Not A Small-Town Girl

Chapter 13-2

"Are you suggesting that we leaked the answers to your sister?" The professors bristled at the implication-an accusation of academic dishonesty that no self-respecting educator would let slide.

"No, I just meant..." Audrey’s eyes filled with carefully calculated tears.

"Having trouble accepting someone might be more talented?" Danielle’s smile held arctic temperatures.

"I’m sorry, Danielle. Mom, Dad, I didn’t mean it that way. Of course, I’m happy she’s so talented. I just spoke without thinking. It’s my fault for expressing myself poorly." Audrey hung her head as tears rolled down her cheeks, the perfect picture of misunderstood innocence.

"Audrey, the very fact you would think such a thing is wrong," Howard said sternly. "How could you doubt your sister like that? Think before you speak next time."

"Exactly," Vivian added, clearly disappointed.

to your sister. And don’t ever say anything

Danielle,"

hit her like a physical blow. In all her years as the perfect daughter, they’d never spoken to her so harshly. Because of Danielle, she was being forced to apologize. She realized too late she’d moved too quickly, damaging

She was getting tired of this act-ever since she’d returned home, it had been nothing but fake apologies. How many times can someone say sorry while clearly not meaning it?’ she thought. There must

tension. "Danielle can join

for everything," Howard said, leading his family

back and take

from the refrigerator and

early, Skylar said, watching as Audrey barely touched

visiting a sick friend, Audrey replied, drinking