As they were driving to the mall Jonesy tried to talk to Jessica again, but he was driving so fast she was silenced with fear. Jonesy was working at the Khaki Barn... Again... He really wanted this job so he could spend more time with Nikki. He couldn't be late for his first day.
Just as Jessica was about to tell Jonesy to slow down the giant Galleria Mall came into view. It was amazing! Way better than any mall Jess has ever seen in Ontario. Jonesy slowed the car down and found a parking place. They got out of the car and walked into the mall.
Jessica was astounded by the floor after floor of stores. The Gigantoplex was the biggest movie theater she had ever seen! This was her first time in this mall since she was 9.
"I see they remodeled." Jess said under her breath. She wasn't sure that Jonesy had heard her.
Jonesy led her through the crowd to the food court, where she saw the giant lemon. Jess began to feel a bit nervous, as she hadn't seen any of the gang in years, but as soon as she saw Jude, all that slipped away. She was eager to see him. Soon they were at the table.
The gang stopped talking and looked up with confused faces. The only one smiling was Jude. He remembered her. Jessica the skateboarding goddess. She had returned. He was lost in thought, but snapped out of it when Jonesy started to talk.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to introduce my twin sister, Jessica!" he announced.
A wave of realization passed through the gang. Everyone got up to hug her, except Caitlin, who was still confused, and Jen, who wasn't sure about how she felt about Jessica yet.
"Welcome back dudette!" Jude exclaimed.
"I can't believe it, it's really you! I missed you so much!" Nikki said, hugging her closer.
It felt good to know she had been missed. It was good to see Jude again. It was good to know she had friends already. Jessica was off to a good start. Then Caitlin spoke up. "Um, excuse me. Who is Jessica?" she asked.
"Allow me to explain" Jessica said "I'm Jessica Brooke Garcia, Jonesy's twin. I lived here for a short time, then moved away with my mom. I decided to come back. So... Here I am!"
"Wow... You're so... Gorgeous..." Caitlin said.
"So I've been told." Jess replied, looking at Jen.
Jess still didn't get why everyone thought she was so beautiful. She was a little nervous about that. Would people hate her? She was already new here, which was bad enough. She couldn't afford to make any enemies.
"Well, I gotta go to work" Jen announced.
"Ditto, come on Jonesy. We can't let you be late for your second first day." Nikki said, grabbing Jonesy's hand.
As the gang went their separate ways Jess was left alone with Caitlin.
"Ya know, you should probably get a job." Cait told her.
"Yeah, I guess I should. Where do you recommend?" Jess asked.
"Well, you're pretty enough, you could probably get a job as a greeter god at Albatross and Finch."
Why did people think she was so pretty? She just didn't get it. She had always struggled with her image. She didn't tell anyone that though, because she had everyone fooled. She had everyone thinking that she had great self-esteem. Wrong. She hated her body. She wanted to be a blond haired girl. She was lost in thought when Caitlin said something about hurrying down to Albatross and Finch because they were holding auditions today. Jess nodded and went on her way. Leaving Caitlin alone at the Lemon. He cell phone buzzed. A text from Jen.
I hate her. She's so pretty! I can just see Jonesy's dad giving her whatever she wants! Ugh -Jen
Caitlin began to write a reply.
I so know! I told her to go down to Albatross and Finch and apply for a job. Maybe if were lucky she'll get it and leave us alone. -Cait
Jen read the text and shook her head. She wished Jessica had stayed with her mom.
