Salted Caramel Dreams Read online

  “Wait, what time is it?” I say.

  “It’s almost midnight,” says Ava.

  “Oh, I really have to go.”

  “Already?”

  “Yes, I’m sorry, goodbye,” I say, trying to sound panicked. I turn away from Ava and make like I’m going to run.

  “Wait, but I don’t even know your name,” she says.

  “Yes, I’m sorry, goodbye,” I say again. “Oops, no shoot. I mean, ‘I really have to go’—wait, no, no, that’s not it . . . hang on a sec, I think I’ve lost my place . . .”

  Dizzy with nerves, I turn to look over my shoulder at Ava, not sure whether to keep acting out the scene or to stop and find my place. And as I turn, my left ankle turns with me while my foot stays planted straight ahead.

  “Ow!” I yell as I fall to the ground, my ankle twisting while my legs hit the floor, my forehead skimming the metal lockers flanking the sides of the hall.

  “Oh my goodness, are you okay?” asks Ava.

  “Uh, yeah, I think so,” I say. My head is spinning and my ankle throbbing, but worst of all is my heart, which is beating so fast it feels like it’s going to jump right out of my chest.

  Ava gives me her hand and helps pull me up.

  “You need ice? We can sneak into the cafeteria through a door backstage.”

  I look down at the welt forming under my skinny jeans. “Maybe.”

  “All right, hang tight.”

  Ava returns a moment later with ice and a dish towel.

  “At least you didn’t break a leg,” she says.

  “Yeah, I guess so.”

  She laughs. “No seriously. It’s not just a saying. It happened to one of my friends last year during this production of A Christmas Carol. She slipped on a pile of soap flakes on stage. Fractured her fibula,” she says.

  “Really?”

  Ava nods. “See, by comparison you’re doing great.”

  “Hah. I’m not sure I’m coordinated enough for this theater thing,” I say.

  Ava smiles. “Don’t worry, you’ll get it.”

  Again I nod, wondering how on earth this girl is really a seventh grader like me.

  “Well, I think I’m all practiced out today.”

  She bites down on her lip, then nods. “Yeah, sure. No worries.”

  “I’m sorry we didn’t get to your turn.”

  “Just get home safe, okay?”

  I nod.

  “See you at auditions?”

  “Yeah, maybe,” I say, then start the long hobble home, all the time wondering how I’m going to get out of this club without going back. By the time I reach my front steps, my argument is ready. I’ll lead with the false advertising—the failure to mention auditions was a malicious omission—and end with my brutal fall. Only before I can get any words out, Mom’s there at the door. With Dad. And Abuela. All three are fighting to hear about how it feels to be on the road to becoming a star.

  For the first time in recent memory, I’m in the family spotlight. Usually that honor goes to the twins, whose sports accomplishments are much easier to get excited about. Even though I know my parents are proud when I get an A on a paper or finish sewing another bag, I’ve never been the one to dominate the dinner table with tales of making the winning basket or hitting a game-changing home run. And really, I’ve always been okay with it. But tonight, I’m surprised to find that it feels really good to see my family eager to hear from me. So I decide not to tell them the whole truth about the meeting. I remember Kiara talking about basketball tryouts and how awesome she said they were, even though, thinking about it now, I’m sure not every minute was as fun as she made it out to be. And so I spin my own dramatic story of running through the scene with Ava—and of how it went great.

  “Oh I just knew you were gonna love it,” says Mom, clapping her hands.

  “Thanks,” I say, hoping she can’t see through my lie.

  When she leans in for a hug, I realize my secret is safe.

  The whole family—Mom, Dad, Abuela, Michael, Edwin and me—sits down to a big dinner celebrating my bravery. And for the first time since Kiara made those mean comments, I let myself really relax. I find myself laughing as I lean back in my seat, enjoying Abuela’s stories about Mom’s dancing, and Dad’s talk about the first time he tried out for baseball. By the time I retreat to my room, the drama meeting is a distant memory.

  That is, until I sign on to FriendChat and see I have a new message and friend request. From Ava Cantor.

  U get home ok? Saw u were walking. Hope ur feeling better!! it says.

  Just seeing her smiling profile picture makes my palms sweat. Ava is a star, and contrary to what I just told my family, I am most definitely not. Overtaken with embarrassment, I close out the message. I’ll write back later, I tell myself. And instead I start thinking again about telling Mom I’ve made a mistake and really should just stick to starting my Etsy shop. But when she cracks open my door to say good night, her eyes still dancing with pride, my mouth goes dry. How can I tell her what really happened after lying to everyone at dinner? Feeling sick, I force a smile. Getting out of this now is going to be much harder than anticipated.

  Chapter Eight

  MYSTERY SOLVED

  I slam my locker shut as my stomach fills with dread. It’s the first day back from break, and I’m about to go to science, where I’ll definitely have to see Kiara.

  “I’m telling you, there’s nothing to worry about. You and Kiara are old news,” Lori says, reassuring me for the tenth time since lunch. “The only ones people are talking about now are Mary Beth and Beatrice.”

  “Because of Tommy Raine?”

  Lori rolls her eyes. “Yes! Because of him. According to sources, their fight was epic. Mary Beth was yelling that she liked him first, then Beatrice stormed out saying he liked her. It was bad. And public. Believe me, no one cares at all about you anymore.”

  “Well, thank you,” I say. “At least I won’t have to worry about everyone staring in science class.”

  “Not at all,” she says. “Enjoy your return to anonymity. Oh and don’t forget. Winter concert. Friday, February 23. Mark your calendar!”

  I nod as we part ways. Though as relieved as I am to no longer be the talk of Kiara’s friends, the thought of science class still makes me feel sick. Not wanting to get there early, I add an extra loop down the hall to pass by where I first saw the mystery boy. I’ve done this a few times now, but so far he hasn’t reappeared. This time is no different.

  I continue to scan the hall until I see Ava up ahead. Shoot. I never answered her message. Embarrassed, I turn hoping to avoid her, but it’s too late. She’s already calling my name.

  “Jasmine, hey! Great to see you’re all right,” she says. “I sent you a message the other night, but wasn’t sure you got it.”

  “Oh yeah, thanks. Sorry. I did see it, and I meant to write back but then I was out all Sunday until late . . .” I say, feeling my cheeks get even hotter.

  But Ava doesn’t seem to notice. “It’s okay. I figured something like that happened. So how’s your audition prep going?”

  Audition prep? I shudder. I haven’t done a thing since Saturday. Not that I can tell this to her. “It’s fine.”

  “Oh, great. Glad to hear it. Well, I guess I’ll see you later then . . .”

  “Yeah, see you Wednesday.” Yet as I turn to leave, I realize that if I’m too scared to quit drama club, I probably should be nicer to the star. So far I haven’t exactly been friendly, even though she really has been. So breathing in deep, I turn back to Ava.

  “Hey, actually, I was wondering if you had any tips,” I say. “You know, things I should be practicing. Or like, songs that might be good . . .”

  Ava’s face brightens. “Yeah, sure. I’d be happy to help.” She brings her hand to her chin. “Hmmm. You know, actually, if you aren’t busy today after school, I’m having a couple people over to practice. You, uh, wanna come?”

  I open my mouth, unsure of what t
o say. I was hoping just to start a conversation, not wrap myself into another practice session. But before I can think of how to say no, I see Kiara rounding the corner with Aliyah on her left and Carter on her right. She’s eyeing me, brow raised. I pretend not to see her and turn back to Ava.

  “Oh that’d be great,” I say. “Thanks.”

  “Sure. It’ll be fun. My mom’s picking us up at the front entrance at three. That work?”

  “Perfect,” I say, then shuffle into class, which isn’t as bad as expected. Turns out Noah actually enjoys dissecting earthworms almost as much as sports trivia. Which is a good thing, because before I know it, I’m in the front lobby waiting for Ava and her friends. Courtney finds me first, waving me over.

  “Ava told me you were coming,” she says. “I’m so glad you’re doing drama—you’re gonna love it!”

  I laugh. “Did she also tell you I wiped out on Saturday? I’m not exactly sure I’m drama club material.”

  Courtney lowers her voice. “Tell you the truth, I’m not sure I am either. But that’s not the only reason I’m in the club . . .”

  I begin to protest her comment as she shushes me.

  “Be quiet. They’re coming.”

  “Who?” I ask, but Courtney doesn’t answer.

  Just then two guys saunter up, stopping in front of us.

  And I gasp.

  One of them is Mystery Boy.

  I try not to hyperventilate as Courtney carries the conversation.

  “So you’re really not coming today?” she says to the other guy, her eyes following his as he leans back on his heels.

  “Wish I could. Orthodontist appointment,” he says.

  “Yeah, way to leave me stranded,” says Mystery Boy. He punches his friend’s shoulder, then looks up, his eyes meeting mine. “Guess it’s just me and the ladies today.”

  They both laugh.

  “Oh guys, this is Jasmine,” says Courtney. “Jasmine, this is Henry and Joseph.”

  “Nice to meet you, Jasmine,” says Joseph, his eyes still fixed to mine.

  It takes me a moment to answer. “You too,” I say.

  My heart kicks into overdrive, leaving me hot and dizzy. Joseph. He’s named Joseph. Ava’s friend. And he’s in drama club! After all my FriendChat searches, all my detours through the science hall, here he is. Ready to practice for the play. With me.

  Oh geez. The play. I hope he’s not as good an actor as Ava—that would be way too intimidating. I try to ignore the thoughts of my clumsy fall and tell myself, Focus. Act normal. Breathe.

  Up close, Joseph is tall and lean with broad shoulders. He’s wearing the same tattered hat, though this time I see it’s a Yankees cap, not gray but faded blue. He has it pulled down over his dark curls, which spill out over the sides. His skin is just a little darker than mine, more like how I look at the end of the summer. But still what makes me stop is the same thing that hooked me a month ago in the hall. Those eyes. That icy blue. They’re so bright and sparkling it’s hard to look away. That is until he smiles, showing off his straight white teeth. My pulse quickens as I look back at Courtney, who seems to have the same stupid smile plastered on her face as the one I’m wearing on mine.

  “They’re pretty awesome, aren’t they?” Joseph says, grinning at Henry.

  “I can only hope to be as lucky as you,” says Henry.

  Um, what? Were they reading my thoughts? I raise my brow at Courtney.

  “Joseph got his braces off over winter break,” she says. “Show off! Mine don’t come off for six more months yet.”

  “Well, I still have no end in sight,” says Henry.

  “What about you, Jasmine? Ever have braces?” Henry asks.

  I shake my head.

  “Lucky girl,” says Joseph.

  I manage a small laugh but keep my lips closed, afraid he’ll notice my tiny overbite, the small chip on my bottom incisor, and the crowded bottom teeth my dentist once called “borderline” for braces. Which, of course, in Mom’s mind, meant they were unnecessary. Not that I ever minded until now. How could I have known back then that one day I’d be standing here next to mystery-boy-Joseph, his perfectly aligned teeth smiling down at my crooked ones? For a moment, I wish I’d pushed Mom harder for those braces.

  Before I can obsess any longer, Ava comes bounding down the hall.

  “Ready, guys?” she asks.

  “Definitely,” says Courtney.

  “All right then, my mom should be right outside. Sure you can’t join us, Henry?”

  He shakes his head. “I’ll catch you next time. You know, once I score the lead.”

  Ava rolls her eyes, then leads us to a big burgundy SUV. After introducing myself to her mom, I volunteer to take a seat in the third row. As soon as I sit down, I realize I’m too far back to hear the conversation, so instead I focus on my breathing as the town buzzes by outside my window. Joseph. Finally. I have a name!

  A familiar ache fills my stomach as I text Ava’s address to Mom so she can pick me up later. Because who I really want to be texting is Kiara. Asking her for advice on what to say, how to act. Asking her how she started talking to Carter. But, of course, talking to Kiara is not an option. So instead I stare straight out at the rolling hills and patches of forest as Mrs. Cantor drives us out farther into the countryside of Southfield.

  Ava lives a few miles north of downtown and my neighborhood. From the conversation I can hear, it seems Joseph lives this way too. Well, I guess that’s why I didn’t know them in elementary school. Southfield isn’t a huge town, but it is big enough to have ten different elementary schools which don’t get mixed until middle school. After sixth grade, I thought I’d met everyone in my class. Turns out I was wrong. And this time, I’m glad I was.

  Once we’re at Ava’s, she leads us down to her basement. Her house is much larger than mine, and while it looks old from the outside, inside it feels new. The walls are painted in soft blues and whites, and the kitchen has shiny appliances. The basement, which has yellow walls, feels more like home. There are two big leather couches, an old television, and a fridge shoved in the corner. Across from the TV, the walls are covered in framed program covers from Broadway shows.

  Ava smiles as she catches me eyeing the room.

  “My parents let me do the decorating down here,” she says, moving toward the fridge. “Anyone want a Coke?”

  We all nod back as Ava leans in and grabs four. After passing them around, we collapse onto the couches.

  Ava takes a sip, then leans back, stretching out her arms. “So who wants to go first?” she asks. “And what do you guys want to work on? Songs or the scene?”

  “I definitely can use some scene work,” says Courtney. “I’m just gonna use a song from choir for the singing part, and I can practice that at home anyway.”

  Ava nods. “Jas, any preference?”

  “Huh? Oh, no, whatever’s fine with me. I mean, this is all so new, I probably need practice with everything.”

  “Don’t worry. That’s why we’re here,” says Ava.

  “First time in theater?” Joseph asks me.

  Too scared to speak, I nod.

  “Thought so. Didn’t think I remembered you from last year.”

  A nervous laugh sneaks out as I try to act calm. “Nope. Never done any acting,” I say.

  “Oh, but you can sing,” says Courtney. “I remember from choir last year.”

  “Yeah, that’s right. Sixth-grade choir. That was fun. I’m not sure I’m very good at it though,” I say, my cheeks burning.

  “So why drama then?” asks Ava.

  I sigh, wondering the same thing.

  “Well,” I say, “I’ve always been into fashion design, like sewing and designing purses and stuff. But this winter I decided I wanted to take a break, so my mom forced me to sign up for something different. I’m not really into sports, so I thought I’d give this a try.”

  I look away, worried I’ve said too much.

  But everyone just smiles.
Including Joseph.

  “Fashion design! That’s right. I remember last year in Spanish you and Kiara used to always be talking about those classes with Ms. Chloe,” says Courtney. “That always sounded so fun. You make anything you’re wearing?”

  I shake my head. “Nothing today. But, uh, I did make my bag,” I say. I’m unsure if I should be bringing attention to it, given my experience with Kiara’s friends, but I’ve always hated lying. So, looking away, I point to my messenger bag slumped in the corner and hold my breath.

  Right away, Courtney gasps. Balling my fists, I cringe.

  “You made that?” asks Courtney.

  I nod. “Yeah, I mean, I dunno if it’s my best work or anything but . . .”

  “No way!” She walks over and picks it up. “This is awesome! It totally looks like you got it at one of those boutiques downtown. And I love the colors. Ava, check this out!”

  “Uh, thanks,” I say, “You really like it?”

  She nods, walking the bag over to Ava. “Awesome, right?”

  “Yeah, totally!” says Ava.

  “You should be designing costumes,” says Joseph.

  I look up and for a moment I freeze.

  “Uh, maybe one day,” I say. “I think for now though I need a break. I love the designing part, but all that sewing. It can be tiring.”

  He nods.

  And then we get to work. My eyes stay on Courtney as she and Joseph start running through the scene. The way she’s laughing, the way her feet are bouncing, is it possible she’s into Joseph too? My stomach twists when I consider the thought. As if reading my mind, Ava eyes me from the side. She motions with her hand, asking me to follow. I get up off the couch as she saunters toward the stairs.

  “Be right back guys,” she says. “Gonna get some snacks.”

  Grabbing my hand, Ava drags me to the pantry. She hands me a bag of chips.

  “Doritos okay?”

  “Yeah, sure,” I say.