Page 12 of Isabella and the Slipper

Cool.

She waited for him to say something else, but the pause stretched on, so she curled up on her bed and downloaded one of the apps Savannah raved about. She was playing around on her phone when his next text came.

Why won’t you tell me who you are?

She hesitated, trying to come up with an explanation.It’s complicated.

Try me.

Her fingers hovered over the screen. Was she really thinking of saying something truthful?

She wondered what would happen if she did.

Chapter 4

Chase sat on the living room couch, watching a television show his little sister put on. It was past her bedtime, but his mother usually let her stay up late on Saturday nights, and he was in charge tonight. His parents had gone out to dinner and a movie. He looked down at his phone. The girl still hadn’t answered. He decided to prod.

You there?

Yes.

So?

I’m not popular at school.

He leaned back and blew out a breath. Was that all she was worried about? He couldn’t care less about her social status.

I don’t care.

We would never be friends in real life.

Was this true? He tried to be nice to everyone at school, but he did usually hang out with the more outgoing type. Was he snobbish at school? He glanced at his sister, sitting on the floor playing with her dolls. He went back to his phone.

Come on. You know I don’t care. You gonna force me to call you, Five?

I like Five. It’s creative.

Frustrated, he pounded on the keys.

Chwolgnte sumetriswhich autocorrected toChocolate sunrise.He hit “Send” anyway.

??

Autocorrect.

What were you trying to say?

I just want you to tell me.

The suspense is good for you.

He laughed out loud, and his sister turned to look at him. He shrugged at her and she went back to playing with her dolls. She was a five-year-old. Easily distracted.

You are killing me, Five.

What are you doing tonight?

Deflection. Okay, he could handle that.I’m babysitting my sister.

---