“This isn’t funny, Zayne.”
“I disagree.” He displays a wide grin. “I think it’s pretty hilarious, in fact.”
“Well that just makes you immature. And how did you even know what kind of snake it was?” I can’t deny that his knowledge makes me a little suspicious.
“Lenny. He’s obsessed with animals, remember? After a while, hearing about all those different species rubs off on you.” He smirks. “But I’m not gonna lie…it’s always fun watching Carlton get mad.”
I cross my arms. “And like I mentioned before, he wouldn’t be so mad if you hadn’t kissed me like that.”
“Well, like you said, it was only acting. So, there’s no reason for him to react.”
“Acting.” My chest feels like it’s gripped in a tight fist. I blink a few times. “Right. I—I’ll be right back.”
Zayne’s smugness dissipates. “Wait, Dot.”
“I’m just taking a little walk before my next scene.” I don’t hide my irritation as I gather my things and leave.
I’m vaguely aware of Mabel and Meredith watching me, and when I exit the theater building, Meredith follows me. I don’tspeak to her, and she remains silent, too, waiting until we’re out of earshot from anyone else. After a few more minutes, she blurts, “Do you have feelings for Zayne?”
It’s already enough of a shock that she’s speaking to me after all this time, so her question is enough to stop me in my tracks. “What?”
“Zayne Silverman,” she repeats. “Do you have feelings for him?”
It takes me a moment longer than it should for the question to register. I can’t remember a time when Meredith has ever spoken more than three sentences to me, let alone asked me such a direct question. “I, uh—” I stammer, not even sure why I’m stammering. But then I remember the way I used to hate him. The way even the mention of his name would leave me with a sense of indignation for Carlton. How I felt like Zayne was the reason for everything that was going wrong between me and him. But I can’t deny that I don’t think that anymore. “Why are you asking me that?”
She narrows her green eyes at me. “I saw the way you kissed him on stage. You’ve never kissed Carlton like that.”
My face burns. “How would you even know?”
“I can tell.”
“Sure, Meredith. Whatever you say.” I turn to leave, but her voice stops me.
“It’s okay if you like Zayne,” she calls. “I won’t tell Carlton.” There’s a smile in her voice that leaves me feeling sick.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Surprise, and maybe even a little disappointment crosses Meredith’s face. Disappointment at what, I’m not sure. And I don’t care to find out. I walk away at a quicker pace this time. I don’t need her following me. Taunting me. Prodding with personal questions. They’re completely unwarranted.
Are they, though?The thought is unwelcome, but it enters my mind nonetheless. Carlton is her friend. It’s only natural that she’d want to look out for him and make sure the girl he likes isn’t leading him on. A few months ago, I wouldn’t hear Zayne talk even remotely badly about Carlton, and now here I am defending him without a second thought.
Chapter Seventeen
Hello my sweet fledglings!
It’s been a week or two since you’ve heard from me last but worry not. I’ve kept busy while I was away.
It appears that Dot Bennett and Zayne Silverman have gotten closer. One might even call them friends! Or at least, that’s what I’ve been hearing whispered throughout the ancient halls of Fallbrook Christian Prep! The scandal. I can’t help but wonder how Carlton Peters is handling this change of events. I know I’m not the first to spread the news about the upcoming Halloween party at the house of twins, Meredith and Mabel Evans. A theater party, to be precise. That’s right, my dears. A party within the drama club. Which can only mean that there’s sure to be drama. Will Carlton choose this event to finally confront Dot?
You know I’ll be watching. And if there’s a story to be told, you’ll hear of it from a little birdie. This one, in fact.
In other news, Rue Sullivan is still fawning over her crush, and I’ve discovered who it is! That’s right, Rue. I’ve seen the forlorn, unrequited stares. The weight of your hopeful gaze is so heavy, I’m surprised you haven’t been crushed by it yet. So, here’s some motivation for you, because really, it’s becoming pathetic watching you do nothing. Reveal your affections to your crush, or I’ll tell the world who it is.
Anywho. That’s all.
Yours truly,
Little Birdie
