The Tourist Trap

Chapter 17

"Jared Kent. Your first kiss was almost Jared Kent?!" Donna squealed, nearly dropping her ice cream cone.

The Henderson's were sitting at the next picnic table over, trying to keep their kids from dripping sprinkles all over themselves, but they were still interested enough to glance over at us. 

In fact, half the crowd outside the Dairy Go Round fell suspiciously quiet. 

The last thing I needed was the entire town talking about this, asking mom and dad about it, starting a whole new rumor about how I was going to be the next Susan Morris. 

"The key word being 'almost'," I said. "And, SHHHH!"

I shoved a spoonful of my chocolate ice cream into my mouth and stared at Corey Henderson until she turned away. The girl may have two kids already, but she was only four years older than me. I figured that still gave me the right to stare her down while she was eavesdropping. It's not like she was my elder or something. 

"I'm sorry, I just can't believe it," Donna said, tucking a wavy curl behind her hair. "My best friend and THE Jared Kent."

Her green eyes were bright with excitement. 

For a girl who was initially opposed to me even talking to Jared, seemed a little stoked over this news. 

I had even been reluctant to tell her; thinking she would slap me upside the head. Instead, she looked at me like I had just given her the inside scoop of the most popular Hollywood couple. 

"I thought you and Derek didn't want me to get mixed up with him and his crowd?" I questioned.

"Well, that was before I knew you really liked him. And if you like him, I like him," Donna said, putting a chunk of chocolate in her mouth. "Besides, how bad could he be? I mean, yeah, he was rude that first day, and I was slamming his mother. And anyways, he's practically famous. That always earned you points."

That was Donna logic for you. 

"Not with my dad," I mumbled. 

"Forget your dad! This is your life! This is potentially your first big romance!" Donna exclaimed, growing louder. "Defy your father! Sneak out if you have to! I don't care!"

"Uhh, Donna..." I said, eyeing the curious/disturbed glances that were thrown our way.

"I'm sorry! I need someone to live vicariously through! Just don't forget your real friends while your off planning your wedding in the Hamptons."

"Donna! I'm absolutely, positively NOT getting married," I said. "I haven't even been kissed yet."

I saw a couple of kids from our school lean over their tables and whisper to one another.

My face burned.

Maybe dating Jared really would be like being famous. All we need now is some paparazzi and we are good to go.

"Can we maybe change the subject?" I asked.

"Ugh, fineee." She said, crunching into her cone. "Don't you have Friday off?"

"Thank god," I said with a sigh. "24 hours with no, screaming, crying, or mud throwing."

"Well, I was thinking... It's that time of year!!" Donna said brightly.

Instantly, my spirits lifted. "Yeah, it is!"

"Outlet run!!" we both squealed together. 

Cory's husband let out a big huff and made a show of moving away from us. Clearly he thought we were being obnoxious. But come one! What kind of world do we live in where a couple of girls can't cheer over their annual shopping trip.

"I'll pick you up at ten a.m. sharp." Donna told me.

"So... eleven thirty then?" I teased. Donna had never once been on time since I've known her. And I'd known her my entire life. 

"Haha," she said flatly. "And it shouldn't be too bad since it's not a weekend, but we still want to get there semi-early to beat the crowds."

"I know the drill," I told her. "I'll be ready. Is Derek coming this year?" 

Donna and I had been making this trip every year together since middle school. (Back then our moms would take us.) Last year, we had made the mistake of inviting Derek along. He had made us miserable all day, whining about how his feet hurt, and how everything was so expensive, even though the stores were supposed to be outlets.

"Please, I think we learned our lesson, no?" Donna said. "My brother is to what shopping is to what ants are to a picnic."

I laughed. "How long have you been sitting on that one?"

"Oh you know... about a year." Donna replied with a sly smile. "Do you have any money? You're not going to have to break into Lola's entry fee?"

"Are you kidding? Mom gives me a little money for this trip every year and it is embarked for this specific purpose." I said. "And I'm not going to college in the same old crappy jeans." 

Donna smiled and popped the last bit of ice cream cone into her mouth. "That's my girl."

*   *   *   *

HELLO ALL!!!! 

Chapter 17 is finally here, how do you like it?

I know that y'all have been missing Donna and so have I so you will be seeing a lot more of her.

 I hope you all had a great day!!

Please don't forget to comment and vote!!!

Much love, Kylie <3