Mother of Darkwaters: Book one of the Vessel series by Tony C. Skye

Rebecca's face.
       “I know that look,” Tamara informs Rebecca, “That's not all of it.”
       “Not exactly,” Rebecca grins guiltily. Her blue eyes shift to Jennifer who is sitting to Tamara's right.
       “Crap,” Tamara voices her displeasure.
       Jennifer smiles, “I tried to talk him out of it. But a date with you was his only price.”
       “Are you serious? Who is it?”, the frustrated Tamara reluctantly inquires.
       “David Snow,” Rebecca answers, “He's not that bad. He's a junior.”
       “No way. I've got a boyfriend,” Tamara states, “And if he's not so bad then you go out with him.”
        Rebecca shakes her head, “He specifically asked for you.” The captain pleads her case, “We need you, girl. Do it for the sisterhood. It's only for one night.”
       Rebecca makes prayer hands, “Please.”
       “Damn it,” Tamara's tone reflects her willing defeat. The girl points her finger at Rebecca, “You two are gonna owe me big for this.”
       Rebecca puckers her lips. She makes a kissing sound, “We love you.”
       “And now you have a solid reason to try out some geek,” Jennifer jumps in.
       Tamara playfully pushes her bff hard on the shoulder, “That is so not going to happen.” She gets up from her seat, “Ever.”
       Rebecca and Jennifer laugh as they join their friend in standing.
       Jennifer stares at her bff, “That's what you're saying now, but...”
      
       Ring. Ring.
       The school bell issues the warning that lunch is over.
       Tamara shakes her head, “But nothing. It's never going to happen. You're lucky I love you two like I do. And what am I supposed to tell Jason? He's gonna freak out.”
       Rebecca winks, “We have faith in you. You'll figure out something. You always do.”
       Tamara gives both of her friends a pointed tongue to look at.
       Rebecca and Jennifer smile. They all agree on seeing each other again during practice. On her way out, Tamara locks eyes with the new girl across the lunchroom. She will soon feel her wrath and physical prowess. And the disrespectful teacher's pet will soon learn what it means to earn the title: Tamara's Submissive .
       Tamara winks her right eye and puckers her lips. She teases with an air kiss. The new girl nervously looks down at the floor before turning away. Tamara grins.
                                                     
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       “You are way too old for me to ground you to the house. Just give me one day for old time's sake,” Victoria pleas with motherly concern.
       Caroline sends her text message to Rebecca, “You'll get no arguments from me. I’m starting to feel like that pig fat you like to stuff in your mouth.”
       Victoria grins, “Well at least you still have your sense of humor.”
       Caroline silently reads Rebecca's response: 'Get bttr clutz. C u 2mrw. Got it here. Fill u n b4 schl. Luv U!'
       The exhausted teen makes a weak attempt at a smile, “Yeah, there's that.” She sets her phone to vibrate before lying her head back against the Cadillac’s leather car seat.
       “My head is pounding,” the girl complains.
       “Tylenol, Gatorade, some soup, and a lot of sleep is what the mother has ordered,” Victoria reveals her plan for her daughter.
       Caroline grins with her eyes closed, “Your comedy is horrible, doc.”
       Victoria laughs. But internally she is somewhat nervous about her daughter's situation. Combine today's recent events with her ever increasing night terrors, and the resulting cocktail blend seems to point to an emotional meltdown.
       The pressures of school activities, friendships, and anxiety build-ups over the inevitable transitional period of school girl years heading into collegiate womanhood – this can be a lot for any teenager to balance. Add the occasional peer pressure moment, the need to always look perfect and beautiful,