Beginnings by J.M. Sevilla Page A

again, “So, the whole Jeremy thing's a lie. You don't actually like him.”
    It was more of a statement than a question, but I felt the need to clarify to make Adam happy.
    “Most definitely not.”
    “That's a relief. You can do way better than him. Er, you know what I mean,” her eyes roamed around not sure were Adam was.
    “What, gorgeous movie star looks aren't your thing?”
    “There's more to a person than their looks. I didn't like what he said to you the other day at the library or what he did to Charlotte, even though she deserved it. He walks around school like he owns it.”
    I had to laugh at that last remark because that's exactly what Haley did.
    “First off, he didn't know about my parents, but it was fun watching him feel like the biggest jerk ever after you yelled at him. Second, I put him up to the Charlotte thing, I really hate her. And since when do looks not matter to you?” I pointed at her accusingly.
    “My obsession with my looks are a means to an end. Looks are everything in our society, and I figured out long ago that I can use it to my advantage. I have big plans for my future, and popularity will help get me there. So, unfortunately, sometimes that means being nice to people that suck, like Charlotte,” she smiled at me. “I knew that was your handwriting on the note. Well played,” she breezed past me to go downstairs. I found it funny that she approved of my prank, but Jeremy was a jerk for playing along.
    Once everyone was seated and we'd said our blessing, nervousness settled in. I had no idea what Haley planned on telling them, and the loss of control didn't sit well with me.
    We all chit-chatted for awhile and every time Haley opened her mouth I braced myself.
    “Calm down, Annie. You need to relax, Haley will be fine. Your tensed up body is what's going to cause suspicion.”
    Adam was right, Haley had gotten her way more times than I could remember. I concentrated on my breathing and letting my muscles relax.
    “So, Mom, Dad,” Haley began, looking back and forth between them, “There's this new guy at school. You know, the one Anna had over for the English assignment?”
    “The Greek-god looking one?” Aunt Sandra's skin turned crimson red, “Oh, I can't believe I just said that.”
    Uncle Tom choked back his laughter.
    “He's not that good looking,” Haley and Adam answered at the same time.
    “Anyways, the other day he asked me to go to a concert with him in the city.”
    Where was she going with this? I had to remind myself to trust her.
    “Absolutely not,” my uncle cut in, “You're not even sixteen yet. I'm not going to let you go gallivanting around.”
    “I'll be sixteen in November, Dad,” she was letting her irritation show, “I can handle myself.”
    “How will you get there?” My aunt questioned.
    “He has a car.”
    “Haley, you are too young to go into the city with a boy. I'm putting my foot down on this one.” My uncle's face was stern and I began to panic at how worked up she was letting him get.
    “What if Charlotte came with us?”
    What the hell is she doing? Now my palms were getting sweaty. No way was I ever letting Charlotte come.
    “Charlotte is the last person we-I mean you, can trust,” the words came out quicker than I thought them. I had already broken the one rule Haley gave me. She didn't even flinch; just calmly stared at me, forming a sly smile on the side of her mouth.
    “Why don't you come with us then? I mean, what could make a date more boring than my librarian cousin?”
    My aunt's fork clattered on her plate, “You want Anna to supervise?”
    “If it means you'll let me go.”
    “It's not safe for you girls, you're too young,” Uncle Tom was set on his decision.
    “Would you be interested in going Anna?” My aunt was staring at me.
    My mouth went dry and I looked to Haley for guidance. She only folded her arms and raised her eyebrows at me, waiting for my answer.
    “I would like to go. As long as Haley buys my