An Ariella Story

Getting What I Want

Four days went by and I still hadn't gathered the courage to just take the money. I was nervous. There was a huge chance that I would be caught but at the same time, I wanted to go to Paris with my best friend. I wanted to be able to see the Eiffel Tower with my own eyes. Not have it explained to me.

So that's how I made my decision.

Lynn was careless and left her purse sitting on the kitchen counter. Jessi and Tiffany had dance class and as far as I could tell, no one was around.

I casually walked into the kitchen, just in case someone was watching. Then I stood with my back to the doorway so no one would see what I was doing. Her wallet was bulging with unused cash and credit cards. My fingers flipped through the bills and I grabbed the right amount. I stuffed the green paper into my front pocket and then put everything back where it belonged.

I nonchalantly walked to my room, acting as if nothing was amiss. As soon as my feet touched my soft carpet, I whipped out my phone and dialed Stazi's number.

"Hello?" she answered.

"I did it."

"You took it?"

"Yeah. I feel like such a badass."

She laughed on the other end of the line. "Ella, it's not like you murdered someone."

"I know but I can't help feeling like a criminal now."

"Well you did steal your foster mother's child support...."

"Should I put it back?" I asked nervously. Guilt knawed at my insides. What if she really needed that money?

"Hell to the no! You are going to France with me and we're going to have a blast! Now suck it up and take it like a man!"

The rest of the conversation consisted of us arguing over my gender. I knew for a fact that I was a woman but Stazi believed that it'd never been proven.

Stazi finally told me goodnight and I hung up the phone. For some reason, I slept like a baby instead of tossing and turning over the evil thing I'd done.

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I was walking down the hallway to my locker when someone stuck their foot out and tripped me. I tumbled forward face first and stuck out my hands to break my fall. All of my books and papers flew through the air and scattered in a big mess. Once everything had settled, I turned and glared.

Gabe Mitchell stood there with two of his football buddies, laughing. I could tell he was the one who'd done the deed and he found it amusing. That alone pissed me off.

"Aw, it's cute how you're trying to force me to fall for you." I smiled sweetly.

Gabe's grin fell from his face and an angry expression replaced it. "Sweetheart if I really wanted you, I'd have you."

"Not in a million years. I'm not dumb enough to believe your imaginary charm."

"Imaginary? Nothing about me is imaginary." he said and I could slightly hear the double meaning in his words.

"God, you're such a perv." I said, disgusted.

"Just another reason the ladies love me."

"Speaking of the ladies, you might want to get yourself checked from sleeping around so much. Chlaymidia seems to be the newest member of our school."

By then, I'd finished picking up my things. I shifted my books in my arms and started walking away with a victorious grin on my face.

"Oh man." I heard one of his friends snicker. It was followed by an "Ow!"