“There is no way I’m going back to youth group,” I said.
“Oh, yes you are,” Avery argued. “Youth group is key to the success of this plan. And frankly, I’m surprised your parents haven’t already made you go.”
“I screamed and threatened to kill myself,” I said.
“No you didn’t. They’re probably still just really embarrassed and don’t want you venturing out of the house too much.” She thought for a moment. “Or they’re really freaking lazy and don’t wanna drive you.”
I nodded.
“We’ve gotta get your car back,” Avery said, mostly to herself.
I knew I needed to stop her before she got completely out of control.
“Avery? I hate to break it to you, but I’m not sure this plan of yours is gonna work.”
“Yes it will work. But you’ve gotta play along and do what I say.” She looked at me with pathetic desperation. “Freedom, Cadence. I’m talking about freedom. How long has it been for you?”
I scratched my head and thought for a moment. “Too long.”
“Exactly. Same goes for me.”
“This could all blow up in our faces, Avery,” I said.
Suddenly I was worried. I didn’t feel that way while she was explaining her plan, probably because it was so amusing that I had a hard time taking it seriously. But she was dead serious, and apparently in great need of a “sleepover” so that she could get with Gavin all night.
“You realize I snorted cocaine,” I said.
Avery furrowed her brows.
“All I mean is that this’ll take some time. Your parents aren’t going to accept me right off the bat, and my parents won’t be so willing to let me hang out with you. Doesn’t matter how good you are.”
“You underestimate me, but at least you’re in,” she said, her face lighting up. “It starts tomorrow. You’re gonna ask your parents if you can go to youth group.”
“They’ll probably say no,” I replied.
“How can they say no to a daughter who clearly wants to get her life back on track? You’re not asking to go to a rock concert.”
“They won’t let me drive.”
“I figured, but I may just be able to work something out with that. Leave it to me,” Avery said, then stood up and grabbed her tray. “Hey, I didn’t see you take one bite this entire time.”
“That’s because I didn’t,” I replied.
“Start eating,” Avery said. “Your parents need to see that you’re normal. If you don’t eat, they know something’s wrong. Parents measure the emotional health of their children based on food intake.”
“Interesting,” I replied, gathering my partially eaten sandwich and untouched vegetables on the tray. I stood up and headed for the trashcan. Avery followed.
“It is interesting, smartass, and it’s true. So start eating.”
“Yes, ma’am,” I said, dumping my tray and heading to sixth period.
There was a note waiting for me in my locker at the end of the day. It was Avery’s number. I added her contact information in my cell phone and called her immediately.
“It’ll work,” she assured me. “Just get your butt to youth group next week.”
***
Mom dropped me off in front of the church at 6:45 P.M. Avery was outside waiting for me and ran to Mom’s car before she pulled away.
“Mrs. Miller?” she asked, poking her head through the passenger side window.
“Yes?”
“I’m Avery.”
“Oh, hi Avery,” Mom said pleasantly. “I spoke to your mother on the phone last night.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Avery replied. “It’s nice to meet you, and thank you for letting Cadence come back to youth group.”
“I’m glad you encouraged her,” Mom said. “And you’re sure it’s not a big deal taking Cadence home afterwards? I can always come get her.”
“No, Mrs. Miller. It’s totally cool.”
Mom nodded. “Your mother mentioned you’re a student leader. What are you in charge of?”
“Community outreach. I help organize events,” Avery replied.
Mom snorted. “Well, I think Cadence should be able to help you with that. She knows all about servicing the community.”
It was the bitchiest, snarkiest thing my mom had ever said. I wanted to slap her.
Avery didn’t miss a beat. “I was planning on asking her if she wanted to help me with an upcoming project. Would you let her?”
“I’ll have to ask her father, but I don’t see why not. Keep her busy doing something good.”
It’s like I was totally not standing right there in front of them.
“Well, thanks for considering it, Mrs. Miller.” Avery looked behind her at the church doors. “We should probably get going.”
“Okay. You girls have a nice time, and Cadence?”
“Hmm?”
“Be on your best behavior.”
Suddenly I’m a loose cannon. What the hell? Did she think I was sneaking in a flask of whisky or something? Did she think I was planning to disrupt the meeting with a striptease? What on earth was wrong with my mother that she felt the need to treat me like I was a complete idiot?
I nodded and walked away, not bothering to wait for Avery.
“Okay, that was perfect!” Avery squealed when she caught up to me.
“That was bullshit,” I replied. “How could my mother talk to me like that?”
Avery grabbed my arm, forcing me to stop.
“Cadence, listen. First off, you can’t cuss on church property. Second, your mom was being a total bitch to you, okay? But she’s probably gonna let you help out on the next community project with me! Do you understand what that means?”
I grunted.
“It means you’ll be able to go places with me! It means you’ll have responsibilities after school which means you’ll probably get back your driving privileges!”
I didn’t think about that.
“This is amazing!” Avery said. “Now don’t mess it up. You better be an angel at home. I don’t care what your parents say to you or how unfair they treat you. Rise above it.”
“I’m seventeen! Why should I be expected to rise above anything?”
“Because I need you to, that’s why,” Avery said through gritted teeth. “Now slap on a smile and let’s get going.”
“You’re really bossy.”