Screaming Divas by Suzanne Kamata Read Free Book Online Page B

before with each of her four stepfathers. They assumed the role, went as far as adopting her, asked her to call them “Dad.” And then, as soon as Trudy did something they didn’t like, there would be murmuring behind closed doors, ultimatums made. Sarah standing by, wringing her hands. Then announcements: She’d be going off to school/to stay with distant relatives/to the juvie home.
    Trudy slouched back in the booth. She’d expected more from Adam, at least. But he just sat there, avoiding her eyes. She took a toothpick out of the faux-crystal holder and stabbed it into the tip of her index finger, trying to make the pain in her body match the aching in her heart. The wood didn’t puncture skin. Jack saw what she was doing and grabbed her hand.
    â€œYou’d better know that this could get us all in trouble. Trudy is a minor. You know what that means, don’t you?”
    Trudy held her gaze steady on Adam. She willed him to look over at her so she could roll her eyes at “Dr. Baxter’s” paranoia. He didn’t really care about her, Trudy. He was only concerned with his precious career. No wonder Sarah had left him.
    But Adam would not look her way. She felt like that woman with the snakes growing from her head—Medusa. Was he afraid he’d turn to stone or something? She found his foot under the table with her own and nudged his ankle. She needed a sign from him, some indication that he was still on her side, but he jerked away. The future of their romance was looking pretty bleak.
    Jack stepped away and gave them a few minutes of privacy.
    â€œWell, I guess this is it,” Adam said. “See you around.”
    â€œWhat are you talking about?” Trudy’s voice was shrill with desperation. “You really care what he thinks?”
    â€œHey, I need to graduate.” His kohl-lined eyes were strangely cold. He eased himself out of the booth and headed for the door.
    When Adam was gone, Jack ordered two more cups of coffee. “I’m sorry Trudy,” he said, “but I’m afraid we’re going to have to make other arrangements.”

6
    Cassie knew that rumors about her were flourishing at school. Todd’s football buddies snickered in her wake. Their girlfriends darted their eyes from Cassie to each other and whispered behind their hands.
    October, November, December … Cassie ticked off the months in her head. She couldn’t wait to get out of there.
    Todd must have been pretty angry when she ditched him at that party, but he was the one slobbering all over Miss Big Blonde. She’d had every right to leave.
    But Todd wasn’t used to indifferent dates. He probably couldn’t believe that Cassie, a girl with a disfiguring scar, wouldn’t jump through hoops to be his girlfriend. This was his way of getting back at her.
    She passed Harumi on her way to American Lit. When Harumi saw her, the usual chill left her eyes and she smiled.
    â€œHey, Cassie. How’s it going?”
    â€œThanks again for the ride the other night.”
    â€œSure. Anytime.”
    After they’d ditched the party, they’d wound up going to the Capitol Café downtown. A waitress named Pee Wee brought them coffee and scrambled eggs, and they’d compared notes on stage mothers, itchy costumes, and favorite songs. They’d even hatched plans to perform together someday. Harumi was sick of her bandmates and ready for something more serious. Maybe Cassie would be interested in being the lead singer?
    Later, they’d gone across the street and wandered around the capitol grounds, under the palmetto trees, past the spotlit monuments dedicated to George Washington and the Confederate soldiers, talking and talking until nearly dawn.
    They’d have to make plans to hang out together again soon, Cassie thought as she made her way to class. For now, she sat down at her desk, hauled out her textbook, and waited for the bell to