The Beauty Queen

The Beauty Queen - Chapter 16

Allergies suck. I got hives and a stuffy nose from some paint today. *cough* ColorfulBeads *cough*

I don't think it's smart to paint a bottle rocket in a closed room, is it.

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Chapter 16

"What the hell is going on here?!"

Nate and I jumped away from each other, turning to the doorway with our eyes wide. I saw the devil spawn and her crew of evil Barbie dolls behind her. The devil spawn had her hands planted firmly on her hips, and her mouth was twisted into a nasty scowl. The other girls behind her mimicked her expression.

I flushed, realizing that the one time I had actually hugged Nate, we got caught. And let me tell you, it was the best hug ever.

Of course, the creature and her cohorts had to ruin the whole thing.

I turned my head to catch a glimpse of Nate, who was standing with his hands shoved in his pockets. He didn't look the least bit embarrassed, and all traces of shock disappeared from his face. He looked down at his shoes impassively.

Nate looked hot.

"Nate," the devil spawn whined, running towards him. I felt my fists clench at my sides as she threw herself on him. She pressed herself against his body. "How could you?"

I raised an eyebrow, still feeling flustered. I didn't understand what was going on. Since the creature is obviously Penelope's daughter, and the evil mastermind plotting my downfall, I have no idea at all about how Nate and Penelope are related. Nate is definitely not Penelope's son, considering the way the spawn kept hitting on him... she may as well tatoo I AM DESPERATE to her forehead. I'm hoping they're not related in any way, 'cuz that would just be so wrong.

"Krista," Nate said, rolling his eyes, "get a life."

Nate pushed the spawn away, and her evil eyes glittered with anger. "Me? I have a life. Now, she," Krista sputtered, throwing a nasty glare my way, "needs to get one."

I rolled my eyes and shook my head. I ignored her menacing look and glared at the ceiling, still trying to think of possible explanations. Why did Nate call Penelope "mom"? If she wasn't his mom, what was she to him? Why won't he ever tell me about his relationship with her? And why the hell does Krista keep throwing herself at him?

"Danielle." Nate's serious voice broke into my thoughts. I realized my glare had turned into a deep frown, and when I looked at him, he looked a little caught off guard. When I noticed his expression, my own began to soften. I noticed Krista had backed away from him, but she was still close enough to grab his hand. I made a face.

"Danielle, are you okay?" Nate asked, sounding a little amused. Although, he tried his very best to keep a straight face. Krista snorted; it was a little shocking. I thought it would be too disgusting for her or something.

"Please, when is she ever okay?" Krista was laughing humorlessly, and she urged for the other girls--still standing awkwardly at the doorway--to laugh along with her. They all exchanged weird looks and forced out anxious giggles. It made me feel a little sorry for them. I'm guessing Krista's not really the best person to be your mentor's daughter.

"Shut up, Krista," Nate drawled, sounding annoyed. "I've been your step-cousin since last year, and you've been keeping up the same routine. It gets old."

There it is! I finally know how they're related! I had to stop myself before letting out a cheer.

Even though Nate and Krista aren't biologically related, I wouldn't hit on my step-cousin. Which brings me back to the tattoo idea... I AM DESPERATE!