Kara's Cross

“Well, hello, Maddie,” my dad exclaims as she and I slide into the back seat of our car, “it’s been a long time. It’s good to see you.”

“Good to see you again, too, Mr. Eldridge,” Maddie responds, “thanks for letting me come over for the afternoon.”

“Anytime, Maddie. You’re always welcome.”

I buckle my seat belt and wait until my dad begins driving before I lean over and begin whispering to Maddie.

“What was Arabella getting all worked up about in class today?” I ask.

“She couldn’t believe I was talking to you again,” Maddie answers, almost too softly to be heard, “she reminded me you had called me selfish and had walked away from our friendship. She warned me you’ll do it again.”

Ouch. Low blows, Arabella. The tragic part being I can’t deny any of it.

“I’m so sorry, Maddie,” I begin, almost forgetting to keep my volume down, “you’ve got to believe me.”

“I do, Kara,” she responds, then looks up at my dad before continuing, “I’m afraid she might use her power on me, though. I’m pretty sure she’s done it once or twice before.”

“No way, Maddie, that’s terrible. What makes you think she’s used it on you?”

“I went over to her house once, even though I remember not wanting to go. Plus, even now, my mind is telling me you always lie to me about everything and use your power to make me do what you want.”

“I didn’t lie to you, Maddie, and I wouldn’t have used my power to get you to obey me.”

“I always thought so, but it is impossible to convince myself. Even after this long, the feeling has faded, yet it still feels like a warning in the back of my head. There’s one other thing.”

“What?”

“My mom’s job,” she looks at me and pauses, “Arabella told me you and Logan had nothing to do with it, but you said Logan convinced her boss to give it back, right?”

Oh no! The one thing I didn’t come clean with, Arabella somehow knows. How is this even possible? If I tell her the truth, she’ll think Arabella’s right. If I don’t, I’ll be lying to her face.

“Actually,” I begin, not sure what to do yet, “Arabella’s right about the job, at least according to Logan. He kept insisting he had nothing to do with getting her job back, but I didn’t really believe him, until now. I thought he was just worried I’d be upset if he had. I never lied to you about it; I just didn’t tell you everything.”

“Kara!” Maddie exclaims rather loudly, causing my dad’s eyes to study us in the rear view mirror. She smiles up at him, before adding. “Sorry, Mr. Eldridge, I just couldn’t believe how good Kara did on the English test.”

“Oh?” My dad perks up, shifting his gaze in my direction. “You didn’t tell me about a test, Kara.”

“It’s not really a big deal, Dad,” I lie, giving Maddie an exasperated look, “it was just a ten point quiz.”

“Still, Kara,” my dad smiles, “that’s great. Congratulations.”

“Thanks.”

We sit in silence for a couple of minutes until it is obvious my dad has refocused his attention on driving.

“Kara,” Maddie whispers, “this is what I’m talking about. We need to be able to trust each other. You should have told me the truth about my mom. Even if it was you, Logan or some fluke of nature, you should have told me.”

“I’m sorry, Maddie, I really am,” I respond, hoping I sound sincere, “I promise to tell you the whole truth from now on.”

Maddie smiles and wraps her arms around my neck. I hug her in return and laugh involuntarily.

“What is it, Kara?”

“I was just thinking it would be amazing if your brother was excited we were friends again, but he never really seems to notice me.”

“What’s funny about that?” Maddie asks, puzzled.

“I was imagining the next time I go over to your house,” I explain. “I will walk in and ask Mason if he missed me and he’ll probably tell me he didn’t realize I was ever gone.”

Maddie rolls her eyes and smiles sympathetically.

“I don’t think I’ll ever understand why you like my doofus brother,” she teases, “but if it makes you feel better, he did say he missed seeing you around.”

“He did?”

“Yeah,” she winks, “he told me he liked the fact I stayed out of his hair when you were around.”

“Oh, thanks,” I offer sarcastically, “I’ll treasure those words forever.”

“You can put it in your wedding vows, Kara,” Maddie puts her hands together, holding an imaginary bouquet, “What he loved about me most was the way I kept his sister occupied.’”

I give her a playful push and act shocked at her words. Mason’s lack of interest is nothing new, I just keep hoping things will change.

“Speaking of which, Maddie,” I straighten up and begin speaking loud enough for my dad to overhear, “We should all go to the dance together; you, me, Logan and Mason. We could even see if Jackie, Lauren and Katie want to come with us, too.”

“There’s a dance coming up?” My dad’s words come almost as if on cue.

“Yeah, Dad. It’s this Friday night. I was thinking it would be fun for all of us to go together, if it’s okay with you, of course.”

He takes his time thinking about it. Great, I’m about to be hit with a barrage of questions.

“That sounds like fun,” he nods his head in the rear view mirror. “It’s fine with me.”

Odd. I expected the third degree. Is my dad starting to trust me?

“I have a flyer with all the details in my backpack,” I mention, “I’ll show you when we get home.”

“Thanks, sweetie. Do you need anything for this dance? Are you supposed to wear a corsage or anything?”

“No, I don’t think so, Dad. I’ll probably wear the green dress I wore for our family pictures, and I don’t think you wear corsages, unless it’s to prom. Will you be able to drop me off?”

“I am going out with Elizabeth on Friday, but I should be able to drop you off. What time does it start?”

My dad’s been going out quite a bit lately. He must really like this woman.

“The dance starts at seven and gets over at ten,” I answer, “will that work?”

“I can get you there, but I don’t think I’ll be able to pick you up. Maddie, will one of your parents be able to pick you both up?”

“I’ll ask, Mr. Eldridge,” Maddie answers, “I’m sure they will.”

“Thanks, Maddie,” he smiles back at her before turning into our driveway. “Well, here we are, girls. Try to do some homework in between talking about dances and dresses and boys.”

I roll my eyes and Maddie giggles.

“We’ll try, Mr. Eldridge,” Maddie teases as she gets out of the car, “no promises, though.”