Shirley finally let the subject drop.
She started venting to Claire about her test, saying she'd messed up a bunch of questions. "I really don't think I'm going to make it into college. Seriously, what am I supposed to do?"
Claire pulled out her phone, found the official answers online, and handed it to Shirley. "Just check your answers against these. You'll know approximately how you did."
Shirley shook her head like her life depended on it. "Nope, no way. I don't want to look. I'm just going to pretend I'll get in. Feels better that way."
"I'll just enjoy a few days and have fun until the results come out. Whatever happens, happens."
Claire had to hold back from rolling her eyes. “You do realize you've already figured it all out?"
"I'm just feeling anxious, okay? That's why I came to you for comfort!" Shirley grinned and clung to Claire's arm.
"Wasn't your friend supposed to come to Apex?"
Claire gently pried her off. "Yeah, we made plans. She's getting here tomorrow."
Shirley grabbed Claire's hand again, trying to pull her toward the door. She was determined to drag Claire out for some fun. “Let's go out tonight. What do you want for dinner?"
"My grandma's home. We should ask her what she wants," Claire said, glancing over at Pandora, who was relaxing on the couch and watching TV.
"You two don't have to worry about me," Pandora laughed. "Go have your fun. Who wants to hang out with an old lady anyway?"
Pandora waved them off. "Actually, Queenie invited me to see a show with her tonight. You girls enjoy yourselves. We'll do our own thing."
With Pandora approving their plans, Claire gave in. She just made sure to remind her grandma, “If you go out with Queenie, please stay safe. I noticed she always has bodyguards with her... it means her wealth attracts the wrong kind of attention." "Yeah, I know," Pandora agreed and then turned back to Claire. "You two go out and have fun, but don't drink, okay? I know you're both adults, but it's not safe for girls if you get drunk."
She tried not to hover, but she still worried.
"We know, don't worry," Claire said.
"I'll keep an eye on Claire and make sure she doesn't drink, promise!" Shirley chimed in, half-serious, half-joking.
Claire let out a soft laugh. "Whose job is it to supervise who, really?"
Then Claire and Shirley changed into shorts and T-shirts, quick and casual, before they headed out.
"I told you to put on some makeup. Why didn't you?" Shirley complained, fussing over her own reflection.
Claire just tied up her hair, threw on a simple outfit, and looked like the classic girl-next-door. Totally the opposite of Shirley, who hated going
out unless she looked extra prog
Even so, Claire's fresh face and glowing skin made her stand out. anyway. There was absolutely no hiding how pretty she was, even without a trace of makeup.
“Makeup's too much work, and we're only grabbing dinner," Claire said, shrugging.
Sure, Claire made it sound like it was
just dinner. But Shirley had way more in mind-she wanted to turnt into a whole night out. Still, neither of them picked anything fancy They just went to a no-frills spot on the street for some grilled skewers. Cóntent
Claire called up Sophia and asked her to join. Sophia, in turn, invited Len.
"I was actually planning to meet up
with some other people, but as soon
as Sophia called, I came righ
Len said, not bothered at all to
joining a group of girls. Especially
of them gave off the
since none of
annoying kind of energy.
"I'm so over it. When I'm at home, everyone keeps bombarding me about my exam results. It's driving me nuts."
"Have you guys made plans for a graduation trip?” Len asked.
Claire shook her head. She really couldn't get away at the moment. “I'd love to, but I can't right now. Maybe in August, if things work out. Seriously, you guys don't have to wait for me. Just go have fun.”
Sophia looked at her hopefully. "Are you sure? I really want to go somewhere. Claire?"
Shirley, who already had other plans with her girlfriends, quickly looked over too. If Claire said yes, Shirley would totally ditch her other friends, no hesitation at all.
Claire just smiled and shook her head again. "Go on without me, really. If I'm free later, I'll catch up."