan slowly and gave her a shammed smile. "I don't buy cheap things!" I mouthed through gritted teeth.
She reluctantly dropped the clothes back from where she took them. Caroline discovered a pink bikini with a bead design and a price tag of $30, she raised it toward Daphne.
"This will look good on you." She gave her the bikini. Daphne happily took it checking it out with a smile.
"I love this!"
Forty minutes passed before we stroll up to the cash register, our bags filled with clothes.
Caroline and Betty's purchases come up to $5,500. Daphne's come to $498.33 and mine $6,345. I paid for our purchases.
"I can't believe you guys spend so much money on clothes," Daphne exclaimed as we made our way to the car.
I rolled my eyes tempting to ask her to shut up, but I have to continue with the friendly act.
"I know shopping isn't your usual thing, but enjoy it while it lasts," I said, and she smiled brightly in response.
Caroline bit her bottom lips as we walked further to the packing lot, she was so angry that it became obvious.
"Zoey's after today, let's not make such mistake about bringing a poor girl, to the mall or anywhere with us."
I reminded her about our plans and she groaned silently. The driver collected the bags from us and put them in the trunk of the car.
After dropping off Daphne, Caroline, and Betty. The car finally pulled into the parking space of my house. The driver opened the door and I came down slowly. As I made my way toward the door I could hear familiar voices arguing and at that moment my stomach grumbled.
This can't be happening again.
As I shuffled towards the door, I couldn't help but eavesdrop on the impromptu family drama unfolding inside. "Dad, seriously, can you just give it a rest?" Ashley's plea echoed through the walls.
"Your mom's selfish, she doesn't care about us. Always goofing off with that guy, spending the money I worked hard for."
"At least I'm better than you, Mr. Low-Life. Money can't buy your way into heaven, especially if you're not even getting close to the gate!" Mom shot back.
I'm used to seeing my parents argue; it's pretty normal for them. Whether it's about money, cheating, or who's the better parent, they always find something to squabble about. Trust me on this. I'm fed up!
I pushed the door open and entered. Mom was on the stairs, Dad sat on the couch with Ashley. I felt invisible as I climbed the stairs; no one even glanced my way, not even Mom, who I nearly bumped into on my way to my room.
This is outrageous!
I closed my room door slowly and put in my earplugs. I turned on some music and hummed along, swaying to the beat to shake off my sadness. Turning towards the window, I accidentally bumped into someone.
I almost screamed, clutching my chest and trying to catch my breath. After a few seconds, I realized it was just my boyfriend, Josh. He stood there with a headphone around his neck, his hair curly, and his shirt a bit wrinkled. He smiled at me, revealing his bright white teeth, as I calmed down from the surprise.
"What the heck, babe!" I blurted out. "You scared me half to death."
He chuckled, and we hugged tightly. I breathed in his cologne before he let go and kissed me.
"What's going on with your parents?" he asked.
"I have no idea, and honestly, I don't even want to know," I sighed.
He sat on the bed. "I heard you're throwing a party on Friday night, and you didn't tell me."
"I'm sorry, I've been really busy and didn't get a chance to tell you," I explained.
"What's this party for, anyway?" Josh asked, giving me a curious look.
"Nothing much," I replied quickly. "Just wanted to hang out with my friends and have some fun." I sat down next to him.
"That's not like you," he remarked. "When did you become so friendly?"
I couldn't tell Josh about my plan to confront Gemma on Friday night; he wouldn't approve. So, I kept up the charade. He reassured me multiple times, saying he understood me and my limits. Then, my phone rang with my favorite hip-hop song, and I quickly answered it.
"Hey, Gem," I said, and Josh's jaw dropped. "I picked up some cool outfits for you, and I gave them to Daphne."
"Thanks, I love them," Gemma replied.
"I'm glad you like them. Can't wait to see you rocking them on Friday night!" I exclaimed.
"Gemma, come check this out!" Daphne's voice called from the other end of the line.
"See you at school tomorrow. Gotta run now," Gemma said before ending the call. Josh then grabbed my hand and pulled me close.
"What's the plan?" Josh asked, giving me a suspicious look. "Tell me!"
I looked at him confused. "What plan?"
He wrapped his arm around my waist and tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. We stared at each other for a moment before a knock on the door interrupted us.
"You need to leave before someone sees you," I said, and he headed towards the window. He glanced back at me.
"Can I at least get a kiss before you go?" Josh asked as he headed for the window.
I rushed over and gave him a quick kiss before he climbed out. As I hurried to the door, I found Mrs. Becca standing there holding shopping bags I'd left in the car for the driver to bring to my room. I grabbed them from her, but she stopped me.
"Zoey's dinner is ready. Hurry before it gets cold," she said.
"I'm eating in my room tonight, so bring it to me quickly," I snapped.
"But your parents won't like that," she protested.
"Just do it and don't act like you're in charge," I yelled, shutting the door.
After dinner, I stayed up late watching movies and talking to Josh on the phone until I fell asleep.
"Wake up, sleepyhead!" Mrs. Becca yelled, startling me.
"I'm up, I'm up!" I groaned. "Stop yelling."
She opened the door slowly and walked in with a tray of food. I sat up, still half asleep, as she placed the tray on the table next to my bed. She sat opposite me and smoothed out the rumpled blanket, covering my exposed legs.
"Zoey, how are you feeling?" she asked, smiling, but I didn't respond.
"I know you might be upset about your parents' argument," she continued gently. "But everything will be okay soon. You just have to..."
"Alright... now leave my room!" I interrupted her and got out of bed. "Take whatever you brought with you when you go. I'm not hungry!"
Mrs. Becca's eyes narrowed as she stood up gently, probably surprised by my rudeness so early in the morning. Once she was gone, I crawled back into bed and let sleep take over.
"Who cares about school anyway?" I muttered to myself, turning to the other side and hugging my fluffy pillows tightly.
My eyes snapped opened and my gaze fixed directly at my dad who was sitting next to me. He didn't look happy, and I knew he was about to lecture me. Sitting up, I braced myself as he took my hand.
"Dad, did something happen?" I asked.
He sighed deeply, running his hand over his forehead. "Zoey, why didn't you go to school today?" he asked. "Mr. Annie called, saying you've been absent for three days now."
"I haven't been feeling well," I explained.
"Why didn't you tell me? I would have taken you to the hospital," he said. "I care about you and your sister a lot, and I want the best for you both. I don't want you to be ungrateful for everything I do." He shook his head. "Like your mother."
"I'm not ungrateful, Dad. I care about my education," I lied.
He squeezed my hand and smiled warmly. "I'm proud to have a daughter like you." He headed to the door. "It's midday, I've asked Mrs. Becca to prepare something delicious for you."
I glanced at the clock in my room, realizing how long I'd been asleep.