The Headturner

The Act

Chapter Six - The Act

Anne reached school fashionably late. She had gone shopping with her mom. Her outfit was much more "in-style" now compared to her usual bulky ones which did not do her figure good. She strategically chose her clothes to flatter her curvy body. The double-takes from some guys made her smile inwardly. But she maintained her devil-may-care attitude.

She found Adam and the "popular" gang leaning against his car and chatting about the party. She joined them as if nothing ever happened. 

"Look what the cat dragged in!!!" Tanya squealed.

"Hey guys...." Anne addressed to everyone.

"And where did you run off? I was searching for you everywhere." Adam complained in his husky voice and Anne could not fight the jitters in her stomach.

"Focus!" She reminded herself. "No, I just got a call from my mom. My aunt got sick so I had to go to the hospital." She had her lies prepared.

"Oh my Gawd!!! So sorry babes. How is she now?" Tanya replied before Adam could. But he gave Anne the sweetest smile. Now he was making this real hard for her. Involuntarily, she smiled back at him. Before she gave into his charms, the school bell rang and she was back. She had Chemistry first and she walked casually with Adam to the class. 

"I really missed you at the party."

"Yeah, I'm sorry again."

"No worries, I just thought you were bored and just took off."

"No way. I was having so much fun with you guys." She tried hard to hide the sarcasm in her voice. The memory of the party flashed back.

"I loved your gift."

"I'm glad."

Adam was looking fairly confused with a sudden change in her attitude. Mr.Bright entered the class and interrupted their chat.

At lunch, she sat at the popular table without any invitation. Confidence was the key here. Tanya was looking gloomy which was out of her character. She was normally bubbly and bouncy. 

"Hey, what's with you today? This morning you were fine." Anne whispered to her. 

"I'm so screwed. I'm failing Maths."

"That's why you're sad?"

"Yeah, my dad would kill me."

"I could tutor you if you want."

"YOU WOULD??? OH ANNE, YOU'RE THE BEST!!!" Tanya literally shouted.

This earned them a confused look from the rest of the group. Since they had been whispering, the group had no idea what brought this on. They laughed secretively and joined the rest of the group in their conversation.

Anne mentally checked an item off her list.

She had the fish bite the bait. It was just a matter of reeling in the hook. Her conscience was feeling bad about dragging Tanya into her mess. She had been nothing but sweet to her. But it was not like she was hurting her anyways. She just needed her help. And even Anne herself was helping her. She silenced the nagging feeling.

She made sure that they studied at Tanya's place. She did not want Tanya to look at her old self anymore. She wanted a new beginning. She arrived at Tanya's with her own Maths notes. She had to help Tanya first and get on her good side.