Free Charly's Epic Fiascos by Kelli London Page A

out and met her sister and Lola halfway. By the time she reached Stormy, her dollar-store mascara was showing its worth, tracking down her cheeks in a black mess.
    â€œEww,” Lola said, wiping Charly’s face. “How’re you gonna go grab anyone’s attention for a reality show looking like this? Now if you were auditioning for Animal Planet, you’d be in, sister girl. Because right now you’re resembling a raccoon. And it’s not a good look for you.”
    Stormy smiled a huge, obviously false smile. “She’s right, Charly. It’s not the time to let yourself fall off. You’re too pretty for that, and, remember, we’re from the South Side.”
    Charly nodded, then wrapped her arms around Stormy. She held her tight, kissing the side of her head as if she’d birthed her while reaching into her pocket to retrieve the letter for Stormy.
    â€œI got it, Stormy. I got it. You know I’m Charly St. James. I don’t fall off, I make things happen,“ she said, then laughed, releasing Stormy from her embrace. “Here,” she said, extending her instructions for Stormy. “Bathsheba will save your money for you, Smax will feed you, and this girl named Rebecca at the pet salon is holding a position for you. Don’t worry about being too young for a job or working too hard. Nothing is going to get in the way of your studies. I told you I got this.... Well, I got you too.” It was more truthful than she’d ever been.
    â€œHey!” Mason yelled. “Your bus is pulling in.”
    Charly looked at Stormy one more time, then turned to a nodding Lola. “Let’s go before you change your mind,” Lola urged. “There’s nothing here for you. And you don’t have to worry about Stormy or Mason. I’m your eyes and ears, remember?” she asked, grabbing Charly and Stormy by their hands, then running toward the bus.
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    The doors of the bus were open and everyone else had boarded. Charly gave a third round of hugs, sure that she was going to miss everyone and promising to call them along the journey. Stormy dug into her jeans pocket and handed Charly her money.
    â€œI think we should all give her what we have,” she said, looking at Lola and Mason.
    Mason nodded. “Me too.”
    Charly warmed, happy to see them all so supportive. “Mason already did, but you guys don’t have to. Really.”
    Stormy shoved the money at Charly. “Take it.” She looked at Lola, who stood there with her arms crossed and her lips poked out. “Lola?”
    Lola stomped her foot. “Dag. Charly, I love you like a sister, but I told you I don’t share my food or the last of my money.” She paused.
    Charly crossed her eyes at Lola. “You don’t have to give me your money, Lola. I understand.”
    Stormy pushed Lola, and Mason looked at her like she had four heads.
    â€œOkay. Okay. Dag!” Lola said, digging into her purse. She held out her hand to Charly. “Here. But you better pay me back when you get that TV gig.”
    Charly opened her palm, and Lola gave her twenty-six cents.
    â€œReally, Lola?” everyone asked in chorus.
    Lola rolled her eyes and sucked her teeth. “I didn’t say I had a lot of money. I just said I hate giving away my last. All I had was a quarter and a penny.” She reached into her shirt, moved her fingers around, then took out a piece of fabric. “But here,” she said, handing Charly a handkerchief. “Pin the money to your bra, that way no one can steal it.”
    â€œLola?” Charly protested.
    Lola eyed Charly, then Stormy and Mason added their verbal agreement to Lola’s demand. “Okay. Okay,” Charly said, taking the money they’d given her, wrapped it in the handkerchief, then pinned it to her bra. “Better now?”
    The bus driver cleared his throat, and Charly knew her time had come. She was on her way