Free The Price of a Gift (The Price of Secrets Series) by Ashley Drake Page B

switch to a nightmare. Or worse, the black shadow. Then Daniel squeezed my hand and said, "Don't be afraid. This is mine." He stopped walking and pulled me closer to him. He was about to kiss me, I know he was, but then I woke up. What sucks about that is I know it will never happen, even though I felt more emotion in that dream than the entire 9th grade year with Josh. And what the heck does 'this is mine' mean? Was he saying I was his? Crap, I can't even have a dream that doesn't have riddles in it! It was the best dream and I wanted it in writing so I wouldn't forget how wonderful I felt in it. Or how sad I was when I woke up finding out it wasn't real. Ok so I'm going back to sleep now hoping there is a part two. Wish me luck!
     
    "I meant to tell you I emailed Charles Carver and he responded back." My dad said as we pulled into the mall parking lot.
    “ And?" I asked while unbuckling my seat belt.
    "I just asked him to call me as soon as he gets back into town, and that I really need to go over something important with him. He said he would call me on his way back and I can meet up with him."
    I was relieved. "Thanks Dad. I mean it, that makes me feel much better."
    Before he let me out of the car he pulled out his wallet and handed me fifty dollars and said. "I know your mom and I gave you the credit card and set a limit for how much money you can spend on school clothes today, but this is a little extra. Buy some lunch or shoes or something with it. Just don't tell your mom." He said and winked at me.
    I smiled and kissed him on the cheek. "I promise I won’t say a word." Just like I promised I wouldn't tell Dad about the fifty Mom slipped me on my way out the door. This means I can afford to accessorize every outfit I buy. Or should I say that's what Jaycee will talk me into spending the extra money on.
    "I love you and remember , I will be picking you up at 3 o'clock. That will give you girls plenty of time to shop. If you need me to get you earlier just call me."
    "Got it. Bye. I love you too." With that, I was out the door and heading toward the mall entrance. I knew Dad wouldn't leave until he saw at least one of my friends there, so Jaycee had told me she would wait on me. I was actually shocked to see that she beat me here. We waved at my dad and went to meet up with Phoebe and Kayla. Ever since the summer of 6th grade the four of us have had this tradition. The week before school starts back we go clothes shopping together and help pick stuff out for each other.
    "Where to first?" Phoebe asked when we caught up with them.
    Without any hesitation I answered, "Cappuccino."
     
    "What the hell is wrong with Kayla?" Phoebe whispered. She had pulled me into a dressing room with her.
    "I don't have a clue. She hasn't bought anything. Every time Jaycee points something out to her, Kayla just shrugs her shoulders like she doesn't like it. You know thats gotta just kill Jaycee."
    Phoebe was listening to me as she admired her reflection in the mirror. "How bout we go upstairs to eat and force her to talk. Right after I buy these jeans, cause they make my butt look good."
    "Sounds like a plain. I'll go get Jaycee and Kayla while you change." I step out of the dressing room and popped my head back in. "And yes they do make your butt look great."
    After deciding what we wanted to eat, we finally sat down our trays at a table in the food court. I got a chicken sandwich and waffle fries and it looks like Jaycee got sweet and sour chicken. We sat on one side of the table. Kayla, who also got a chicken sandwich combo, was across from me. And Phoebe, who got pork fried rice and an egg roll, was across from Jaycee. So, who was supposed to be the first to speak up?
    "Ok Kayla what's wrong? You have not been acting yourself for a couple weeks now. Spill it." Well I guess that meant Phebs was gonna be first. Kayla sat in silence just looking down at her chicken.
    Well then , let me try. "Whatever it is you know we will be on your