The Hourglass Door by Lisa Mangum

Author:Lisa Mangum
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Fiction, Romance, Interpersonal Relations, High Schools, Schools, Good and Evil
ISBN: 9781606416792
Publisher: Deseret Book Co
Published: 2010-01-01T05:00:00+00:00

“Okay, everyone,” Dave said into the headset mike, “I’m starting to think we might just pull this off. See you all tomorrow. Don’t be late!” As the crew and cast dispersed into the wings to change and clean up, I caught a glimpse of Valerie cornering Amanda, her eyes flashing with anger, her hands balled into fists on her hips.

I rushed onstage, arriving in time to hear Valerie say, “I don’t care. You have to fix it.”

“I’m sorry,” Amanda said, “but there’s no time left—”

“And how is that my fault?” Valerie snapped.

Amanda blinked. “It’s not, but—”

“Then stop making excuses and fix it.”

“What’s the problem?” I asked.

Valerie turned on me and I had to force myself to resist retreating a step. I’d noticed some changes in her appearance over the past few weeks, but since we’d both been avoiding each other, I guess I hadn’t been prepared to see those changes up close.

Dark circles ringed her foggy, clouded eyes. Her hair hung straight and flat down her back, stripped of its usual bounce and curl. The stage lights cut harsh angles along her face, making her look older, harder, meaner.

“Amanda’s says I’m too fat to wear her blasted costume.”

“I didn’t say that,” Amanda stammered.

Valerie withered her with a look.

“It’s okay, Amanda,” I said, touching her arm.

She took the hint and ran with it as I had hoped. Literally. She was gone before the door finished swinging shut.

“What’s your problem, Valerie?” I demanded.

“Why is everything suddenly my problem?” she snapped. “Amanda must have done something to my costume because it doesn’t fit right anymore and she’s refusing to fix it. It’s like she wants me to look terrible on opening night. I bet she and all her stupid friends are looking forward to laughing at me when I have to waddle out on stage in this costume that’s too small for me. I bet—”

“Stop,” I said, holding up my hand. “Just . . . stop, okay? You’re not fat and Amanda didn’t do anything to your costume.”

Valerie flung her hair back over her shoulder, crossing her arms and tapping her long fingernails on her elbow. “I should have known you’d take her side. I thought we were friends, Abby. I guess I was wrong.” She shook her head. “And to think of the years I’ve wasted on you.”

I felt like I’d been punched in the stomach. Where was this venom coming from? Where had my best friend gone? Was she even still in there underneath all that paranoia and suspicion?

“You’ve changed,” I said, my voice steady and firm. “This isn’t you. I’ll talk to you later.” I turned to walk away, my hands shaking.

Valerie laughed harshly. “You think I’ve changed?” She grabbed my arm and spun me around. “Take a good look at yourself, Abby.”

“What do you mean? I haven’t changed.”

“That’s my point. You’re still meek little Abby, dutifully following the rules like a good girl. You’ve never had any drive or ambition or dreams. Honestly, Abby, what did we ever have

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