An Ariella Story

Source of My Paranoia

"It sucks that you can't come to the mall with me." Stazi commented sadly.

We were parked in my driveway after school and I was dreading getting out of the car. Once I crossed that threshold, I wasn't allowed to do anything but clean and serve the Bakers.

"I know." I replied.

"I can buy you something for the dance and then you can try it on at school tomorrow!"

"Um, thanks but no thanks. I don't really want to go to the dance."

"Why not?"

I'd tried to explain the situation to Nastasia but she never seemed to understand that I just didn't want to go. Dancing in a crowded room filled with classmates that didn't like me? Yeah, not my cup of tea.

"Gabe will be there..." she smiled.

"So?" I tried to sound nonchalant, like he didn't mean anything to me.

"So, you know you like him. He's going to be at the Sweetheart Dance, Ella! It's the perfect opportunity for you to make a move!"

"Isn't the guy supposed to make the move?"

"Don't be a smartass."

I laughed. "I'm not being a smartass. I just don't understand why you're pressuring me so much on this. Since when do you care about my love life?"

"Since elementary school when I became your best friend!"

I sighed and looked at her with an exasperated expression. "I appreciate you trying to help me out here, but that dance won't change anything between Gabe and I. We've always disliked eachother and I don't think we could feel any other way."

When had I become such a smooth liar?

"Will you at least consider going? For me?" she begged.

"But I'm grounded.."

"When has that ever stopped you before? You went to freaking France without permission, and now you're going to act like an innocent angel?"

Her words made both of us crack a smile and I leaned across the console to hug her. It was nice having my best friend around whenever I needed her, no matter how rocky our relationship was sometimes.

Our girly bonding was interrupted by a tap on the passenger side window. I looked to see my foster mother glaring at me through the glass.

"Get to work, you lazy little brat!" she hollered. Her voice was slightly muffled and I tried not to compare her to an angry troll.

"Gotta go." I muttered to Stazi before climbing out of the car.

"I can't believe I have to chase you down just to get you to do what you're supposed to." Lynn hissed as we walked up to the house.

I ignored her and entered through the grand door. Lynn continued to talk to herself as she carried on up the stairs to her bedroom while I went to find Harvey in the kitchen. My throat was parched and I was desperately craving some of his delicious lemonade.

"Good afternoon, Miss Ariella. Can I get you anything?" he asked politely.

"Good afternoon to you too, Harvey. Is it possible for you to make me a glass of lemonade?"

"Anything for you, miss."

He began working his magic and I started on my kitchen duties: scrubbing counters, cleaning out the fridge, and taking out the trash.

Once I was served my beverage, I sat at the marble counter and sipped at my straw. Gabe's face flickered through my mind and for a moment, I actually considered attending the dance.