Chapter Twelve

It was Monday morning. I woke up and groaned immediately. Today was the day that I'd have to go back to the recording studio and do god-knows-what. I just wanted it all to end now.

Groggily, I climbed out of bed and threw on some fresh clothes. I no longer cared about the super-tight leopard-print pants or blindingly bright colors or horribly tacky assortment of accessories. In fact, I pretty much resigned to the fact that I might be trapped inside of Annie's body forever, so I should probably get used to it. Sighing, I descended the staircase to the kitchen where everyone else would be eating breakfast.

Then I saw Annie.

"What is he doing here?" I demanded angrily.

Molly flashed me a look of annoyance. "Annie, you know Carey is welcome to eat here whenever he wants."

"Yes, I am," Annie interjected, smirking at me. "Thank you, Molly," she added, smiling at her angelically.

"What's up with you, anyway?" Jack asked me. "You've been so grumpy lately. We used to have… fun."

Yeah. Fun indeed.

"I think your ideas of fun are a little different from mine," I told him nastily. "And furthermore—"

Molly sighed. "I'm not in the mood for this today, you two." I quickly shut my mouth, not wanting to upset her. Not like it mattered, because Annie would be the one upsetting her, as far as she was concerned.

"What's wrong?" Annie asked sweetly. I could have killed her, really.

"Nothing," Molly said quickly. "I'm fine. Really. It's just stress, that's all. Nothing to worry about." She dug a fork into her pancakes and began chewing.

"Stress about what?" I asked hesitantly.

"I don't even know. The band, the recording studio, the tour, and now that your career is being added into the mix—" she quickly stopped herself. "Not that I'm not happy for you honey, it's just more to think about, or worry about, and, well… you know how I am. I mean, this is why Fi left, isn't it?" She forced a chuckle. The rest of us all looked at each other questioningly. "Anyway, Annie, what time do you need to be at the studio?"

"Um, two o'clock," I responded.

"I'll drive her," Annie interrupted.

I stared at her, aghast. "You?" Annie didn't even have her permit!

"Oh, Carey, you don't… would you really?" Molly asked hopefully.

"Definitely. You need a day to relax."

"I mean—if you're sure…"

I really wanted to protest, but bit my tongue. I was torn between risking my life with Annie's driving, or causing Molly to be unhappy. Molly's needs were undoubtedly more important than my own.

"Now, Carey, you realize you'll have to stay with her at the studio the entire time… it could take a while…"

"It's okay, Mrs. P., you can count on me!" Annie smiled brightly. I cringed inwardly. Mrs. P.? It had been so long since I called her that.

"Fine with me," I assured her half-heartedly.

Annie turned to me and grinned. "I hope you're prepared."

I'm not sure I wanted to know what she meant by that.