Page 43 of The Spotlight Effect

“Charlie, this is Faith. Faith, this is Charlie,” I introduce them to each other.

“So, you’re the best friend,” Charlie says.

“Lex, you are like famous around here now,” Faith says. Last time I was time famous, everyone felt bad because I was a tragic case. A kidnapped child. That’s a really bad time I hate remembering.

“Aww, look at little Lexi Wexi coming into stardom,” Charlie mocks and rubs my head, to which I swat his hand away and try to fix my hair.

“That’s why I turned off my notifications so I wouldn’t have to hear the dings,” I tell her.

“Your most liked photo is the one you posted today with Raven and Scarlett. Also, you have to ask Scarlett where she got her shoes from, I love them,” Faith tells me.

“Scarlett, where did you get your shoes from?” I call over to her and she turns around from the floor.

“Naked Wolfe.”

“Thanks,” I reply.

“Naked Wolfe,” I tell Faith like she didn’t just hear me ask.

“I’m going to have to go soon. I’m at practice.”

“I figured. Are you enjoying break?”

“Yeah, tomorrow we’re going to Myrtle Beach and staying till Friday.”

“I bet you’ll enjoy. Three days with no practice.”

“And will but I love you, Lexi. Text you after practice. Wish me luck. We're doing more full outs.” Faith sighs, standing up and fixing her uniform before putting down her phone and water.

“I love you too, Fae, and good luck you got this best flyer ever,” I reply. Faith air kisses and hangs up.

“I like Faith,” Charlie states.

“You like everyone,” Kenan interjects.

“Not bullies,” Charlie says.

“You’re so childish sometimes,” Raven says.

“I try to be,” Charlie says and runs then jumps over the sofa to be beside Scarlett.

Charlie leans in and gives Scarlett a kiss.

“Ew,” Grayson says.

“Grayson doesn’t like love,” Kenan says as I come over.

“I don’t either but why doesn’t he?” I ask, sitting beside Charlie.

“I don’t mind it per se, but I don’t believe it’s possible for me,” Grayson corrects.

“Well, that’s not true.”

“Why is that?”

“Because there is someone who will fall in love with you.”

Grayson looks at me in the most indescribable, invocable way, a way that suddenly I feel as if no words can leave my mouth. A way where I feel dizzy, as if the world is blurred out of focus by something surrounding us. I know now that if he tried,someone could easily fall in love with him, I could easily fall in love with him.

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