“We’ll look it up honey, and it shouldn’t take you too long to save up for a new one. Besides, I’m sure Bridget would be willing to pick you up today for school, give her a call,” he suggested.

“I suppose. Or maybe even Vik could—”

“I’m sure Bridget could!” he interrupted. With a grimace, he continued, “Sorry, honey, I like the kid and all, but I just don’t like that moped of his. Bridget’s car is much safer.”

“Dad, this is Portsmouth,” I retorted. “What are we going to hit, the curb?”

“Please, honey?” he begged.

I sighed. “Fine, Dad, I’ll call Bree first. But I’m sixteen you know!”

“I know, sweetie, and I just want to make sure you make it to seventeen,” he admitted with a sheepish grin. “Have a good day at school?”

“Sure, whatever. Have a good day, Dad.”

He headed down the stairs, and I closed my door. It was already 7:35 a.m. Class started at 8:25 a.m., but I still had to call Bree.

Crap.

I pulled some undies, a bra and socks out of my bureau. The bra and socks were white but the underwear was pink with the word ‘FLIRT’ over the rear. They were so embarrassing, but Mom had found them on sale. It was a little mortifying that my mom still bought clothes for me. I was always her little dress up doll, and I guess old habits die hard. Besides, it wasn’t like Mom didn’t have an eye for fashion—at least when it came to outerwear. For panties, however… well, it wasn’t like anyone was actually going to see them. And just then I was glad to have them since I’d forgotten to do the laundry. Again. Tonight, I thought to myself. I’ll totally get it done tonight.

I pulled them on, and dove for my Gap skinny jeans that were on the floor. I’d only worn them just this weekend, they were still good to go.

I grabbed my cellphone off the charger, and pulled Bree up in my contacts—I really needed to remember to ask Vik to add her to my quick dials for me. I’d had the phone since the first week of school, almost a month ago, but I kept forgetting, and my efforts to try to figure it out on my own had been laughable. Technology and I really just didn’t get along.

It rang once, twice, three, four times and then Bree finally picked up.

“…S’up?” she mumbled.

“Oh god, are you still asleep?” I demanded.

“Five more minutes, s’okay—”

“Bree, look, I need you to pick me up. My car’s still not working,” I said as I searched my closet for a shirt to wear.