Page 255 of The First Time
"Sorta."
"You know I could have helped pick stuff out."
"We went during the day. You have school."
"I have a life too. And I'm a senior. This semester doesn't even count."
"Still. You should be learning."
"I learn all the time."
"I have to say this. I'm your legal guardian."
She nodsfair enough.
"You can help today."
"Yeah?" Her eyes light up.
"I have an appointment booked at a salon. For my hair. But I don't really know what I want to do."
"What are you trying to do?"
"Look like I belong with Blake Sterling, I guess."
"Like a fancy, rich slut?"
"Not exactly."
"More classy?" She laughs.
It makes me warm all over. Lizzy is always bright. She's the sun in my sky. She's been through so much, but she's still hopeful.
Don't get me wrong. My little sister is cynical as all hell. She can be grumpy or prickly or flat-out anti-social. But she always makes me laugh. She's just… fun.
And she's doing well. With that scholarship, she'll be able to go to any college she wants. She'll have the kind of bright future she deserves.
"I have an idea," Lizzy says. "It's very rich, classy, artsy broad. Perfect for you."
"I trust you."
* * *
Two hours later,I'm staring back at a new me. It's not a radical change. Lowlights. Layers with a soft wave.
With my hair done and my makeup perfect, I actually look the part of the rich guy's girlfriend.
Lizzy squees as she takes in my new do. "It's perfect. And it's so you. Classy and pretty."
"I'm bright?"
"Yeah. You're really positive. Like compulsively."
Maybe. I'm glad I convince her of that. "You don't think it's too dark?"
"No. It's good."
The buzz of my purse makes me jump.
