Transparent by Natalie Whipple Page B

go?”
    “Besides the giant fight? Great.”
    She runs a hand over her face. “I’m so sorry. Boys can be such idiots.”
    “Not your fault. Well, kind of.” We both laugh as I shove all of my books in my locker; I’m too tired to think about homework tonight. I want to enjoy life a little for once. “It’s burning up out here. Let’s get an ice cream or something.”
    She smiles wide. “Excellent plan.”

Chapter 13
    It takes me forever to get ready for movie night. I go through every piece of clothing I brought. Nothing seems good enough. Brady’s picking me up, and I can’t help wondering if that means something. Bea could have gotten me. I could have come on my own. But he seemed like he
wanted
to.
    Maybe I’m reading too much into it. It’s not like I know him that well. I just think he’s cute. But isn’t that how relationships start? Not like I know, but from what I’ve seen in movies that seems to be the case. Bea said I have a hot body; maybe Brady noticed and that’s enough.
    I finally settle on a hot-pink tank top that shows off my boobs, or at least their outline. I grab a sheer black nylon shirt and slip that over the tank top. Since it has sleeves, it brings out the shape of my arms, even my collarbone, without making me too sweaty. I grab a gold headband to show where my head is, but forego glasses. With my tight black jeans and gold flats, I can’t get much prettier.
    Instead of waiting for Brady to ring the doorbell, I head downstairs a little before eight to wait outside. There is no way Mom is meeting him. She’s in the living room doing yoga.
    “I’m going out. I’ll be back in a few hours,” I say as she stretches out like a cat.
    She looks up, her eyebrows arched. “Where? And with who?”
    I sigh. “What’s with all the questions?”
    “I kind of need to know, since I’m your mother and all,” she says, complete with eye roll like she’s still a teenager. “This town seems pretty quiet, but I’d still like to make sure you’re safe.”
    Where was this concern when we were sneaking into stores and spying on people? “Oh, because you cared so much before.”
    She frowns. “I cared. I always care about your safety.”
    “Sure.” That is so not true, but whatever. “Why does it matter? We’re probably going back home next week anyway.”
    Her mouth drops, and I immediately regret my sarcasm. I have to keep pretending everything is fine. I don’t want her putting Graham on alert.
    “We’re not going back. I’m done with your father.” She bites her lip and looks away. I don’t believe her words any more than she does. So what if she’s done better this time? Dad still has her on a leash, and it tugs at her neck even now.
    I clamp my mouth shut, determined not to argue so I can leave. “Sorry.”
    She doesn’t answer immediately, giving me this look like she expects answers and she expects them now. I’m not a fan of this newfound assertiveness. “Well, are you telling me or staying home tonight?”
    “I’m hanging out with a girl from school, okay? We’re watching a movie at her house.” I’d rather not say Bea’s name if I can help it. That will keep her safe.
    Mom looks almost satisfied. “Any boys?”
    “No. Can I go now?” It’s ridiculously easy to lie when you’re invisible.
    “I guess this is real life, isn’t it? Have fun.” She goes back to her yoga, and I rush out the door.
    Headlights shine in the dimming light. My heart speeds up, and I can’t help but smile. I can make out Brady’s silhouette in the driver’s seat. Then my heart stops. There’s not one figure in the old black truck—there’s two. So much for this ride meaning something. He was just being nice, probably saving Bea the gas. I bet that’s her in the passenger side.
    The black truck slows in front of my house, and I briefly consider faking ill. Brady hops out, adorable smile pasted on his perfect face. “Hey, Fiona! You ready?”
    “Yeah.”
    “Great. You get