Page 34 of Isabella and the Slipper

Really? Elenore was on board with this?

Maybe this would be the catalyst for all of them getting along better.

“Okay,” she said, tentatively.

Delilah smiled, and it looked genuine. “Good. You can sit down near the field with me and Ava. I’ll introduce you to everyone.”

She couldn’t quite grasp what was going on.

Was Delilah serious? She was going to include her in with her popular friends? The kids who had ignored her from the beginning of high school? Maybe she wouldn’t be invisible after all. Maybe she’d even see Chase there.

“Sounds good.”

Delilah headed toward her door. “Great. We’ll have fun, I know it.” She breezed out.

Isabella stared at the empty doorway. Were things really going to change around her house? Maybe Elenore would be softer toward her if she knew Delilah was getting along with her.

Isabella put her painting supplies away. It was time for bed anyway. Her phone beeped after she’d brushed her teeth. She picked it up and smiled at Chase’s text.

Hey, sexy.

How do you know I’m sexy?She sat down on her bed.

I have a good imagination.

Isabella laughed, but deep down she knew he’d be disappointed if he found out who she really was.

You’re acting like a creep again.

Ha ha. How are you doing? You find your painting?

Step-thingy locked it away. Working on a new one now.

Send me a pic? Please?

It’s not done yet.

That’s okay. I wanna see.

A nervous energy surged in her, and she opened her camera app. It took her a minute to position the painting in a way that gave it good lighting, but she finally snapped a photo and sent it to Chase.

Wow. You’re amazing. This is even better than the other one.

Thanks.

This looks done to me. What else do you need to do?

The bark needs more detail. And the light needs a little more work. I should be able to finish it tomorrow.

That’s awesome.

She sat back down on her bed.

How did your audition go?

Really good. They offered me the part.

That’s great! Did you take it?

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