Page 83 of I Don't Need Your Protection
For a second, I think I see something pass over Clarissa’s face, but she puts on another smile and squeals, clapping her hands. “That’s so cute! Maybe you guys will be the next It Couple.”
“I don’t care about that. I just want to be happy.”
Luna clutches her heart. “Oh my gosh, that is so cute.”
As they talk about the music that was just released, I grab my phone and check my texts. My friends have sent me a few, mostly wishing me luck and reminding me for the millionth time that I should call them immediately if something goes wrong and I want to get the heck out of here. But they have nothing to worry about—I’m having a good time with Clarissa and her friends. I might not agree with them on everything and it might take some time before I’m one hundred percent comfortable with them, but I’m thankful they’re taking the timeto get to know me.
I thought I might have a text from Caleb, letting me know that he’s in the area and looking out for me, and that all is well. But there’s nothing from him. I’m sure he’s in his car near the house and doesn’t want to bother me.
When it starts to pour twenty minutes later, I can’t help but feel concerned for him. If he really is in his car and plans to stay there all night, won’t he be cold? I’m tempted to text him and tell him to go home because I’m safe here, but I know he won’t listen.
“Okay, I’m bored,” Clarissa says as she rolls onto her stomach and kicks her feet in the air. “Let’s play a game.” She smiles brightly. “Truth or Dare?”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Addie
“Yes!” Jemma and Luna say.
I’m not the biggest fan of Truth or Dare, but I don’t want to be a party pooper. We all shift over on our beds so we’re closer to one another. Clarissa smiles at me. “As the newest member of my sleepover, I think we should give the honor to Addie. Truth or dare?”
It’s not a good idea for me to choose truth because I’m supposed to keep my identity hidden, and I really don’t want to lie any more than I need to. So I say, “Dare.”
“Ooh, I like that.” She crosses her legs and thinks for a few seconds. “Let’s start small and build our way up. Hop on your left leg and tap your head, saying the words, “I’m a big dope.”
“Uh…okay. But no photos.”
“Agreed. Whatever happens in my room stays in my room.”
I hop on my left leg and tap my head, saying in a very squeaky voice, “I’m a dope. I’m a dope. I’m a dope.” I try to be as funny as possible because this is all fun and games and I want to have a great time with these girls. The three of them roll over with laughter, tears streaming down Jemma’s face.
“You’re hilarious, Addie!” she says between laughs.
“Wait until you see my moves.” I do some odd dance moves that once again has them laughing.
“My stomach hurts,” Luna says as she continues to laugh. “I didn’t know you were so funny.”
“Okay, okay, stop!” Clarissa says as she clutches her stomach. “We’ll be laughing all night.” She focuses her attention on Luna as I drop back down on my bed. “Luna, truth or dare?”
“I could never compete with what Addie just did. Truth.”
“Tell us your most embarrassing story. But don’t pick something Jemma and I know about.”
She scowls. “Fine. This just happened to me yesterday. I…” Her cheeks grow red. “I gained a little weight over the last few weeks and couldn’t fit into my black pants. You know, the ones that make my butt look good? But I forced them on because I wanted to wear them to the electronics store to buy a new charger. You know who works there.”
“A total hottie.” Jemma giggles.
“Well…I asked him to help me find a charger—I pretended I didn’t know which charger to get and asked him a million questions so we could talk more. And then I accidentally dropped one of the chargers I was holding. He wanted to pick itup, but I told him I got it. So when I bent down to pick it up…” Her face grows as red as a tomato. “My pants ripped.”
“No!” Clarissa gasps.
“Yes.” She groans. “I should have let him be the gentleman and pick it up.”
“I’m so sorry that happened to you,” I say. “But how did the guy react? Was he sweet about it?”
She hangs her head. “No. I mean, he pretended like nothing happened and gave me the charger I needed, but then I heard him whispering to his coworkers and laughing. I ran out of there as soon as I paid.”
“Now it’s Jemma’s turn!” Clarissa announces. “Truth or dare.”
