Thea frowns and scribbles quickly, though her handwriting still comes out small and neat.Do YOU like two people?
Oh my god.I’m not dating Prince Charming!
Thea rolls her eyes.I think she’s just doing that for the show.
Maybe, I answer. I’m about ready to go out in the hall and flag someone down who knows what room Becca is in right now. It’s a little odd that she didn’t chaseThea down, but maybe she’s in an interview.
Or maybe shereallydoesn’t want to see me.
Do you really think it will be okay that my mom told about my dad?Thea asks. I don’t think grandma and grandpa will be happy.
She looks up at me like she actually wants my opinion on this, when I met her grandmother for a total of, like, three minutes.
How do you think your grandparents will react?I write.
I think they will cry,Thea writes immediately.They still cry a lot about my dad.
I bet they do. Asshole or not, he was still their son.
Your mom is strong,I write.And so are you. It will be okay.
Thea squints at me.You should tell her that. And that you love her.
Gah.This girl does not give up. Kind of like her mom, when she wants something.
Too bad it turned out she doesn’t want me.
Maybe your mom will be happier with Preston, I write.You should give him a chance.
Thea’s face turns into a storm cloud. I take it Preston did not make a good impression.So you don’t want her anymore?
I didn’t say that, I respond.
Because it sounds like you’re quitting.The hero isn’t supposed to give up.
This is not that kind of story. Not for me, anyway.Thea, there is literally a guy in this story named Prince Charming. He is probably the hero.I hesitate, and then I add,I just want your mom to be happy.
Thea throws her hands in the air and draws a giant arrow to what I’ve just written.THIS is what the HERO says.
I have to laugh at that, even if it comes out a little bitter.You’re very smart.
Thea is undeterred, even by flattery.So what are you going to do?
Nothing!I respond.She wants to date Preston!
Thea makes a frustrated grunting sound, and steals the paper back. We’ve used up almost the whole pad, and are soon going to have to resort to writing on the backs.I know what you should do! You should tell the show people they are stupid jerks! And do it really loud in front of my mom, so she knows!
Um. I reach for the paper to tell her that’s not a good idea, but she pulls it farther away and keeps writing.And break all the cameras so she knows you hate that they filmed her without her knowing!
Okay.This is getting out of hand. I pull the pad back and flip the page, writing on the cardboard insert at the back.It is their job to film her. I don’t think she would like it if I did that. Maybe you should ask her what she would think of that.
Thea shakes her head resolutely.It would be a big love jester.
I’m pretty sure she means gesture. I really need to put an end to all this. I don’t wantThea to be any more disappointed than she already is, and I don’t want Becca to think I encouraged her.She doesn’t love me,Thea. I’m sorry.
Thea stares me down for a minute, and then she sighs.You could at least tell my mom you’re sorry.
Believe me. I did.
