Chelsea nodded. “That’s true. We probably will make some interesting discoveries.” Since Janelle, who’d been going to the church hosting the camp since birth, thought this was okay, Chelsea decided not to question it either. It really could be a very revealing experiment. And who was she to stand in the way of science, or social science, or whatever kind of weird science a crazy plan like this might fall into?
On Saturday they spent the morning going through each of their own closets, coming up with some items that would contribute to some boring plain Jane outfits for Chelsea as well as some more stylish ones for Janelle’s new look. Janelle had also borrowed some wigs from the drama department.
“Borrowed?” Chelsea questioned as Janelle worked on the drab brown hair that reminded Chelsea a bit of her previous hair color—muddy and dull.
“Actually, I checked them out,” Janelle said. “As part of the hair and makeup crew, I’m allowed to take things home and work on them.”
“Oh.”
“I’ll return them on Monday, then check them out again right before camp.”
“Okay . . .”
“Don’t worry, no one from drama even goes to our youth group or will be at camp, so no one will have the slightest clue as to what I’m up to.” Janelle slipped some glasses with black plastic rims on Chelsea’s face.
“Wow, now that really looks different.”
“And once I do your makeup—”
“What do you plan to do anyway? Give me warts and a hooked nose?”
“No, silly. You’re not supposed to look like the Wicked Witch of the West.” Janelle studied Chelsea closely. “First I’ll tone down your complexion so it looks like you don’t get much sun, then I’ll pale and thin those lips, maybe do something to make your nose a bit less perfect, add a little something to your brow line—”
Chelsea touched her forehead. “You have no idea the pain I went through to get these eyebrows.”
“Well, at least this will only be temporary.”
“That reminds me of something,” Chelsea said. “I told Kate about what we’re doing.”
“Kate, as in soon-to-be stepmom Kate?”
“Yes. She’s my confidante.”
“What did she say?”
“She laughed.”
Janelle looked relieved.
“And she said if I send her a photo of you, she might have some tips for your makeover.”
“My makeover?” Janelle frowned. “Who said anything about a makeover? This is just a theatrical act.”
“Fine.” Chelsea shrugged. “If you don’t want Kate’s help, I’ll just—”
“No, no,” Janelle said quickly. “We should probably take her up on her offer. You can send her my photo.”
Using her phone, Chelsea took some pics of Janelle, then sent them to Kate. “By the way, Kate reminded me to ask you if it would be okay for me to kind of stay with you while she and Dad are on their honeymoon.”
“Of course. That’ll give us even more time to work on this.”
“I told Dad I was fine on my own, but he doesn’t think I’m old enough.”
“Maybe we can use your house to practice our characters in,” Janelle suggested. “I mean, since no one will be around to question us.”
“Great idea.”
They spent a couple of hours just experimenting with makeup, which was both interesting and scary. Chelsea was surprised at how little it took to change a person back from looking hot to not. She was more than eager to wash off the makeup and go back to her “normal” look. Later in the afternoon, after Janelle’s mom took a break from a paper she was working on (she’d returned to school for her master’s degree), it was time to do a little shopping.
“Chelsea is helping me with a makeover,” Janelle explained to her mom as she drove them to Best 4 Less.
“How nice,” Mrs. Parker said with enthusiasm. “Chelsea, we’ve all noticed that you do have a certain sort of panache style. It would be nice of you to share that with Janelle. Especially since, as everyone knows, I’m not terribly talented at that sort of thing.”
“That’s probably because you focus more on your mind than your looks,” Chelsea said, then regretted her words. “I mean that as a compliment, Mrs. Parker. I think brains are a lot more important than appearances. But I guess it’s nice when you can have both.”
Janelle told her mom about Chelsea’s dad’s upcoming marriage and asked if it was okay for Chelsea to stay with them during the honeymoon.
“Of course, we’d love to have you.”
“I’ll probably be at my house a lot of the time,” Chelsea said. “But Dad doesn’t want me sleeping there alone.”
“Of course not. I’d feel the same about Janelle. How exciting that you’re getting a new stepmother.”
Janelle told her about how fashionable Kate was and how she’d helped Chelsea with a makeover.
“Kate sounds like a delightful person. You must feel lucky, Chelsea.”
“She’s pretty cool. Maybe you can get to know her when she moves in with us,” Chelsea said. “I know she’ll want to make some friends.”
At the store, they first looked for some stylish pieces for Janelle. Chelsea could tell she was pushing her friend way beyond her comfort zone, but wasn’t that what this was about? After they’d found some perfect items, they went over to the bargain rack to look for some plain Jane pieces for Chelsea.
“You’re a natural at finding the most practical and boring kinds of clothes,” Chelsea told her as Janelle held up a dull beige sweater for Chelsea to preview in the mirror. “Even with makeup on, this color makes my face look like death warmed over.”
Janelle laughed. “Perfect.”
“These are just the kinds of things that Kate told me to avoid.”
“See, I’m really good at this.”
They’d just gone into the changing area again when Chelsea got a text from Kate. “She’s got some suggestions,” Chelsea said from her fitting room.
“Such as?” Janelle was right next to her.
“She agrees with my hair direction. She also says you need to get your eyebrows done professionally. She’s going to research some recommendations for you.”
“But that’s permanent.”
Chelsea thought about this. “Yes, but you’ll probably like it. You can make an appointment for right after school on Friday so no one sees it before camp.”
“Okay.”
“And there are some other things. Do you want me to text her back with the green light to go ahead and make your appointments if she finds some places?”
“I guess so. But it’ll all have to be that Friday afternoon.”
“I’ll let her know.”
Finally, with their purchases made, they were riding back home with Chelsea’s dad. “Did you girls have fun shopping?” he asked.
They both chimed out a yes.
“Hopefully it didn’t set me back too much.”
“I actually shopped the clearance rack,” Chelsea told him.
“Really?” He sounded slightly concerned. “Hopefully Kate won’t think she failed you.”
Chelsea laughed. “Just some casual clothes for camp,” she said. “Don’t worry.”
“And that camp happens while Kate and I are still in Hawaii?”
“That’s right.”
“But you’ll make sure I have all the phone numbers and info, right?”
“Yes, Dad.” She rolled her eyes at Janelle.
“Well, you have to admit that it’s a little odd for a father to be leaving his daughter home alone while he goes on his honeymoon.”
“Would you rather take me along with you?”
He chuckled. “No, probably not.”
“We’ll keep a good eye on her,” Janelle assured him.
“I appreciate that.” He sighed. “I can’t believe the big day is just one week away.”
The next week passed in a kind of blur. Between school, drama responsibilities, Dayton’s pressures
to commit to a serious dating relationship, preparing for their camp charade, and getting ready for the wedding, Chelsea felt slightly dizzy by Thursday.
“I can’t believe you’re missing homecoming this weekend,” Dayton said for what seemed like the hundredth time. “Who will I dance with on Saturday night?”
Chelsea nodded over to where Riley was sitting with her group of friends. “I can think of a few options.”
“You really want me to do that to you?” Dayton demanded.
She shrugged. “Like I keep telling you, Dayton, I really don’t want to get serious. You’re wasting your time on me.”
He looked disappointed.
“If you want to step aside, there are others who would gladly step in,” Chase said to Dayton.
Dayton gave him a smoldering look.
“Just kidding, man.” Chase held up his hands.
“By the way,” Chelsea said, “good luck at the game tomorrow night.”
“Why are you telling me that now?” Dayton asked.
“Remember? Dad and I are flying out tonight. I won’t be at school tomorrow.”
He shook his head. “Running out on me in my hour of need.”
She smiled sympathetically and patted his hand. As she did, she caught Nicholas giving her a disapproving look. “You’ll do fine without me for a few days.”
“Hey.” Chase pulled one of the fall camp flyers from his pocket. “I almost forgot. Tomorrow’s the deadline for fall camp, Chelsea. Are you signed up yet?”
Chelsea glanced at Janelle.
“As a matter of fact, Chelsea isn’t going,” Janelle told him. “And neither am I.”
“Why not?” Chase frowned.
“We have other plans,” Janelle said nonchalantly.
“But it’s a great camp.” He turned to Chelsea. “It’s the coolest place, down by Monterey.”
“Sorry.” Chelsea held up her hands helplessly.
“We already promised to spend the weekend with my aunt in San Francisco,” Janelle said. “She’s taking us to a musical on Saturday, and then we’ll do shopping and eat at some cool restaurants . . . lots of fun stuff.”
“And I’ve never seen San Francisco,” Chelsea said. At least that was true.
“But camp is fun,” Chase said a bit meekly.
Dayton laughed. “Let’s see, if I had to choose between church camp and a weekend in San Francisco . . . hmm, I don’t know . . .”
“It will be fun,” Lishia insisted. “I’m going.”
“If you say so,” Dayton said in a teasing tone.
“It probably would be fun,” Chelsea said quickly. “Maybe next year.”
“Come on, Chelsea.” Dayton grabbed her by the hand. “Something I want to show you.”
“But I’m not done with—”
“Oh, come on. It’ll only take a few minutes.”
Chelsea didn’t want to go, but she didn’t want to make a fuss. She allowed Dayton to pull her away, but as they were leaving she noticed that Nicholas was still watching . . . and frowning.
As it turned out, Dayton wanted to show her the trophy case where they’d just put the photo of this year’s football team. At least that was what he said he wanted to show her. But once they were there, hidden in the shadowy part of the hallway, he pulled her close to him. “Oh, Chelsea,” he said, his breath coming directly into her face, “can’t you see how crazy you’re making me?”
“Crazy?” His grip felt tight on her arms, so tight it almost hurt.
“Stringing me along like this, playing hard to get . . . Can’t you see it just makes me want you even more?” He moved closer to her. “Please, Chelsea, give me a break,” he whispered. “I want you, girl, more than I’ve ever wanted anything.” He leaned toward her like he was about to kiss her, but she turned her head and his lips brushed her cheek.
“Please, Dayton,” she whispered back, “you’re hurting my arms.”
“Fine.” He let her go and she nearly fell backward. “But don’t expect me to keep waiting for you!”
“I don’t, Dayton.” She looked directly into his eyes. “I’ve told you from the start that I could only offer you my friendship.”
His face darkened with anger, then he swore and stormed away. For a moment she felt terrible, like she really was guilty of leading him on, but then she just felt relieved. At least now it would be over.
“Looks like I was right.”
Chelsea turned to see Janelle, her arms folded across her front. “Right about what?”
“Dayton. He turned out to be a jerk, right?”
Chelsea shrugged. “Did you follow us here?”
Janelle shrugged. “Some of your friends were worried.”
“Worried?”
“You know, that Dayton was dragging you off to have his way with you.”
Chelsea laughed. “And they sent Baby Face to defend my honor?”
Janelle laughed too. “I guess so.”
As Chelsea waited for Dad to pick her up after school, she couldn’t help but wonder if Janelle or the others had had reason to be worried when Dayton pulled his macho He-Man routine. What if she had been somewhere with no one else around? The truth was she had felt frightened by him. His anger and frustration had been palpable. Even now, her arms hurt from how hard he’d squeezed, and she suspected he’d left marks. She wondered if he’d ever pulled something like that on Riley. If so, was that why Riley had broken up with him?
Too many questions . . . not enough answers.
Fortunately, Dad arrived, and before long they were so focused on catching their flight and the wedding plans and practicing “Do You Know the Way to San Jose?” and so many other things that she soon forgot about poor Dayton and his unrealistic demands. A few days away from him and everyone and everything else in San Jose would be welcome!
There was something refreshing about being with adults again. It was odd, since for so many years Chelsea had totally resented the way she was always stuck in grown-up social situations instead of spending time with her own peers. Of course, that had simply been one of the many consequences of being a wallflower. But it felt familiar and comfortable now.
Being around Dad and Kate and their friends on Friday, going to the bridal shower that evening and a bridesmaid breakfast on Saturday morning—well, it all felt kind of relaxed and easy and fun. Quite a contrast to what Chelsea had been through recently, with her attempts to adjust to her new image, new friends, and a new school. Compared to that, this was a piece of cake—wedding cake.
The wedding ceremony was small and intimate. The chapel with stained-glass windows, the violin and cello, white roses, and creamy white satin—very romantic. So much so that Chelsea imagined that she might someday want a wedding similar to this one. Seeing Dad and Kate standing before the minister with tears in their eyes as they exchanged vows and rings made Chelsea cry too. It was sweet and wonderful, and she was happy for them.
The reception, held in a downtown hotel ballroom, was larger than the wedding and more lively and fun. Chelsea, still pretending she was an adult, enjoyed dancing with some of the guests and drinking her faux champagne as they toasted the newlyweds.
Before the party ended, Dad and Chelsea, with the background music of a borrowed karaoke CD, sang “Do You Know the Way to San Jose?” Everyone laughed and clapped, and Kate hugged them both. “That was absolutely beautiful!” She kissed Chelsea on both cheeks. “Thank you so much, darling. Thank you for allowing me into your life. And thank you for sharing your dad with me.”
Chelsea was crying again. “Thank you too, Kate. I’m so glad you’re part of our family now. I really need you in my life.”
Dad hugged and kissed her, saying all the things he probably thought she wanted to hear, like she was still his number one girl and that sort of fatherly thing. But she forgave him for it. She knew his heart was in the right place. She also knew that, as much as she loved Kate and Dad and wanted the best for them, she was no longer Dad’s number one girl. That was i
mpossible.
Finally the happy couple told everyone goodbye and departed for their honeymoon. The plan was for them to ride the limo to the airport, where they would board an all-night flight that would land them, pleasantly exhausted, in Maui early in the morning tomorrow. Meanwhile Chelsea would go home with Kate’s mom, Margie, where she would spend the night. Tomorrow morning, Margie would deliver Chelsea to the airport to catch a flight back to San Jose, where Janelle and her mom had promised to pick up Chelsea around noon.
Chelsea knew she should be delighted that all the wedding festivities had gone so smoothly—they were hitched without a hitch. Right now she should be relieved that Dad and Kate were on their flight and safely on their way. Yet she felt inexplicably sad and lonely as she climbed into the squeaky bed in Margie’s musty-smelling guest room that night.
Chelsea closed her eyes and knew that, without God to talk to right now, she probably would be crying herself to sleep. As it was, she still felt a large, hard lump in her throat, and keeping the tears at bay was a challenge. So she prayed for strength.
On the way home from the airport, Janelle filled Chelsea in on the latest happenings at their school. Riley Atkins had lost the homecoming queen crown to one of her best friends. “Although I’m sure Vanessa Renaldo can consider herself an ex-friend now. No one even knows how she won since Vanessa is even snootier than Riley.”
“I feel sorry for Riley,” Chelsea said.
“So do I,” Mrs. Parker said.
Janelle rolled her eyes.
To change the subject and to fill in the empty air, Chelsea told them about the wedding, yapping on and on until they were home. “I’m going to go to my house for a while,” she said, “just to do homework and stuff.”
“Feel free to come over whenever you like,” Mrs. Parker said. “Dinner’s at seven.”
“You don’t really have to come to dinner unless you want to,” Janelle told her as she and Chelsea walked next door. “I wouldn’t if I were you.”
“I think dinner with a family sounds fun.”
Again Janelle rolled her eyes. Then she told Chelsea about her latest plans for camp next weekend. “I got us a room to ourselves.”
“How?”
Jerk Magnet, The (Life at Kingston High Book #1) Page 14
