Painted Smiles and Cigarettes (PUBLISHED) (SAMPLE)

2

Eve headed down to the kitchen after lunch one Saturday, running a hand through her hair. "Do you like your new school so far," her mother asked as she helped Eve apply the rest of her makeup, finally coating her curls in hairspray. It was imperative that no hair be out of place. Eve knew her reputation was counting on it.

"I mean, the people are nice enough, I just don't think I've been here long enough to form a true opinion." Her mom nodded and began to head upstairs, running a hand over Eve's shoulder as she walked past. Eve waited for the door to close, sipping some coffee, before stretching out on the couch, laptop on her legs as she knocked out what little homework she had.

Not even an hour had passed before Reece headed into the living room, slipping his jacket on. "I sure hope you're ready. Everyone is on their way in the truck," he called out as he rummaged through the hall closet for his shoes. Eve didn't comment as she skipped up the stairs, pulling a cute dress off of a hanger and tossing what she had on to the floor. She was just sliding into a pair of sandals when Nolan pulled into the driveway and Reece called her name. Bag on her shoulder, Eve ran down the stairs just as her stepbrother hopped into the cab of the truck. She took a seat inside the vehicle with the girls.

The ride was quiet, other than a hip hop song blaring from the speakers. The girls sipped their iced coffees, too lost in their phones to contribute to any conversation. Eve grinned and thanked Nina as she handed her her own cup. The boys all seemed too tired after a long night of partying to start talking. Eve didn't mind as she stretched her legs out, closing her eyes as the sun beat down on them, sipping her drink slowly. The ride dragged on, and Nina rummaged around in her bag before passing a pack of cigarettes and a lighter around. "Don't worry, Eve. Nothing we smoke has nicotine in it, and there's both perfume and cologne in the glove compartment so our parents don't find out anything."

Eve looked to her stepbrother, who barely batted an eye before putting one of the sticks between his lips and letting Nina light it for him. He took a big breath in, then blew a cloud of smoke towards the sky. As they offered her her own light, Eve just shook her head, wrinkling up her nose. It was a short ride before they pulled up at a shopping center and everyone hopped out. The girls grinned from ear to ear as they sped inside a bakery, pointing to the things they wanted. Still a bit hungover from the night before, Eve decided on a cranberry muffin and coffee. Everyone paid for their own treats before settling into benches outside.

The girls only sipped their drinks, barely touching the cakes they had bought as the boys munched on their own orders. "Baby, I thought you were hungry," Hardin muttered to Nina, pressing a kiss to her head. Eve didn't pay any attention to the couple as Nolan pulled her legs into his lap. She was a bit shocked at the gesture, but her skin felt so right when it clashed with his, his hands warm and large. They enveloped her own as she intertwined their fingers.

He must not have been fully aware of what he was doing, because he didn't look her in the eyes. Nolan smelled so good and felt so right pressed against her skin that Eve didn't think to protest. Why should she? There were rules in this clique, and she just wanted to fit in. She was new to town- they could just as easily ditch her, leaving her to sort through school and cliques by herself. Nolan was tracing infinity signs on her shoulder blade as Eve nestled her head into his shoulder. He grinned and pressed his lips to her temple.

"I can't believe you guys let me eat this much," Stella growled, tossing her napkin down with the rest of her trash. "I've been trying to lose weight, and today isn't helping at all." She got to her feet and tossed the remainders of her meal out, fiddling with the edge of her flannel as everyone else finished eating. Stopping at the shop's window, she observed every inch of her body, picking and poking at her skin until everyone else was ready to leave.