7
That night, Adrian asked me out to celebrate.
On a whim, I put on a dress I would never have worn before, clipped a barrette in my hair, and even put on a
little makeup. I felt pretty.
Just as I was about to leave, my mom stopped me. “Where are you going? I made plans with Sean’s mom. We’re all going to their house tonight to celebrate you two finishing your exams.”
My mom and Sean’s mom were best friends. I didn’t want to go, but she insisted, practically dragging me out
the door and over to Sean’s house.
Olivia was the one who opened the door. She was wearing a long white dress and introduced herself to my mom with a sickeningly sweet smile. “Hello, Auntie. I’m Sean’s girlfriend.”
My mom, who didn’t know Sean and I had ever dated, just looked a little surprised before complimenting her
on how pretty she was.
At the dinner table, I discreetly texted Adrian under the table.
Olivia noticed my dress and smirked. “Ava, I’ve never seen you dressed up like this. Are you trying to impress
someone?”
192
Sean glanced up at me. “Pants suit you better,” he said flatly. “Dresses aren’t your style. Don’t wear them again.”
My mom bristled. “What are you talking about? You used to love it when Ava wore little dresses,” she said, pointing to a framed photo on the wall. It was a picture of me and Sean as kids, one he had insisted on hang- ing up himself. In it, I was wearing a little floral dress, holding his hand and hiding shyly behind him.
Olivia glanced at the photo and pouted, her smile not reaching her eyes. “I can’t believe it. Ava used to be such a goody-two-shoes.”
Sean said nonchalantly, “Her? Good? She just pretends to be good in front of adults. In elementary school she used to sneak into her parents’ room and try on her mom’s lingerie when they weren’t home. In middle school, someone left a love letter in her desk and she was so excited she couldn’t sleep all night.” He paus ed, his cruelty escalating. “And remember that school talent show? She insisted on wearing a skirt so short it was basically a belt. When she bent over to pick up the microphone, she did it extra slow on purpose.”
Olivia burst out laughing. “Well, that’s not surprising. I’ve heard that the girls who look the most innocent or the outside are usually the least reserved in private.”
I sat there, stunned, each word another slap in the face. My mom’s expression was stiff with embarrassme
Sean’s mother quickly tried to smooth things over. “Let’s not talk about that. You’re all heading to college soon! I hear the three of you might end up as classmates. You could all apply to schools in the same city. Ava and Sean could look out for Olivia together.”
Olivia smiled. “That’s right, Ava. I could even introduce you to some guys. It’ll be hard to find someone or Sean’s level, of course, so you might have to lower your standards a bit…”
“That won’t be necessary,” I said, standing up and cutting her off. “I already have a boyfriend.”
Sean froze.
Just then, my phone rang. It was Adrian. He spoke loudly enough for everyone at the table to hear. “Babe,” he
said, his voice a warm murmur. “I’m waiting for you.”
I turned to my mom, almost desperate to escape. “My boyfriend and I have plans. He’s waiting for me. I have
to go.”
