Southern Belles

Chapter Three

Chapter Three – Southern Belle Rule #20: Gossiping is a Game of Chance

            The Women of the South Committee filed into the auditorium in a well-organized line. Their pearls hung around their wrinkled necks. Each women wore a pencil skirt with a flimsy blouses and their hair was pulled into a tight bun. Jazmyn thought they all looked like southern robots. She could understand why anyone would want to be a committee that came in a room in sync.

            She shook her head and from the corner of her eye, she could see Hunter’s head slowly bobbing down as if he was sleeping. She nudged him with her elbow and he jolted awake. She held back a laugh. Hunter had been a nice friend to her. They hang out after school and eat lunch together. Everything was much easier with Hunter. She wasn’t comparing herself to the other girls or feeling self-conscious when she noticed one of them gave her a dirty look for her outfits. Hunter had a relaxing factor over her and she liked it. She liked him.

            One of the women tapped the microphone and made a gentle coughing noise to get everyone’s attention. She had short blond hair and dark brown eyes that looked oddly familiar. “Hello, students of Brantley High. I am Mrs. VanDere,” there was a slight pause as the boys whooped in appreciation, “and I am here today to address the girls and boys at this fine establishment. As you are all aware of, the annual Southern Belle Debutante Ball is coming up in a few weeks. For those of you who don’t know, this ball is for coming-of-age young women. These young ladies are now becoming young women and this ball is the chance for young ladies to have their moment.”

            Jazmyn peered over at Hunter who was narrowing his eyes. She wondered what was wrong with him. Admittedly, he had been acting weird since he last talked to Cara, two days ago. He never told her what they talked about, but why would he. They had been friends for three days. Three days doesn’t mean someone is going to spill all of their secrets. She hadn’t asked about it, but she wanted to.

            “We welcome all young women who are sophomores to apply to be in the ball. Remember, we will only choose a handful of one of you beautiful young ladies to be in the actual ball. We will be accepting applicants at this very moment. Now, please give a warm welcome to Mrs. Stewart who will explain the application process and requirements.”

            Mrs. VanDere stepped down from the podium while a plump woman wobbled to move around her. Hunter poked Jazmyn on the shoulder. He motioned with his head in the direction of the exit. She nodded meaning she understood. They both hurried out their seats trying their best not to step on toes or bump into people. Once they stepped into the halls. Hunter grabbed Jazmyn’s wrist and ran down the hall. Jazmyn couldn’t help but to laugh as they hurried to the double doors leading to the parking lot.

            “What are we doing?” Jazmyn squealed as he led her to his red, pickup truck. “We should go back inside.” She didn’t want to go back inside. She liked spending time with Hunter especially time alone.

            Hunter shook his head, releasing her wrist to reach into the front of his pickup truck. “Let’s do something daring.” He pulled out two wooden baseball bats. He handed one to Jazmyn and started walking towards a car.

            “Hunter, wait, no!” Jazmyn tried to stop him, but Hunter had already smashed the window of a silver convertible. The glass shattered in an instant bursting onto the seats like an explosion. “Are you insane?”

            “Live a little, Jazmyn. Have some fun.” He smiled wickedly at her swinging his bat, once again, on the other side the car. This time the glass didn’t immediately burst. It just cracked everywhere but didn’t move from place. “Come on, Jazz. You know you want to.”