Red(29)

Ginger’s words stung, but Felicity tried not to show it. “I don’t expect that, Mom. And if you’d let me get a job, I could—”

“Your job is to prepare for the pageant. That’s the most important thing. So from now on, I need to see you focusing on that. This art show has been nothing but an enormous distraction. You have to keep your eye on what really matters, Felicity.” She started propelling the twins toward the exit, signaling that the conversation was over. “I’ll see you at home. Come on, boys.”

Felicity stood in the hall, listening to the fading clicks of her mother’s heels and willing herself not to cry. It didn’t surprise her that her mom had shot down her dream without even considering it, but that didn’t make it hurt less. All her mother cared about was the stupid pageant and the stupid crown and the stupid title and the stupid prize money—

Wait. The prize money. Felicity had always assumed that if she were crowned Miss Scarlet, she’d turn her winnings over to her mom. But she’d have no legal obligation to do that. She would turn eighteen just a week after the pageant, and then she’d have total control over the money. She’d have options. It wouldn’t be enough to pay for art school, but it would be a good start.

Since she was a little kid, her mom had been telling her that winning the pageant could change the whole course of her life. Now, for the first time, that actually felt true.

Felicity returned to the squash courts with her mind reeling. She was so distracted that she almost walked right by Haylie and Ivy, who were parked in front of the hyena painting, talking in intense whispers. Felicity took a deep breath and joined them. “Hey, guys. I’m so glad you came,” she said, trying to sound as upbeat as possible.

Ivy smiled, but Haylie’s expression was less than welcoming. “Did you personally pick out everything in this show?” she asked.

“Me and Jonathan, yeah.”

“Was this seriously the best thing that got submitted?” Haylie pointed angrily at the hyenas. “You didn’t have any other options?”

“No, I mean … yeah, there were other options. But this is actually pretty impressive.”

Haylie looked outraged. “How is this good? This is so offensive! Did you not notice that the drooling hyena is supposed to be me?”

Felicity had seen this conversation coming, but watching Haylie react this way was more upsetting than she’d expected. “Of course I noticed. All of us are in it. But, Hays, it’s just a satire, not a personal insult. If you can get past the concept, it’s actually really funny.”

“Get past the concept? The concept is me! I don’t understand how you could let her represent us this way in public so close to the pageant!”

“People always say there’s no such thing as bad publicity,” Ivy chimed in.

“Haylie, I swear I’m not trying to sabotage us,” Felicity said. “You know I care about the pageant.”

“That’s why I don’t get how you could do this! Or did you just choose it ’cause it’s Gabby’s? What is up with you and Gabby lately, anyway?”

Felicity struggled to keep her voice even. “What are you talking about? Nothing’s up with us. I barely know her. And Jonathan and I picked the pieces blind. Try to separate yourself and actually look at it, Hays. It’s really clever. She got all the little details right. Look at how Lorelei’s bra strap is hanging out of her dress. Look at how my bangs are falling in my eyes like they always do. And look at that hideous paisley dress she put Ivy in. It’s kind of hilarious.”

“It is,” Ivy agreed. “I’m not Gabby’s biggest fan, but she’s obviously talented.”

“It’s just a commentary. We all know there are people who don’t like the pageant. They should get to express themselves, too.” That came out sounding more patronizing than Felicity had intended, so she added, “Come on, look at the insane beehive hairdo on Lorelei. Tell me that’s not awesome.”

Haylie’s face softened a little as she inspected the towering mass of hair. “Yeah, okay. That part’s kind of funny. What do you think Lorelei will do when she sees it?”

“Are you kidding? There’s no way Lorelei’s going to come to the art show.” Ivy grabbed Haylie’s arm and steered her away from the painting. “Come on, let’s go see Felicity’s sculpture.”

“You’re not mad at me, are you?” Felicity asked Haylie. “I would never offend you on purpose. You know that, right?”

“I guess,” Haylie said grudgingly.

Felicity knew it was nothing compared to how she would sound tomorrow after the nomination assembly. You have to tell her, a little voice in the back of her head commanded. The longer you wait, the worse it’s going to be. But when Haylie gave her a small, fragile smile, Felicity knew she couldn’t hurt her friend again right now. Two blows in five minutes might be too much for Haylie’s goodwill to withstand.

As soon as they reached the doorway of the second room, Ivy broke into a grin. “Oh wow, that’s yours, isn’t it?” She hurried over to the sculpture. “Felicity, this is so awesome.”

“Thanks.” Felicity felt her cheeks flush with pride.

“It’s amazing,” Haylie agreed. “So much better than Gabby’s. How did you make it? Is this papier-maché?”