Author's Note: The narrative voice changes from Katie to Sarah after the dashes.

Author's Note 2: Italicized sentences in ' ' are thoughts.

Feedback: Greatly appreciated.


PART II: Sarah Grasso / The Mannings

"I can't tell you how happy I am that Grace is going to be attending Upton Sinclair with you this spring," an unfamiliar voice echoed through the corridors of the Grasso household. "I just hope she can rise to the high standards which you've set for her." It belonged to an attractive middle-aged MILF, sitting over-protectively close to her not-as-attractive but doable daughter.

"I'm sure with my guidance and a little faith, Grace will soar above all expectations," said Sarah in a cheery tone that could only rival that of Marcia Brady.

The house was unusually dark for the middle of the afternoon. All the curtains had been drawn closed except for those in the drawing room. Sunlight poured through the windows, illuminating the room like a stage. Sarah sat directly across the two women whom she strategically faced towards the entrance where I was expected to stand. She had invited me over to be her audience – a witness to her new triumph-in-progress.

"Grace, Sarah is one of the most popular girls in school. Listen to whatever she has to say and you'll go far."

'Yeah – right to an abortionist.' I couldn't stand the bullshit anymore and decided to turn the play into interactive theater. I just had to wait for my cue to enter.

"You're too kind. But you shouldn't trust someone just because they're popular," instructed Sarah with a hint of foreshadowing.

"Like your friend, Katie," said the MILF par exemple.

'Ah. Shall I hear more, or shall I speak at this?'

"Well, Katie is not that bad, really. It's mostly gossip and over-exaggeration."

"Even so, I can't believe they didn't expel her after what she did to the school nurse."

"I hear she's recovering quite well." I said as I entered the room right on cue.

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Katie had a smug grin on her face as she sat herself down next to Grace, uninvited.

"Katie, this is Lily and Grace Manning." I informed her in vain, knowing that she was uninterested in everything but her own pursuits. "Grace is going to join us at Upton Sinclair this spring."

"Outstanding," said Katie contemptuously. "I would introduce myself, but I see that my reputation precedes me."

Katie glared at Lily who grew red with embarrassment. An awkward silence filled the room, only to be broken by another one of Katie's tactful comments.

"My, what an adorable shirt you're wearing," said Katie as she stared at an area just below Grace's neck where a wide-eyed Koala innocently sat.

"Thanks. My father just took me on a trip to Australia."

"And how are things down under?" Katie inquired as she placed a hand on Grace's lap.

Grace had a look of bemusement on her face as Katie leaned in close, her lips almost touching Grace's ear, and seductively whispered, "Blossoming I hope."

Katie gave a little laugh as Grace's body tensed in response. Lily, not finding the hilarity in the debauchery of her child's innocence, stood up immediately, prepared to make a quick exit.

"I think we'll be going now," said Lily as she grabbed her daughter forcefully from Katie's grip.

"Aw, but why?" bemoaned Katie. "I do enjoy your company."

Katie stood up, blocking the two from leaving. She then paused and took a step back to better assess the older woman in front of her.

"You know, Mrs. Manning, you have killer legs," said Katie as she slowly swaggered her way towards Lily.

Lily took a step back, wanting to keep a safe distance between her and the predator that she felt would pounce on her at any moment. However, when she did this, she ungracefully knocked into the side table in back of her, causing one of our many Italian marble statuettes to fall forward.

"I'm so sorry, Sarah," apologized Lily, as if her sniveling would fix the irreplaceable $60,000 antique that lay beside her feet.

"No. That's okay," I say with a smile, trying hard to conceal my annoyance. "It wasn't that valuable."

"Here. Let me get that for you," said Lily in an attempt at redemption. But before she could pick it up, Katie bent down and beat her to it.

As Katie went down, she lingered for a moment – now capable of closer inspection. With her free hand, she ran her fingers slowly up Lily's bare legs that were exposed due to her knee-length skirt. "I would love to photograph you," proposed Katie as she inched her way up.

Lily tensed under Katie's hand, just as her daughter did before, only she had a look of either shock or awe at the audacity of this young woman before her. Either way, she had to take a moment to catch her breath, which she suddenly realized had grown short.

Before Katie could reach under the hem of Lily's skirt, Lily took a firm hold on her daughter's wrist and made a beeline to the exit. I think I heard the words of a thank-you and a courteous good-bye, but they were hardly comprehensible as Lily rudely rushed her way towards the door – her breath still short.

Katie always had to make a scene, especially if it resulted in the foiling of my plans. Life was like a film to her and she always had to make an appearance, no matter what the role.

Katie never did like being the audience – observing in the dark.