Free Private 04 - Confessions by Kate Brian Page A

said. "I just hope this doesn't turn into one of those unsolved-mystery things, because that would not be pleasant."

I turned green at the thought and sank down lower in my seat.

"They'll figure it out," Natasha said confidently. "They're just missing some piece of the puzzle. As soon as they find it, it'll all fall into place."

We heard the sound of voices and footsteps descending the stairs. Apparently Noelle and her troupe were ready for their big night. Cheyenne cleared her throat and faced forward, her back to the door, as Noelle, Ariana, Kiran, Vienna, London, and a couple other girls gathered there. The moment I saw them, dressed to the nines in silk and diamonds, teetering on their high heels and made up like movie stars, I almost caved. This was fabulousness personified. Wasn't this the reason I'd wanted to be friends with them in the first place? But I couldn't do it. There was a point to be made here. Plus there was too much risk. If I was caught where I wasn't supposed to be one more time, the dean would no longer be able to ignore it. Sneaking to the police station and to Hell Hall and the art cemetery was one thing--that was all for Josh. But this, this was just to get drunk and be seen. The only person I wanted to be seen by anymore was Josh Hollis. He was the only one who mattered.

"Well, we're off," Kiran said happily, lifting the slim strap on her red dress, which had fallen down over her shoulder. "Have fun getting caught," Natasha said under her breath.

"Are you guys sure you want to do this?" I asked, turning in my seat. They really did look beautiful, standing there all in a row, all perfect skin and dramatic eyes and shimmering fabrics. "Are you sure you don't?" Noelle asked. "Because we can wait a few minutes if you'd like to run off and take your first shower of the week." There were a few snickers, which I ignored. "You do realize that if you get caught, we're all going to be in trouble," Cheyenne said flatly.

"If we get caught, which we won't, nothing is going to happen," Noelle said, lifting her gold wristlet. "How long do you girls have to live in this dorm before you understand how it works?" "I don't know," Cheyenne said. "With everything that's been going on lately, I'm not sure the old rules apply." "Well, that's your problem then, isn't it?" Noelle said.

She walked over to the couch and leaned into it. "Reed, I'm not mad at you for last night, if that's what you're thinking. I know you're just stressed and overtired and you snapped. To be honest, I was actually kind of proud of you." "She thinks she's rubbing off," Kiran put in. I wasn't sure whether to feel sick or proud of that theory. I was more focused on how totally self-centered she was. Did she really think I wasn't coming to New York with them because I thought she was mad at me? Had she listened to absolutely nothing I'd said in the past week? "So come on. Don't be lame. Come with us," Noelle said, nudging me with her bag.

    "Thanks. I'd rather watch the Rudolph special for the two hundredth time," I told her. Noelle's eyes darkened for a split second and my blood ran cold, but she quickly cleared it away with a smile. "All right then. You all stay here and work on spreading your asses. Meanwhile, we'll be hooking up and dodging paparazzi all night." "Well, have fun. Try not to bring home any new diseases!" Natasha joked. Noelle leveled her with a glare before turning and striding out. The moment the door closed behind them, we all laughed. Even me.

GROUNDED

    It was only twenty minutes later that Mrs. Lattimer, our housemother, scurried down the stairs, cinching the belt on her velvet robe tightly around her slim waist. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her rush to the front door of Billings and I surreptitiously touched my toe to Natasha's arm. We both got up, intrigued, and Cheyenne and Rose followed. Mrs. Lattimer buttoned her nightgown all the way up until it was practically choking her, then opened the inner