Free It's All Good by Nikki Carter Page A

some drama is afoot.
    Once we’re safely behind a locked door, she asks, “How was the meeting? What did I miss?”
    â€œYou missed out on Gwen and Aunt Elena’s dating rules.”
    Candy’s eyes light up. “Does that mean we get to go out on dates?”
    â€œThey made sure to say that the decision to allow dating is up to each parent. So, naw, they haven’t said anything about allowing us to date.”
    â€œBummer. Because I just got asked out.”
    â€œDish! Who is it? Is it that freshman football player you’ve been drooling over?”
    â€œJulian Rogers? Um, no. He’s stuck up, just because his father is the coach. I can’t stand him anymore.”
    Okay, let me translate. She tried to throw some holla in Julian’s direction and got rejected. That equals him being stuck up.
    â€œThen who asked you out?” I ask.
    â€œChase.”
    My mouth drops open. “Chase and Sascha are together. I mean like, really together. Like one step away from getting married the day after graduation.”
    â€œThat’s not what he said. He said that Sascha is starting to be a drag, and he’s going to tell her he wants to start seeing other people.”
    â€œA drag how?”
    â€œShe’s super clingy and always talking about being in love and all that noise. Chase isn’t on that right now.”
    I bite my lip and put my thinking face on. “Chase doesn’t seem like your type. He’s kind of grungy.”
    â€œGirl, he is hot to death. And he and his boys are starting a band in Chase’s garage. He might want me to sing with them.”
    Who is this girl?
    â€œDoes Valerie approve of him?”
    Candy laughs. “Who cares what Valerie thinks? She’s about to graduate in June. I was just cool with her while we were on Hi-Steppers. She’s not really someone I want to keep hanging with.”
    â€œWhat about Sascha, though? You’re cool with her, and she’s in PGP. She’ll tell my mom about you stealing her boyfriend.”
    â€œAnd what will Mama Gwen do about that?”
    Do I have to school her on everything? Dang! “Mama Gwen will most certainly not want you dating Chase. She’ll take one look at him and you’ll be on lockdown to infinity.”
    â€œI guess you’re right. I’ll just see Chase in secret then. Forget I told you about the whole thing. I’m going to bed.”
    What in the world? How can I just un-hear something like this? I’m not wired that way. Once something gets in my head, it totally cannot get back out again.
    â€œListen, I’m tired of always having Gwen and LeRon in my mix because you’re up to shadiness. Why can’t you just be a model teen like me?”
    â€œBecause you’re boring, Gia. I’m in high school now! I need to make some memories. Just think how memorable it will be if I get my first kiss from Chase!”
    What would be memorable is the girl-fight that would most probably ensue. And since I don’t promote teen violence, I cannot support this cause.
    â€œCandy, if you start sneaking and seeing Chase, I’m telling Sascha.”
    Candy rolls her eyes and turns toward the wall. “Bye, hater.”
    My mind goes back to Chase’s borderline abusive behavior at the state championship. Just because I didn’t say anything when I saw it happen to Sascha, doesn’t mean I’ll keep quiet if it’s my sister.
    â€œTrust me on this one, Candy. Chase isn’t as nice as he seems.”
    â€œThat’s your hateriffic opinion.”
    I shake my head. “Well, do what you want. Just don’t tell me about it. Because if I know, I’m blabbing. I’ve told you up front, so don’t get all twisted when I follow through.”
    Candy turns to face me. “Ugh! I see now why Ricky won’t kick it with you! You don’t know how to have fun.”
    Puh-lease! I put the capital F in fun.