Goldmont Girls: Secrets and Lies

Chapter 6: Kalea

Later that evening, Kalea exited Monica's pink Porsche, but not before glancing at her reflection in the car's rearview mirror. Her dark blond hair was pulled off her face in a tight ponytail, showing off her flawless skin. She had spent the last hour at Monica's house, getting ready. She was shocked when Mrs. Johan informed her that they were attending her sister's dinner party today.

She smoothed down her new cute-but-preppy Miu Miu dress she had bought at Nordstrom last weekend. It was a little tighter than it had been that day, but she's been so stressed out lately about all the spy stuff and Nikki Monroe that she had eaten countless slices of pizza last night. Now she was regretting it. Well, whatever. Another workout session at the gym tomorrow and she should be fine. And definitely no more pizza.

Monica stepped out the car and locked the doors with a push of a button on her keys. She had curled her usually stick-straight blond hair and was wearing her size 0 skinny jeans and a cute striped top that was either Kate Spade or a very similar looking knock-off. Kalea was more than overjoyed when Monica had said yes to getting ready together. Lately, it seemed like they've been drifting apart. Monica had recently started hanging out with Nikki and someone named Veronica.

But tonight it felt like they were as tight as ever. They had done each other's hair and makeup, giggled over inside jokes, and made fun of Chrissy Lamor's overalls; she lived across from Monica.

Now, they both sauntered inside the Herzel's humongous mansion. The rooms were dim, and a few slow songs were playing. Adults lingered about with champagne glasses. Kalea could make out many kids from Rory Ann and even a few kids from that other private school across town, Vera Hill. Kalea and Monica squeezed past everyone and found themselves into a huge room with a smooth marble floor. The Herzel's had set out a buffet station with many circle tables and chairs surrounding it. People were sitting around; eating and talking.

"There's Nikki!" Monica chirped, completely ruining the mood.

Kalea followed Monica's gaze to one of the circle tables nearest to the buffet station. Nikki and Veronica were waving at them. Kalea groaned inwardly. There went her perfect bestie night. Monica ran over to them, took a seat, and they automatically started to chatter and laugh. Tears pricked Kalea's eyes but she wiped them away super quick. Girls like her did not cry. Monica didn't want to be her friend? Whatever. She would find supercool new friends, start a new clique, and take Monica's down.

"Kalea?" A warm, older voice asked gently. Her aunt, Sasha Herzel, was standing in front of her in a long, midnight-blue, expensive-looking gown.

"Sasha!" Kalea gloated.

Sasha bent down and gave her a quick hug. Small tears sprung to her eyes. "It's been awhile, hasn't it?"

"It has," Kalea agreed.

"Well, take a seat at a table," Sasha instructed and gestured to the circle tables, "I have an important announcement to make."

"Ok," Kalea obeyed and sat down at a table farthest away from Monica.

Sasha disappeared for a few seconds and returned with a microphone. "Can I have everyone's attention, please?"

Everyone mumbled and scattered about the room to find a seat. Chad Ludwick plopped down next to her.

"Hey," he whispered.

"Hi," Kalea whispered back.

"Do you know where Kari is?"

Kalea shook her head no.

Sasha tapped on the microphone. "Before we moved here to Goldmont, we had a daughter named Bethany," Sasha started. Her voice boomed from the two speakers in the back of the room. A few people awkwardly shuffled around and Kalea could hear a gasp or two. Sasha continued. "She was kidnapped and went missing while we lived in San Francisco. The police gave up after a year, and we moved to Goldmont. But last week the Goldmont Police received a few tips about Bethany. I am glad to say she is here, safe and sound. I have gathered everyone here today to welcome her back and for most of you, to meet her."