The Cell Phone Swap

Bonus: The Cell Phone Swap-Alternate Reality

What would happen if Keeley and Talon hadn't switched phones that fateful night at the fair? Well, you're about to find out...

***

"What do you want to do now?" Keeley Brewer asked as she stepped off the Ferris wheel. She looked over her shoulder to her best friend, Nicky. "We still have time to do something before the park closes." Tonight was the last night of the county fair and they were trying to pack in as much as possible.

Nicky fell into step beside her. "I could go for some cotton candy."

"Didn't we just eat?"

Nicky shrugged. "And your point is...?" When Keeley rolled her eyes, she added, "I don't know why you're surprised. After twelve years of friendship you'd think you'd know my eating habits by now."

"You told me it's because of growth spurts! And I hate to break it to you, but you haven't grown an inch since seventh grade."

"That's not true, I—"

Keeley cut her off. "Don't even think of bringing up that time in PE class. I know you put lifts in your shoes to appear taller."

Gasping, Nicky pressed a hand to her heart. "I did that for you. Mr. Piedmont was breaking everyone into volleyball teams based off height and we know what would've happened if I wasn't there to block the ball."

Images of a bloody nose and the inside of the nurse's office flashed through her mind. She wasn't exactly the most athletic individual at school—not like her brother, Zach. Quarterback and co-captain of the football team, her twin was the epitome of power and speed.

"Wow," Nicky continued. "I do that out of the kindness of my heart and this is how you repay me? With glares and accusations?" Puckering up her lips, she shook her head. "I'm deeply hurt."

Keeley narrowed her eyes and looked down at Nicky who was a couple inches shorter than her. "Don't pretend you're completely altruistic. Let's not forget Brian Davis was on my team."

Nicky pretended to flick a brown curl off her shoulder. "Who's that?"

"Oh, I don't know...maybe the boy you were obsessed with all last year?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," she sniffed.

Keeley gave her a knowing look and glanced over at the cotton candy cart. "Alright, let's get you some sugar. I don't want to be the cause of stunted growth."

"You just noticed the cotton candy is by the carnival games, didn't you?"

Smirking, she parroted Nicky's answer, "I don't know what you're talking about."

Nicky laughed and linked their arms together. "Sugar high, here we come!"

After buying several flavors—blue raspberry being the favorite—the girls headed over to the balloon and dart table. There was a cute stuffed animal Keeley was dying to win. She paid the employee and planted her feet behind the red line drawn in the grass.

"Rules are simple," the employee told her as he handed her four darts. "You have four chances to pop a balloon. Each balloon has a piece of paper inside with a number. The higher the number, the bigger the prize. Got it?"

Nodding, she eyed the colorful wall. There were at least thirty balloons pinned on it. She had to hit at least one...right?

"You can do it, Keeley," Nicky shouted, her mouth stained blue.

She squared her shoulders. Nicky was right. She could do it. So what if she fell down while running? And who cared if it took her a year to finally ride her bike without training wheels? She was older now, better than that. She could conquer this game!