My Life as the Ugly Stepsister (18 page)

“Nothing is wrong!” She rolled her eyes. “I wanted to wait until we got home to tell you this, but if you’re going to push me…There’s been a change of plans for tonight. I’m watching a sappy movie on Pay-per-view, and you are going to that lock-in.”

My jaw dropped. “You know about the lock-in? Who called? Madison? Or MC?”

“Actually, it was your stepsister.”

“Caroline!” I didn’t think Mom had ever spoken to her before. “She called you.”

“She was very nice and polite. She just said she thought you shouldn’t miss out and she didn’t think I’d want you to if I knew what was going on.”

I clenched my fist. “I told her—”

“She’s right, Ally. I don’t want you to miss it. You had these plans, and you should go. I promise, I’ll make you my slave tomorrow night. You’ll have to let me choose everything we do.”

I relented. “If you’re sure…”

“Now about this lock-in. I want to talk to someone at the door and verify the number of chaperones.”

That sounded more like my mother. “No problem,” I said. “It’s a church, Mother. They aren’t going to host an orgy.”

“Allison Margaret Wright!”

“What? I got an A on my report on ancient Greece in sixth grade.”

I tried calling Jonathan when I got back home, but he didn’t answer. He probably had already left for the lock-in. MC and Madison didn’t answer either. I called Caroline.

“You have to go with me now,” I informed her. “I’m not going alone!”

“Can’t, Ally,” she said. “But I’m glad you aren’t mad at me. Besides you aren’t going alone. You’re going with Jonathan.”

“I can’t get him to answer. He doesn’t even know I’m coming.”

I could almost see her shrug through the phone. “So, you’ll find him when you get there.”

“Thanks for nothing,” I said.

“Love you too,” Caroline said.

I disconnected and found Mom. She had pulled an old sleeping bag out of the closet. “There was a Barbie one in there too, but I figured you didn’t want that one.”

“Uh, no!”

Mom grinned. “This one should work.”

I toted the navy blue, nondescript sleeping bag to the car along with a backpack.

“What’s in there?” Mom asked.

“Cell phone, iPod, book for when I’m totally ignored.”

“You should probably take some change for soft drinks.”

“Good idea,” I said. Then I spent the next hour trying on everything I owned.

“How’s this?” I asked Mom after I threw on my new sweater and jeans.

“You look great. But aren’t you going to be in a hot gym? You don’t want to sweat all night.”

I was already pulling off my sweater. She was so right.

Finally, I settled on jeans and a cute little top. The bright blue brought out the green in my eyes, and the cut flattered my figure. Well, as much as anything could.

“Perfect,” Mom said when I came into the living room.

Mom dropped me at the door of the church’s gym. A guy with a clipboard took her name, my name, and an emergency phone number. Then he checked my backpack.

He pointed to the iPod and cell. “These are allowed. Just so you know, they’ll probably get stolen.”

“It’s worth the risk,” I said.

Then, he said to my mother, “We don’t let them out for any reason. If she gets sick, we’ll need you to come get her. You’ll have to bring photo ID. Otherwise, she can be picked up in the morning at ten.”

Mom nodded. Then, she said to me, “Have fun.”

I stalled for a second, tempted to jump back in the car.

The guy waved his clipboard toward the door. “Go on in. There might be some pizza left.”

“Thanks,” I said. Then I walked into the building, bracing myself.

Chapter Fourteen

Sometimes you have to take chances, even if you’d rather go play in traffic.

–Ally’s Brutal Teen Truths

There was a hall outside the gym with various rooms. The noise from the gym indicated that it was the place to be. I peeked in, feeling like a total loser and wishing I knew somebody. A bunch of guys were running up and down the court playing b-ball. I didn’t let myself look long enough to determine if Jonathan was there. Instead, I went back out and found a pile of sleeping bags along the wall. I ditched mine with the others, immediately feeling less conspicuous. I walked down the hall and found a kitchen and a game room, both fairly crowded. I didn’t recognize a soul.

I found the girls’ bathroom and checked out the facilities.

Having stalled as long as possible, I went back to the gym. I entered through the door by the bleachers and sat as quickly as I could. There were a half dozen groups of people scattered around the bleachers. Most of the groups were girls, but there were some guys. A few guys were sitting out but had obviously been playing and were waiting for their turn. Jonathan, who I’d finally located, was among the group of guys running up and down the court. He passed the ball to another guy on the red team and they scored.

It sounded like a herd of elephants with ten guys running at full speed to the other end of the court. Apparently, I should have added ear-plugs to my backpack.

I didn’t want to look like some dork drooling over the players, so I started checking out the groups of people. Maybe I’d get lucky and find someone I knew. The only person I spotted was Haley. She was hanging all over some guy, still wearing her cheerleading uniform. A movie with my mother was sounding better and better.

Okay, I told myself. There’s no reason to panic. You don’t have to go hang with Haley. Just chill like your friends haven’t arrived yet. Duh. Why hadn’t I thought of that earlier? So I relaxed and watched the game. They were good, of course. I didn’t really keep track of the score because I mostly watched Jonathan. I could tell from the intensity that he was “in the zone.” He hadn’t even noticed me yet. And he probably wouldn’t for a long time.

My cell rang and I gave silent thanks. MC was finally returning my call. I didn’t bother to greet her. “Thank God, when are you coming?”

“Uh. Ally…”

My stomach clenched. I cupped my hand around the phone so I wouldn’t have to shout to be heard over the noise. “No. Don’t say you aren’t coming.”

“I can’t. I’m at a movie with my sister. Sorry.”

“MC. You have to come.”

“Sorry.”

Before I could read her the riot act, Madison called in. “Okay,” I said. You’re off the hook. Madison’s on the line.”

“But, Ally—.”

“Bye.” I clicked over. “Hi, Madison.”

“Hi, Ally. I just got your message. I’m so glad you got to go!”

“Yeah. Whatever. When are you coming?”

“I can’t, Ally. I promised my mother I’d help her plan this bridal shower for my aunt.”

“Bridal shower? You don’t even know how to plan a wedding shower.”

“Of course I don’t. But Mom’s freaking out about it. She’s supposed to meet with her mother-in-law tomorrow. And she’s terrified. We’re searching the Internet for ideas.”

“She’s a grown up,” I snapped. “She can handle it.”

“Oh come on, Ally. You don’t need me there. Aren’t you hanging with Jonathan?”

“No,” I hissed into the phone with a quick look to make sure people weren’t listening in. “He’s playing basketball. He hasn’t seen me yet.”

“Well, get his attention.”

In this madhouse? “I can’t.”

“Don’t you know anybody?”

“Just Haley, and I’m not hanging out with her. I’d rather go home.”

“For heaven’s sake.”

“If you don’t get here in the next half hour, our friendship is over.” I used my most firm tone.

She laughed. “Yeah, right. And when Jonathan does see you, I’ll be ignored the rest of the night. No. Thank you.”

“Thirty minutes,” I said and disconnected. I didn’t believe for a moment that she’d show up.

In the next ten minutes, some more people came in and sat on the bleachers. I wasn’t so obviously alone anymore. Unfortunately, sitting only inches from a group of people at ease with each other only stressed me more.

I decided to take another bathroom break. Unnecessary, but who would know? I climbed down from the bleachers and started for the door, only to hear my name.

I turned to see who knew me. Haley of course.

“Uh, hi,” I said. “What’s up?”

Haley rolled her eyes. “Caroline called and said for you to come sit with us until Jonathan finishes playing. So what gives? Does he know you’re here?”

I blushed. The last person I wanted to look pathetic in front of was Haley. “Uh. No. I was just about to yell to him.” MC must have called Caro and begged her to help. How pathetic.

“Really,” Haley said, raising an overplucked eyebrow. “Because I can get him for you.”

“No thanks. It’s good to see you, though. Maybe I’ll see you later.”

She stuck two fingers in her mouth like she was going to do one of those loud whistle things.

“No!”

She crossed her arms over her chest.

“Fine.” I glanced nervously at the court. They were headed back to this end. I had noticed that the guys all looked over at the bench on the other side every now and then. The guys were subbing in and out pretty regularly.

“I’m going to go over there where those guys are and have them pull him out on the next sub.” I eyed her. “Is that to your satisfaction?”

She wrinkled her nose. “Lacks drama, but it will do.”

I skirted the court to reach the other side and approached the four guys sitting on the bench.

The guy on the end closest to me smiled. “Hey, Ally.”

He looked kind of familiar. Oh, Dave. His hair was so wet with sweat that it looked brown instead of blonde.

“Hey, Dave,” I said. I sat next to him on the bench.

“Jon said you weren’t coming.”

“I didn’t think I was,” I said.

“Has he seen you yet?”

I shook my head. “I thought he’d look over here eventually.”

Dave grinned. “Yeah.” Then he stood and yelled, “Jonathan,” as the guys ran past.

Jonathan tried to glare at Dave and almost tripped. Then, he saw me and grinned.

Jonathan ran over to the bench and another guy rushed into the game.

“Hi,” he said. “You came!”

“Yeah, Caroline told my mom and she didn’t want me to miss out.”

He glanced at Dave and said, “Let’s walk a little.” I guess he didn’t want Dave listening. We walked to the gym door where the hall was surprisingly quiet.

“I’m glad you’re here,” he said, swiping at his brow with his t-shirt. “I’ve been playing for like two hours.”

“You looked great out there,” I said. Then I blushed again.

He grinned. “I’ve got a change of clothes in my locker. I’m going to head to the shower. If no one’s in there making out.”

“Okay. I’ll be on the bleachers.”

“Great,” he said, and he jogged off to the boy’s room.

Now I was grinning like a fool. I went into the restroom to check my hair. Actually got some lip-gloss out of my backpack. I’d never done that before. I’d also packed a toothbrush and toothpaste because I figured by morning, I’d be really desperate for them.

I only had a few moments with the mirror before a group of four girls invaded. They’d come in to badmouth some other girl.

One of them was all whiny. “Who does she think she is, anyway?”

The others assured her that they didn’t know.

“Are you almost done?” One of them asked me. “I’m burning up in there. I need to blot.”

I refrained from commenting on her shiny forehead. “Sure.” I slipped out the door.

Since I didn’t know how long boys took in the shower, I decided to check out the other rooms. The game room was loaded with pinball, foosball, air hockey, and a bunch of guys. The crowd around the pizza had cleared, and only a few kids were in the kitchen grabbing refills on pink lemonade.

I had just finished texting Caroline, MC, and Madison that all was well when Jonathan came up behind me. He smelled like soap and shampoo. “Oh, man. I forgot about the pizza. Is there any left? I’m starved.”

“Yeah,” I gestured to the counter. “Better hurry though.”

He swiped at his damp hair, which had me thinking not so innocent thoughts. It suddenly hit me that he’d really just been in the shower naked. I must be some kind of pervert because that thought sent my pulse racing.

Oblivious to my train of thought, he heaped three pieces on a plate and gave the pink lemonade an uncertain look.

“I’ve got quarters,” I said motioning to the machine in the hall. “Want a coke?”

He set down his plate of pizza and pulled out his wallet. “I’ve got it. Coke sounds good. Do you want one?”

Before I could even answer, he’d inserted a dollar in the machine and handed me an ice cold Coke. “Yes,” I said and waited for him to get another for himself.

He popped his can open, took a long drag, and went back to the kitchen to grab his pizza. “Let’s sit out here,” he said, leading the way.

I opened my Coke and followed.

He’d found a spot right where the wall curved in that was quiet and almost private. He slid down the wall and sat, already taking a bite of his pizza. “Sorry,” he said. “I’ve been playing for like—”

“Two hours,” I finished.

He smiled, fortunately not sharing a full view of the food in his mouth. “So what’s up with your mother?”

I told him about the boxers, the comic books, and the jewelry. By the time I finished, he’d inhaled all of his pizza and washed it down with his Coke. He jumped up. “Wait here.” Then he rejoined me without the plate and empty can. “Your mother promises never to leave town again?”

“Yes. At least until I’m eighteen. Although she did say that she had a free pass if Mel Gibson called her up.” I smirked. “I thought the odds were pretty much in my favor, so I said okay.”

Jonathan laughed and took my hand in his. “With your luck, he’ll call her.”

“Are you saying I have bad luck?”

“Well, you did step in dog doo just the other day. Your dad busted you. And he walked out when I was making fun of our friends, and totally busted us again.”

“You made your point. Anyway, I’m thinking of disabling her Internet connection just in case.”

Jonathan thought for a minute. “You could report her credit card stolen.”