Sweetie Pie & Rebel Girl

"Penelope Applebottom, What do you think you are doing?"

I whirled around to find my 'rentals standing in the hallway. Anger flared through me filling me.

"THAT'S NOT MY NAME!" I screamed. "IT'S JULIA!" I turned and flung the pretty double doors that stood as are front doors and stormed out. Behind me I heard Mom scream for me to come back inside right this instant. I kept walking. Then I heard her yell that if I took one more step I would be grounded for life. I turned around grinning wickedly, then took one step backwards. Then whirled around and took of running. I ran until I reached the old oak tree deep in the woods. I leaned against the trees closed my eyes and became lost in my thoughts. I was Julia Lee Andrews. Nobody could change that. I might have been adopted by then when I was five but that did not make mePenelope Applebottom. I never have been or will be her. I kept my given name. They said I shouldn't because I had a family now. They adopted me thinking I would make their little fantasy dream come true. Well, they were wrong I didn't even look like them I had Blonde hair and jade green eyes. I had turned into nothing but a rebel living with them. Heck, that's how I got my nickname 'little rebel'. Gosh, it's cold out here why did I wear nothing but a air of dark skinny jeans, a taylor swift t-shirt, my northface jacket, and my uggs? I fell asleep thinking that. I awoke startled to a ringing sound. I relaxed when I realized that it was just my phone ringing for a text message. I flipped it open to see a text from Jay ,some dude who has a huge crush on me, it said: Where are you? Thought u wre comin 2 party."

Crap I was suppose to be at a party with my friends. O well guess I missed it. I got up and stretched, then started walking back to the house. When I got there I tiptoed inside. I walked calmly up the stairs. I was half way down the hall to my room when I heard someone say "So, you decided to come back?" My heart skipped a beat. Crap! I thought. I'm caught. I turned around and to my relief I turned around to see my butler John standing in the hallway. "Holy crap!" I said. " I thought I was about to be fussed at. Don't you do that!" John had be my butler since I was adopted. I had scared all the Nanny's away. John was the only person who could handle me. He was 39 years old. He was 6 feet tall. He had gray, thinning hair and green eyes not like mine though. He was more like a dad to me than my adopted father. He followed me the rest of the way to my room. When I had settled myself in my overstuffed purple chair he said. " Do you want me to reheat your dinner? They had lobster."

I turned to him and said. " No, I would like normal food. Maybe some Mac and Cheese?"

He smiled and said " I'll fix it right away, Miss Julia."

I rolled my eyes as he walked out of the room. Then I pulled myself up out of my chair. I walked over to my closet. I sighed as I opened the door. It was now or never. I dropped to my knees in front of the little box I had shoved into the corner This box contained a bunch of different sheets of paper. Paper that could tell me about my past. No, don't even think for second that the rents gave me the box and told me it was something I should look at. I took it from their huge walk-in closet. They would have kept it from me. Gosh why was I stalling. I reached for the box before I could change my mind and opened it. On the top lay a picture of me in the orphanage at age 5 or so the back said. I was short, wearing a pink flowery dress, little white shoes, and the locket hung around my neck. As I looked at this picture my hand made its way up to the locket that hung around my neck. The locket with the poem inside that said "We will always have each other." I never got it. Putting that thought aside I pulled the picture out of the box. Underneath it lay my birth certificate. I pulled it out and skimmed it until I saw the part that said Mom: Lilly Hayes Andrews. So that was my moms name. Why are there papers under it? I looked down and pulled out the one on top. I said Child's Name: Julia Lee Andrews, Adopted Parents Name: Gwen and James Applebottom. The under it another Child's Name was there it said "Bella Lillian Andrews".

Below that it had no parents name it just had adopted. I slowly put the papers back into the box. Got up, closed the closet door, and set in my computer chair. I grabbed the mouse and pulled up the internet. I navigated to Google.com and typed in Bella Lillian Andrews. I looked at all of the backgrounds on people. I finally came up with a girl who had two last names. I read the information about her and even checked the description of what she looked like. This is her, I thought, I found her. It listed her e-mail address as "jinglebells@yahoo. com. I wrote that down on my sticky note pad and then logged into my email address "rebelgirl@yahoo. com. I typed in her e-mail and sent a simple message that said "Hey". If she replied I would try to find more about her. Then John came back in the room. He sat the food in front of me and left. I picked at the food and then decided to go to sleep. I put on my purple silk pajamas and the climbed into my huge, fluffy bed. I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. I woke up to the light being turned on in my room. "Oh." my mother said. "I didn't know you were in here." I just climbed out of bed ignoring her and walked into my walk-in closet. I started to look through my clothes until I came upon a pair of jeans and a black shirt with a red heart in the middle. I pulled a brush through my hair, and put on eyeliner and mascara. Then I walked down the grand spiral staircase and into the kitchen. I opened the pantry and took out a granola bar. Only then did I glance at the clock. It read 2:00. I slept that late? No way. I checked my phone and saw a message from Lilly, my best friend, It said "Meet me at the mall in twenty, big news! :)" Then I realized that she had sent it just now. I ran to the door, grabbed my shoes and jacket, put them on, and called the limo at the same time. A new record. I rode in silence all the way to the mall. When I got there I headed straight to the food court were I knew she would be waiting. When I rounded the corner and caught sight of her she looked like she was about to explode. I walked up to her and didn't even get to say hi before she burst into speech. "Omg, you will never believe who asked me out, Max did, can you believe it, I said yes of course you know how long I have been waiting for him to, Oh and I think Jay might ask you out,..." She went on. I nodded and smiled in the right places until she said Jay and then I shook my head. She nodded in agreement. Then she glanced at her watch and said. " Oh I have to go meet Max. Bye!" Then she got up and rushed out. I smiled as I started walking out, then frowned when I remebered Jay. Jay was nice and all but I just didnt like him that way. I have left him hints all the time that I don't like him but he just doesn't listen. I shook my head as I climbed into the car. I told the driver to take me home. He nodded and then started talking about the weather. I wasn't really listening. I got out of the car and entered the house. I climbed the stairs and then went into my room. I stopped when I saw my computer. I ran over, sat in the chair and logged on to my e-mail. I had one new message it said. "Do I know you." I clicked the reply button and then typed "Yes you do." I clicked send and then logged off. I hung around the house for thirty minutes doing nothing really. Then I decided that had been enough time for her to reply. I took the stairs two at a time. I logged on to my e-mail. I said 1 new message. I opened it. It said "What is your name and how?" and "Are you my cousin from England?" I laughed out loud then clicked reply. I typed " My names Julia and we knew each other when we were little ask your mom. And no I don't live in England" Then I clicked send. I logged of and then signed into my I.M. account. It told me that Bella was on. Before I could reply she sent me a message. The conversation went like this:

Bella: Hi Julia it's Bella

Julia: Oh hey

Bella: sup?

Julia: In my room, in my house, in my state. You?

Bella: Nm... just came home from... nvm

Julia: Nevermind ooh sound fun!

Bella: yeah, it... was

Julia: Are you going to get in trouble?

Bella: No

Julia: Okay.... so where do you live?

Bella: I'm not supposed to tell any one that but i live in Canada

Julia: Where in Canada?

Bella: In BC actually
where do you live?

Julia: I live in Edenton, North Carolina

Bella: wow. we live really far apart!!!

Julia: Yea but I own a Jet so not too far for me

Bella: omg, u own a jet?!

Julia: Yea and a mansion. DOnt you?

Bella: no... i live in a sorta small house

Julia: O I didn't know. So have you figured out how you know me?

Bella: no
how DO i know you?

Julia: Umm I'm not sure if I should tell you. Did you ask your mom?

Bella: no...

Julia: Well, you really should by the way my names Julia Lee Andrews so mention it to your mom okay? Now i gtg the rents are coming! BYe!

I turned around to see my mom come in. She had a smile plastered on her face. This had to be good. I turned to her innocently and said "Yes, mom?" "Could you please come to the living room your father and I would like to talk to you." She said tightly. I just nodded. She turned and walked briskly out of my room. I stood up grabbed my ipod off my desk and put the earphones in. I turned the song "Grenade" on full blast. I walked down the stairs slowly. When i reached the living room I plopped down on the couch. My mother reached over and yanked the earphones out. She frowned. "That is very impolite." I just looked at her, then she decided to continue. "Have you seen a box. Its medium sized and it says your name on the top. It seems to be missing out of our closet." I paused and pretended to think about it. "Hmm, let's see medium sized, name on top, it doesn't ring a bell... wait, you mean the one that contains info about the sister you never told me I had!" I hadn't realized it but my voice had escalated to screaming level. I saw John take a step forward, getting ready to calm me down. I shook my head at him. My mom looked at me and sighed then said. "It was better for the both of you. We decided." I jumped to my feet. "You mean you decided! You wanted to have a perfect family! One that I can't even pretend we have!" I turned on my heels, and saw John follow me out of the room and up the stairs. Once in my room I turned to him and smiled. "Prepare the jet but don't tell the 'rents. We are going to give someone a surprise visit." Then I turned and marched to my closet. I pulled out my pink zebra striped suitcase. I packed some clothes. I wrote a note to my mom saying that I was spending the night atLilly's house. I signed it, put on my jacket grabbed my suitcase, and snuck downstairs and out the door. I threw my suitcase into the trunk of the car, and then jumped into it. I told the driver to take me to our Jet and not to tell my mother were I was going. I saw John was in the seat next to the driver. He winked and then faced forward. I understood then, that he was not going to let me go to a different country by myself. I was silent for the car ride. I boarded the jet and then gave all of the workers orders not to tell my parents they saw me. I sat down on the leather seat and relaxed. It was going to be a long ride to Canada. Okay so I didn't exactly go straight to Canada. Instead I had stopped in New York to see my friend Jane. Me and Jane had been friends since we were six. We had lived in the same area up until two weeks after my thirteenth birthday. Jane and I have still kept in touch. So I am now riding in a taxi to her mansion. We pull in to the huge driveway. Her house is brick with a pond in front of it. As soon as I got out of the car she came running down the steps. We stood there and hugged for what seemed like for ever. Finally, she released me, and turned to lead me into the house. I motioned for John to follow me. He picked up my suitcase and did. By the time I caught up with Jane she was talking full blast. She was saying things like: "Omg, we are going to have so much fun shopping." and We can go get mani/pedi's" or " Oh, I can't wait for you to meet my boyfriend, James, and my award winning dogs." I just smiled and shook my head glad to finally feel like things were back to normal at least for a little bit anyway. I was so lost in my joy that I didn't hear Jane talking until she said. "Aren't you going to answer your phone?" I looked down at my phone before going "Oh, yeah." I braced myself for getting yelled at by my mom. "Yellow? Julia speaking" I said casually. I heard the laughing on the other line and immediately knew who it was. I smiled as Grandpa said. "Is that a new smart mouth greeting I hear?" I turned red ashamed. "Sorry, I really am. I thought it was Mom about to chew me out for leaving." My Grandpa sighed. "Yes I heard about that. Your not really at Lilly's house are you?" I frowned even though he couldn't see me. "How do you always know these things?" He chuckled. "I just know you my dear. Now really were are you? I promise not to tell." I smiled and said in a small voice. "New York with Jane....." Before I could continue he said. "Tell her I say hi. Now how long do you plan on staying in New York? Because.." I interrupted him. "Grandpa I am staying for two days in New York, but then I have somewhere else to go. Before you say where let me finish. I am going to Canada because I have to meet someone. This someone is the sister that my parents kept from me and I found on my own snooping. I just have to meet her don't you understand? Please don't think I've lost it and please don't tell them." There was silence on the other end of the phone. " Well, that is alot to take in. I'll give you three days to meet this young lady. Then If you have not by then I will tell your parents were you are. Until then I bid you goodbye, my dear Julia Lee." I smiled and said "bye" before I hung up. My Grandpa was like my old person best friend. He would always listen and see my point of view as reasonable. He also always seemed to know when I was lying but he had never ratted me out. I could trust him with my secret. My phone buzzed and this time I really thought it was my mom. Turns out it was a text. I was from Tyler. It said: Hey, wanna go out saturday? Just you and me? I grinned. I texted back yes quickly. I had waited a year for Tyler to ask me out. Also, saturday was a while away. Almost a whole week because today was Monday and of course he meant next Saturday. I looked up to see Jane enter the room again. She was walking a boxer on a leash. 'What's his name? He's so pretty." She beamed with pride. "Bo is his home name but his show name is Bonapard." I bent down and petted him for a while. Finally she said. " Come on, I want to show you someone." I followed her outside and across the lawn to the dog kennel. After putting Bo up she led me to a cage that held a black and orange welsh corgi. She smiled. "I've been saving this one just for you." I stood up stunned. "You mean he's mine?" I asked excitedly. She smiled and nodded. "As long as you can take him." I was nodding before she even finished talking. " His name is now Remi short for Remington." I bent down and petted him. We stayed in the kennel until it was time for a late dinner. We had escargot. It really is not as nasty as it sounds. I kind of taste like chicken. Dinner was finished at ten. After i climbed the stairs to the guest bedroom. I logged onto my e-mail and was tempted to send Bella a message but i decided not to. I mean I would see her in a few days anyway. Instead I dressed for bed in a cami and some sophie shorts. I brushed me teeth and then turned the lights off. I fell asleep quick. I woke up the next day and the first thing I did was log onto my e-mail. I decided to send a e-mail to Bella. I typed: Hey, I haven't talked to you in a while. Have you asked your mom about me. But I want you to ask this. Can you ask your mom if I can come visit you guys. I haven't seen her in forever or so my mom says. See ya, Julia Lee.

I clicked send and logged off. I didn't really mean any of that but I will probably get her to ask her mom. I stumbled sleepily out of the room. My mind may have been awake but my body wasn't. I walked to Jane's room and plopped down on the bed. She sat up and yawned. "Good morning sleepy." I said in a muffled voice. This was from laying on the bed face down. She smiled and rubbed her eyes. "Shut up, j-lee." I laughed. J-lee was my nickname. Lately only my grandpa and Jane called me that. My mother called me Julia and sometimes Juliet when she thought I was being dramatic. I made fun of Jane until she rolled out of bed. Then I went back to my room to get ready when I was sure she was awake. I walked into the huge black marble bathroom that was connected to my room. I jumped in the shower. After i had towel dried my hair. I unzipped my suitcase. I chose a random pair of my flair jeans and my v-neck blue and white striped sweater with a white tank under it. I walked back in the bathroom and plugged in my hair-dryer and straightener. Next, I put on some mascara and eye-liner. Then I walked down to then kitchen. I sat at the counter and asked the cook for two omelets with green peppers, cheese, bacon, sausage, and ham. She smiled and said yes ma'am to me in japanese. I speak italian,spanish, japanese,chinese, french, and some other languages. I sat and waited for Jane to come down. She finally got down, sat beside me, and asked if I had ordered her a omelet. I was nodding before she had finished. Then she told the butler to please get us cofee with two creams, and three sugars. I smiled and laughed me and Jane know each other like the back of our hands. We always had eaten breakfast together always the same thing. I smiled happily as we ate our breakfast. After that we headed to the mall. I got a new silk scarf. I even got something for Bella. It was a necklace with a snowflake on it and some 9 karat got studs. I didn't know if her ears were pierced but I thought they were cute so I bought them anyway. We ate dinner a six. I had just a salad. I was to nervous to eat much. After dinner I went upstairs to pack. I was done packing by eight. I carried all my luggage downstairs and went to say goodbye to Jane. She was waiting at the bottom, smiling sadly. She hugged me really tight. I felt a lump come in my throat. It was so hard to leave Jane again and again. We I pulled back we both had tears in our eyes. I laughed at our silliness. She laughed right with me. "Come on let's get you to your plane." We walked out and got in the limo. I had decided to take a actual plane instead of my private jet. I told Jane it was so my parents couldn't trace me. It was really because I was buying myself time. I was so nervous and I had to come at the right time when her mom and her were home. I didn't know what I was going to say. I boarded the plane. I still had no idea what to say. I dozed off. I woke up when we landed. I remember foggily getting into the taxi and pulling up to the hotel. I got upstairs, changed and fell asleep immediately. When I woke up it was saturday. My phone had woken me up when it chimed at eight. It was my phone that had woken me up it was from Tyler. The text said: Hey can't wait for our date." O crap our date I texted back: Hey! I can't come tonight I had to go out of town for a fam emergency. Please forgive me. I'm so sorry." He replied:Okay I understand. Maybe next week but I'll call you l8er i gtg bye. I felt so bad how could I have forgotten. I got up and stretched. Ugh stupid jet lag. I heard a knock on the door and skipped to answer it. John stood there smiling. "Heyyy" I said smiling. "Did you get everything straight." He nodded then walked past me and sat in a computer chair. "Of course, You questioning my ability to do by job. I even got the girls address all ready and a ride there. Once your ready we'll leave." He got up patted me on the head and left. I grumbled as I shut the door. He petted me on the head because he knew I hated it. I got in the shower and let hot water run over me for awhile and then washed my hair. I got out and put my robe on. Then I blow dried my hair and and straightened it. It didn't cooperate and did this weird flip thing so I pulled it up in a ponytail. I then put on jeans and a my tie-die shirt. I loved the shirt but didn't get to wear it often. Next I pulled on my ugg boots and tucked my jeans in. Then I put on some eyeliner and mascara. That's all I ever really wear in the makeup department. This entourage took me about a hour and a half so it was 9:40 when I went downstairs to the breakfast buffet. I ate pancakes and sausage. I'm a really slow eater so it was 10:30 when I was done eating. I sighed and got back in the elevator and went to my room. I pulled on my white jacket then headed for the door. I walked slowly down the hall to John's room. I was making a game with myself. like "Okay if I only step on the blue flowers Bella will except me." and "If I double jump on the pink dot Bella won't freak and she'll listen." I did this all the way to his room. When i got there we walked to the elevator and rode in silence. It was silent the whole way to her house. When we got there I just noticed the house was smallish like she said but I didn't pay much attention to all the details. I walked slowly up the driveway to her house. I took a deep breath, looked at John, put a smile on my face, and then rang the doorbell. As I heard it ring all I could think was I'm gonna puke. I heard the door open and looked up to see a girl with sandy brown hair and blue eyes answering the door, she was wearing her pjs. "hi.." she said. "Um, Hello I'm Julia Lee Andrews."I smiled weakly. The girl gasped. " Is your mom home?" I said a little braver. "No,well,um.... No, I don't think so... I,uh,I just woke up..." She laughed weakly. "Oh, um well, wait you are Bella right?" I frowned. "Well, can I come in. I have something to tell you and I think it might be best if you sit down." I nervously looked at her. She nodded and led me to a tiny light blue room with a bed jammed against one wall and a closet on the other side. She told me to sit down. I sat on the edge of the bed for a minute and the got up. When I did she sat down. I started pacing as much as I could in that small room. I was trying to decide the best way to say it. Then It all burst out of me. "Okay, there's no easy way to tell you this but I'm adopted and so are you and we are sisters." I stopped and faced her. She looks at me and says "Get out of my house." I tried not to let the hurt and rejection show as I said. "Okay.." then I turned and started to walk out of the room. I mean what had I expected for her to do? Jump up and hug me? smile and say okay? I mean I just thought she would listen. I thought anything but this would happen. I felt a tug on my arm. She says "I'm so sorry. That was a mistake. I should give you time to explain before jumping to conclusions like that." I stop her and smile. "Yea I was pretty freaked out too." Bella sits down sadly and says "so, I'm adopted, huh?" I smile sadly and say. "We both are." She burst into tears. I sat down beside her and hug her shoulders. "Who's my real mom?" She whispers. "I have a name but no face." She nods and say. "So what are we going to do?" I smile even though she's not looking and say. "The first step is, we need to talk to your mom." I heard her sniff. "Talk to my mom? I can't do that. She'd flip. For many reasons. One of which I let a strange girl I met on the internet into my house." "She needs to know. You can tell her I opened the door and barged in if it helps." She laughs. "No I'll just tell her the truth." She wiped her nose on her shirt. I try not to let her see me grimace. I laugh. "Okay, wait, when did I become strange I'll have you know I am perfectly normal on the days I'm not telling someone we're related." This made her laugh. "She'll find you strange, Julia Lee Andrews. So, what's my real name?" I laugh. "Don't worry it doesn't change much. Your name is Bella Lillian Andrews." Curiosity got the better of me. "So what was your name before I barged in here?" "Bella Louise. No middle name." I smile. " No offense but I like the Andrews last name and now you have a middle name!"

"Guess so!"

"So..." I say lost at what to say. Rather abruptly she says. "I'm hungry." I get up and follow her down to the kitchen. I excuse myself to go make a phone call. I dialed my grandpa. As soon as he say's hello I start talking. "I found her! She listened! We still have to talk to her mom though. She listened and She believes me. So I'm going to be staying longer. I'm not sure how long though. So, yea just wanted to keep you informed." He laughs. "Julia Lee, you have to stop ranting. I understand. I will deal with you mom. I must go though. Goodbye." "Adios." I say as I hang up. I turn around open Bella's front door and walk back to the kitchen. I walk around the corner to see Bella standing by the counter, crying holding a note. I freeze. I start thinking. What could the note say? She looks up at me wipes her tears away. Then she drops the note on the table. "Um, from my mom, telling me where the cereal is...." I walk over. "What's so emotional about cereal?"Bella laughs quietly and smiles. "I really,really,really don't know." I pull out a chair and sit down. Then I look up at her. "Then what's wrong?" Bella sighs. "I don't know. The fact that I'm adopted. I can't believe that she didn't tell me. And that she isn't my mom. She seemed like my mom. I mean, I never doubted she wasn't my mom...." Before I can answer she laughs. "Enough about me...I'm not hungry. Come on, I'm bringing you to the mall." Oohh shopping. I smile. "Well okay then. I never deny shopping. Oh, wait! I have something for you at my hotel." Bella whines. "A gift? Now I feel bad.' I laugh "I didn't want to show up empty handed. It's not like you had time to prepare." Bella excused herself to get ready. I walk toward the front of the house and out to the limo. I tell John we are going to the mall. He gets in the drivers seat. I hear a gasp and turn around. I laugh when I see Bella's face. I grab her arm and pulled her in smiling. This was great. Amazed she turns to me. "So this is your limo?" I shake my head. "It's a rental, mines back at home." She was going to have a lot to get used to. I mean I grew up like this. She hasn't from what I've seen with her reactions. She gasps. "Oh... Wai-you have your own?" Like I said a lot to get used to. "Yeah, you have to remember I grew up like this." She turns her head. "Oh look. We're here." I laugh and lean over to open the door. As I climb out I say. "Let's go!" I strode across the parking lot. We entered at the food court. I turn and look at her. "Take me to your favorite store." "Hmmmmm." Bella says, looking around. "Okay... follow me." I start to follow her. "Okay. Im buying." She laughs. "Nu uh you aren't." I laugh with her. "At least let me buy you one thing." She smiles. "Ha I can't disagree with that!" We enter the store. I missed the sign I wasn't paying attention. "Choose one thing you love, any price." I turn to scan a rack. "Hmmm... I like this. What do you think?" I show her a plain red strapless dress. It would look good on both of us. You never know when a dress could come in handy. She could go to a party with her friends. Friends...... I'd love to meet hers I'd have to mention. I see her contemplating it. I hastily add. "For you of course."

Bella gasps. "Really?" I nod. "Yea. It would look great on you. For me... how bout this?" I pull off this pretty , shimmery green dress with a diamond snowflake in the middle. I love it. I think it would look good on me. I don't know but It's just my size. She smiles "That's pretty!" I smile back. "And how do you think it would look on me?" Inside I'm hopin she'll say good because I really like it. I am going to make her try on the red dress. I think it'll look really pretty on her. Not that she needs any help. "Amazing!" She mutters as she looks around at other things. "Well, try this on and I'll try this on." I hand her the dress. "Ok..." Bella doesn't look to sure. I wonder why. I've always been the one to ask whats on my mind. So I say. "You don't think it will look good on you?" "Whatever." She says. "I'm gonna take a chance!" We both turn and head towards the dressing rooms. I enter one. I undress. Then pull the dress over my head. I look in the mirror. I look okay but not as good as I bet she does. I stepped out. She stood their. She had come out at the same time as me. She looked pretty. I had a beautiful little sister. She twirled. "You look amazing!" I exclaimed. She really did. She looks down the hall at the mirror. "Uh, I look awful." I look at the mirror and refrain a laugh. "Uh, that's not you." She pokes me. "Twirl." She commands. I smile. "Yes ma'am." The I twirl once. "WOW!" She gasps. I stop and raise my eyebrows. "What that ugly?" She bites her lip. "Well..."She says. "Meanie!" I start to stomp away. I'm just teasing her to see what she'll do when I stomp off. I smile. "I've heard that term before," She says. "I don't fully get it." I laugh. I turn around smiling with what I'm about to make her do. "You owe me now." She looks at me confused. "Owe you? What for?!?" I look at her. "For lying to me of course. Wanna know what you owe me?" She raises her eyebrows. "What she asks plainly. I smile waiting for her reaction. "I want to meet your friends today, before I meet your mom." She looks surprised. "Why?" She stutters. "Because I'm your big sister I think I should get to meet them." A thought struck me. quietly I added. "Unless you just want me to go home and not meet anyone. If you want me to leave and you go back to your life." I look down at my feet. "No! Julia! I'm so glad I met you! I mean, youkindofturnedmylifeupsidedown buuuuut! You're really cool, and I'm glad you found me!" I think about this then say. "But not cool enough to meet your friends?" I'm afraid of the answer. Did I expect to come and be suddenly excepted. Her friends were hers. I need to remember just because she is my sister doesn't mean we are exactly alike. I'm new a being a big sister I'm playing it blind. Ah this stinks for me. I pay attention to her. "That's not it. Not at all. I'm afraid they aren't cool enough for you!." She is trying to figure out my reaction I think. "What do you mean. I'm a dork." I grin stupidly and cross my eyes. She mimics me. "Anyone can do that." I laugh. "Nope, it's not the same! Do i get to meet them?" She shrugs. "Grr, i guess!" I grin. "I win! Ok well change out of the dress give it to me, and I'll buy it while you call your friends so they can meet us." I poke her and demand. "Go." Then turn around and walk back into the dressing room. I change back into my clothes and pull my hair back up. I stepped out. Bella hands me the dress. I turn and walk toward the checkout counter. I buy both dresses and walk toward her swinging the bag. "Ready?" I ask. She puts her phone in her pocket. "Yeah, I'm just waiting for a reply." I'm curious. "Okay, well where would we meet them." She tugs on my hand pulling me to the exit. "You'll see." I smile. "Not fair." I mutter pretending to be mad but I'm following her. As she pulls me along she tells me about her friends, Naomi and Jasmine. We climb into the limo and she whispers the directions to the driver. Not knowing was going to kill me. I leaned back into the seat and sighed. "Okay. Tell me about your friends!" She turns to me. I frown. "Well, I have a best friend back home named Lilly, She's not at all like me. She's rich like me. I have another friend who doesn't live in Edenton she lives in New York." My friends didn't sound all that great anymore. Kind of fake really. This is weird I never though that. Not Jane she was the more real of the two. She stares at me. "That makes no sense. She's not at all like me. She rich like me. What? I try not to sigh. I was making no sense. "I meant personality wise." I say. I suddenly don't want to talk about my friends. "When are we going to be there?" I ask looking out the window. She doesn't reply. "Jaz is coming." then adds. "So is Nao." This must be Jasmine and Naomi. "Cool, may I ask where we are going?" John is about to reply when Bella exclaims. "Shhh! It's a surprise!!" I look at Bella, pleading. "Please Bella! Please John! Don't leave me out of this!" She looks at me. "I'm sorry Julia, We have too." I frown. "Not fair!" Then turn and look at John and glare at the back of his head. Without glancing at me John laughs. "It's not nice to glare at people Julia Lee." I have the perfect reply. I smile. "It's not nice to keep secrets John Hedgerow." Bella pipes in. "Just be quiet. We'll be there in a few seconds." I smile and turn to the window. I really want to know where we are going. We pull up. It's a Ice Cream Parlour. I climb out then turn around. I'm nervous. "Are they here already?" I ask nervously. What will her friend think of me. She just laughs. I try to put on a brave face. I give her a nervous smile. "Shall we?" She walks in. "Nao's here." She calls to me. I nod once. I follow her to a table. I avoid looking at her friend, Naomi. I just sit down beside her and look up. Sitting in front of me is a girl with hair dyed the color of magenta. I smile at her and try to act like I belong here. Bella introduces us. "Nao, this is Julia. Julia, Nao. Naomi nods at me. "Hi" she says. "Oh I totally forgot! Julia, do you want some ice cream?" Bella asks. "Can I just get chocolate?" Then I add. "Oh and Hi Naomi." She turns to some man at the counter. "Ya. Mr. Big? Can I get my normal and a chocolate for my friend?" The man, Mr. Big, smiles and starts scooping ice cream. "Where's Jazz?" She asks Naomi. "Thanks." I add a little late. She nods at me. I smile. "I dunno." Naomi says gloomily. I knew that sound, boy troubles. Bella obviously doesn't. "Nao? Is something wrong?" She looks like she's about to cry. "He broke up with me!" Then she did cry. I automatically moved to the next seat and was about to put my arm around her to comfort her like I do with my friends when I hesitate. I look at Bella. She wouldn't look at me though. Why was she ignoring me? So I turned and put my hand on Naomi's shoulder. "Hey, I don't really know you, but if any boy is stupid enough to break up with you than they aren't worth your tears." I give her a smile. I'm not even sure what I'm doing. I glance at Bella but she still is ignoring me. Naomi blinks. "You think?" she whispers. "I know it." I reply. Bella is silent all through this. Then some other girl appears. "HELLO!" She says loudly. "Jazz, shut up." Bella says. "Who is this?" I ask. This is Jasmine." She says. "Hi!" Jasmine whispers. "Hey!" I whisper back. Then I turn to Naomi. "Do you feel any better?" Naomi looked up through her hair at them. Quietly she says. "I guess I am." I smile. "That's good." I look at Bella. She sighs. Her phone buzzes. "Answer it." Naomi demands. "Answer the phone." I add. She reads the text from Monique aloud. "Who is Monique?" Namio cries. "Eugh! Don't get me started on Monique!! She's just some girl. She used to be Bell's best friend, but now she's just a snob." I reply. "Oh I can't stand those people." Bella nods. "She was nice." She whispered. I decided to finally say something that had been bugging me. "Well, are you going to tell them who I am, or would you rather wait?"

"What?" Jasmine asks.

She's my sister." Bella replys. "Your what?" Naomi gasps.

"My sister."

"But your mom.."

"Isn't my mom. I was adopted." Bella looks like she's about to cry. "We both were." I add. So they don't think she just kept one of us. "Bella? You okay?" I ask concerned. "It's just... crashing down on me now." She whispers then starts crying. I froze. I could handle boy problems but little sister problems, I had no clue what to do. I looked at Jasmine and Naomi for help. Naomi and Jasmine hug her. "Oh, Bella." They say together. Suddenly I don't feel welcome. I had to get out of here. "I'll be right back." I say. I get up from the table and hurry to the door. When I get outside I sit down on the side walk and put my head on my knees and closed my eyes. I didn't belong here what was I thinking coming here and ruining some girls life. I'm probably the worst thing that has happened to her. I don't think before I act. Gosh, I'm so stupid. After ice cream I was leaving, going home, not going to meet her mom, just leaving. I got up and walked back in the ice cream shop. "Julia, are you okay?" Jasmine asks. "I think she needs a nickname, If she's staying for a while!" I try to smile. "Yeah, I'm okay. I'm only staying if I'm wanted though. Nao laughs. "Wanted? Jules, I think you're wanted." Jazz chimed in. "Jules? Me like!" I laugh and smile for real this time. "Me too!" I really did like this nickname. I was starting to like her friends. Then I add on. "I guess I'm staying then!" Bella mutters. "Well, you have to meet my mom first." I give a nervous laugh. "And suddenly I'm freaked out again." What would her mom think of me? How would she react to finding out that I was the cause for her daughter to know that she was adopted and lied to her whole life? Ok, so I was freaking a bit. I obviously need to calm down. Suddenly I add. "When do I get to meet her?" Nervously Bella replies. "Dinner, tonight. Do you like pasta?" "I do," Naomi says. "So I'm coming." Jazz hugs Bella. "Me too." I smile. It was going to be fine I told myself. "I like pasta.....So.....I'm.. coming to dinner?" Bella nods. "Yes. It'll be..." "Nice," Naomi says. She nods again. "Yea, nice.." I nod coming up with a idea. "How about I'm just your new friend until dinner is over?" She bites her lip and sighs. "Sure." I add. "We just have to be good actors." She nods. "Right." Later that night I'm upstairs in Bella's room with Jazz, Nao, and Bells waiting for her mom to come home. I lean my head against the wall and close my eyes. "Bells, are you as nervous as me?" I ask. She had tried to surf the web for a way to break it to her mom but found no help. I didn't think she would but it was worth a try. "Umm, I don't know. Are you nervous?" She replies. I hesitate. "Well,... yes." I open my eyes and stare at the celling. "I am too, but not that nervous. This is my mom... I mean, this is the women I thought was my mom my entire life. You learn to trust." I don't know what to say so I say. "Oh and maybe we shouldn't tell your mom my last name at first or she might figure it out." "Make sure you call her by her new name! Jazz pointed out. They had been reading some magazines on some stars. Naomi adds. "Miranda from California says that when she confronted her mom about that knowing she did drugs, she went in strong, confident, and whatever this word is, because her friends gave her support. So I cut out a piece of paper and wrote SUPPORT on it, and now I am giving this SUPPORT to you. Here. Now I support you." She hands Bells a srunched up paper. "Ummm thanks?" She mutters. At this I can't help to laugh and smile. "It's good to know you support her Nao." We all laugh for a couple of minutes. "GIRLS!" Bells Mom called up stairs. "Yeah Mama?" Bells asks.

"DINNER!!!!"

"COMING!!!" We yell back. "Oh god." I say and stand up as they file out of the room. We all sat at the dining room table. Stephanie,Bell's "mom", served the pasta. It was cheese ravioli. It looked good. "This looks yummy. " I say aloud. "Thank you," Stephanie says. "Jules, right?" I smile. "Yes ma'am. She looks at me. "What's that short for, love? Julia? Jules? Julie? July?" Of course she'd name the right one first. I lie quickly. "It's just Jules, It's a long story about how I got that name." Which is partly the truth. She smiles. "Oh, I'd love to hear it sometime! So how was your day?" I look around. "Mine? It was good. Full of fun." "Eh, normal," Nao said, munching on a piece of bread. "Great!" Jazz adds enthusiastically. Bells didn't say anything.

"Bells?'

"Huh?" She asks. "How was your day, sweetie?" She asked her. It was okay." Bells says. "It wasn't fun?" I ask teasingly. "Yeah, it was great." She replies bored. I nod and put down my fork because I had finished eating by now. She puts hers down too. I sit there until the rest finish eating.

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