Unveiling Samantha by Veronica Wright

Chapter 16 

Popping a lollipop in her mouth, hands in her jacket pockets, Samantha had that effortless cool vibe. Stepping into the mini- mart, she turned heads. 

“That the chick from this morning? She’s got a wicked style!” one kid whispered. 

“I’m digging her look,” said another onlooker. 

“She and Christopher would make one power couple, don’t you think?” a student tossed out. 

“I’m with ya. They’ve got that lovey-dovey look down pat,” another observed. 

“Aren’t they cute together?” chimed in someone else. 

Samantha and Christopher locked eyes; he sensed her gaze from across the way. She blinked, feeling kinda busted, then ducked into the mini-mart. 

The place was massive with a hefty price tag, but she didn’t care. Samantha cruised the snack aisle, filling her cart while Christopher shadowed her. 

She pretended not to notice, going about her snack raid. But of course, it was Christopher trailing her, cracking a smile as Samantha’s cart overflowed with treats. “Wow, someone’s a snack fiend,” Christopher thought to himself, watching Samantha from a distance. 

The look he gave her was intense, but since they were alone, he didn’t bother hiding it. 

Samantha felt his stare and, grabbing a bag of chips, tossed the question his way, “Want some?” 

Christopher almost laughed, “You sure love your snacks, Ms. Vanderbilt, he replied, spotting the obvious-that Samantha had practically cleared out the snack aisle. 

“Chips are good,” Samantha answered, ignoring the obviousness of his remark and tossing another bag into her overflowing 

cart. 

“So, your brother Brennan’s here too, right? You guys chat much Christopher asked, trying to get a real conversation going. 

“Brennan’s not my brother, and no, I haven’t. If I’m not feeling it at the Vanderbilt residence, I’m out. Money’s not an issue,” Samantha shrugged off. Living with the Vanderbilts wasn’t about the money; it was the name-and lately, it didn’t meant much to her. 

“You know, having money doesn’t mean you can’t have family too. Sure, Brennan might not get it yet-he’s too chummy with Adrienne. But he’ll catch on to her act soon enough,” Christopher said. 

Samantha stopped in her tracks, facing Christopher. “Oh? So, you’ve seen the real Adrienne?” She was genuinely intrigued. 

“Well, let’s just say, her act at my last birthday party ended with the security guards escorting her out in less than dignified fashion,” Christopher said, a flash of disgust crossing his face, which didn’t go unnoticed by Samantha, “Interesting… She’s only what, 17?” 

Samantha couldn’t care less. “Look, my life, my rules. If they don’t respect me, why bother? I’m gonna jet. Enjoy shopping.” she said and pushed her loaded cart towards the checkout, leaving Christopher behind. 

“He watched her go, thinking about her words. Samantha might look tough, but he could tell she was hiding her own letdowns-like from the Vanderbilt family. He sighed and left the mini-mart. 

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15:37 Fri, May 31 

Chapter 16 

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Back at classroom, Samantha found her classmates deep into their study jam, all red-faced and focused. Dropping into her chair with her snack haul, she figured it was about time she pushed them like this. Zachary spotted her and thought, “Same old Samantha, munching on those same old chips,” 

“Do you want some?” Samantha offered, sliding a bag his way. He opened them up, joining the snack session. He mused, The chips taste good, but one day we’ll get tired of them. Samantha has been eating these chips for the past few years. Could there be a story behind it?” 

Just then, Samantha laid down the law. “Hey, check the top five in class. Test tomorrow with Ms. York. The ones who bomb it are running laps. Got it?” 

Zachary, though dreading the extra effort, nodded. “Sure thing. Samantha.” Old habits die hard, and questioning her wasn’t part of his routine. 

The fifth-ranked student sitting in the front row overheard the conversation and thought, ‘What the hell…” He subconsciously increased his speed in reciting the book. 

Come noon, Samantha asked for a hall pass, then took off from school, strolling down the avenue with her music keeping her company. Spotting Boa looking down in the dumps, she walked over. “What’s got you looking like someone kicked your puppy, Boa? She popped open a soda from the fridge. 

“You got it right. She has a crush… Boa choked up as he spoke and buried his face, not wanting to meet Samantha’s gaze. He was embarrassed. 

“It’s okay, Boa. Everyone gets crushes. How will you know if you don’t try?” Samantha wasn’t one to sugarcoat. 

“Ms. Vanderbilt, would you please keep this a secret?” Boa was desperate for secrecy, his heart sinking further. Samanth words stung more than they comforted. 

Changing the subject, Samantha proposed, “We should meet up tonight.” 

“You got something planned?” Boa perked up a bit. 

“Do we need a reason to hang out?” Samantha replied. She knew they were all wary of her flaking again. 

Boa stayed silent, recalling how Samantha had bailed on them last time for a case. But no matter what, they needed to catch, up over a meal-it was about time. “Sure thing! What’s on the menu?” he asked, kicking into his usual teasing tone. 

“Let’s hit up Artemis Kitchen. Zachary says it’s on him. We’ll see about that,” Samantha chuckled, grabbing her jacket. 

Boa raised an eyebrow, knowing the story all too well. Every time Samantha declared a free feast, somehow, the check always ended up with her. Plus, Zachary was notorious for keeping his wallet shut tight. 

Samantha caught that look and shook her head. “Chill, Boa. He offered this time. Bet he won’t weasel out of it,” she quipped, ruffling his hair. 

Boa grinned, plotting a little payback for Zachary’s treat claim with the priciest dish he could think of. “Game on,” he thought. “So, Ms. Vanderbilt, got a sec?” Boa pulled out his phone as he closed in on Samantha. “Is this girl in your class?” 

Samantha peeked at the screen as she drank some water. She saw Casey and nearly choked. “Not your crush, right?” she 

teased. 

“My one and only! You know her?” Boa leaned in, all cager-puppy-like. 

2/3 

Young’s 

Deliciously Rich in Protein 

OX 

15-37 Fri, May 31