Wraithsong

  Part of me wants to accept another boy’s invitation just so I don’t have to be so alone and focus on Anthony with his date all night. “If I said yes to one of the guys who asked me—” I let my voice trail off as I rummage through the dresses.

  “What do you mean you would say yes? Just so you could make Anthony jealous?”

  I know it sounds bad, but I still nod.

  “Seriously?” Her expression turns judgmental. “Sonia, you know I love you, right?”

  “Yes.” I feel a lecture coming on.

  “That suggestion is just cruel.”

  “How cruel?”

  “Think of it like this. If Anthony went to the prom with you just so he could be close to another girl he liked better than you—”

  I interrupt her. “Okay, okay, I see what you mean. I’m ashamed.”

  Ashley laughs. “Good, at least you have some sense of conscience, though you are a little selfish sometimes.”

  I frown, wishing I wasn’t that way, but I know she’s right—especially lately. Things have just gotten to be so confusing, and my relationship with my mom has become extremely challenging. My mom and I have a very open relationship, or so I thought, and now I just think she’s been keeping way too many secrets, and it’s probably way worse than I suspected. I’m almost eighteen—practically an adult; I have the right to go to the prom. I look at Ashley.

  “What?” she says.

  I throw my head back and sigh. “Sometimes I just wish I was someone else.”

  “All girls do at some point, I’m sure. If you really want me to cover for you and you go with one of the guys, I’ll do it.”

  I consider it for a moment, but decide against it. “No, you’re right, it would be extremely cruel.”