No Guidelines

Chapter 12-7

Natalie

  Her throat burned after straining it for so long. Her mother wouldn't be happy if she found out she went to the talent show. As far as she knew, Audrey and her were just watching K-Dramas at her house.

  She reached into the pocket of her hoodie and unwrapped another lozenge. The taste of lemon and mint was an odd combination but it still tasted fine to her. The site brushed please ast her neck prompting her to put on her hood along with her spare face mask. She stood next to Audrey, who was taking in her much deserved praise from her friends and nearby students. Mrs. Perrin and Audrey's siblings were also there. Natalie noticed her little brother was staring at her. She waved at him and turned to Audrey's mom.

  "Mrs. Perrin, if it's not too much trouble, can I get a ride back home too?" She asked.

  Audrey's mom smiled and nodded. "Of course dear."

  Out of the crowd Emma appeared before her—moving the two away from the crowd to a more discrete spot. She looked anxious but hid it behind her cool smile.

  "Natalie! That was crazy what you did!?" she said.

  "It wasn't all bad," she replied.

  "You totally embarrassed yourself in front of the school!" she said. She held up her phone with a still image of Natalie singing. It really wasn't all too appealing.

  "I mean yeah but it was for Audrey," she said.

  Emma snarled her lips in disgust. "I wouldn't trust her," she said.

  Natalie furrowed her brows, giving Emma a confused look. "What do you mean?"

  Emma scouted the area quickly but turned back to Natalie in annoyance—rolling her eyes. Natalie looked up to see Audrey approaching them, slowly, as if unsure to continue.

  "Look, call me when you get home, I'll tell you what I mean."

  Emma turned around and greeted Audrey with enthusiasm. "YOU WERE AMAZING! I'M SO PROUD OF YOU!" She said, hugging her.

  "Oh, uh... Thanks Emma," she said.

  Emma left, leaving the two girls alone.

  "I didn't interrupt anything, did I?" Audrey asked.

  Natalie shook her head, rolling the lozenge in her mouth. "No, she was just showing me her recording, I look awful!" she said. She was truly embarrassed at it. Then she remembered how good she felt seeing Audrey happy. "But you indeed rocked!"

  "Thanks! I really couldn't have done it without you." Audrey held her arms, rubbing them from the cold. "My mom says she's ready to take us home."

  "Sounds good to me," Natalie said, hiding her hands in her hoodie pockets.

***

  Natalie held her word and called Emma when she got home, mostly because she wanted answers. What did she mean by that? Did Audrey do Something?

  The phone rang for a bit, but no answer.

  Ugh, this bitch... she thought.

  She gave it a couple of minutes but Emma didn't call back. She dialed again.

  "Natalie! Sorry! I was with Micah and the great of the group at veggies house, his parents are out for the weekend!"

  "Sorry I couldn't be there..." Natalie said.

  "It was a last-minute thing, and you were sick!"

  "It's fine, but you were saying about Audrey?"