“We’re happy to join you,” I tell Mr. Elliott.
“Good. I have a feeling we have a lot to talk about.”
Can I just declare I never cheated to the whole family, or will that back Jackie into a corner? Saying nothing, I merely nod.
“Meet us outside by the book statue. You can follow one of our cars to the restaurant,” Fran says.
“We actually have a driver,” Mom says. “So we’ll meet you there.”
I scan the room, but only get impressions here and there. I’m not sure what I’m searching for.
Don’t lie. You’relooking for Val.She deserves a warning about lunch, but it’s probably not good etiquette to voice text in church.
After the Elliotts leave, I pull out my phone. “Mom?”
“That was unexpected, wasn’t it?”
“Very. I have a feeling Val’s going to get ambushed.” I hold out my cell. “Will you text her for me? Tell her we’re coming to lunch and not to be shocked.”
“You want me to text her?”
“Yes. If I could send a voice text right now, I would.” Though with all the talking we’re doing, I probably should’ve done so in the first place.
“All right, tell me what you want it to say.”
So I do.
“Done. Feel better?”
Not really, but I’m glad to have the opportunity to show my better side—thetrueside—to the Elliott crew. Maybe they’ll believe what’s in front of them and not take Jackie’s account at face value.
20
Val
JH
Fran invited us to lunch, and your dad agreed. Don’t die from shock when you see us after church.
“What did you do?” I whisper in Fran’s ear.
She glances at my phone, then smirks. “I’m helping you out,” she murmurs.
“Are you?” Because I feel like someone just read my diary out loud to every single family member in existence.
Are you there,God? It’s me,Val,the middle sister who is always trying to avoid hersisters’ shenanigans. Why on earth would Dad agree with theinvitation? Why did Jabari accept? Help!
“Calm down.” Fran leans close. “You look all panicky.”
“Yes, that’s exactly how I feel.” Can I get a paper bag and some time alone to properly spiral?
My parents used to say I was the melodramatic child. The one who threw herself to the floor if Jackie touched me or cried hysterically if Fran took my toys. Mom says when I hit six years old it was like they got a new child. Suddenly I stopped crying, and I no longer slammed my door when ignored. I simply stopped reacting.
Right now, I very much want to react. I want to do something drastic, like when Susan gets the idea to switch places with Sharon inThe Parent Trap. I’m talking the OG version, not the Lindsay Lohan remake. I want to shred a napkin to bits while my mind comes up with every single possible scenario for how lunch will go down. Will everyone find out we’re friends? Will Jackie ever speak to me again? Will Mom show up and add to the drama brewing already and fight with my stepmom?
Why does life have to be so complicated?
The worship team starts a new song, one that always tugs at my heart and puts my focus back on the Lord. I open my mouth to sing “Gratitude” with the other congregant members and try to keep from having an inward melodramatic fit.
