Chapter 157

Amber clenched her fists and shouted, “You were just using me! You treated me like your own personal lapdog!”

Jocelyn froze, shaking her head. “I didn’t! Amber, did someone say something to you? Don’t believe any of those rumors! I’ve always treated you like my real sister. Even though we’re not related by blood, you’ve always been my sister, Amber.”

“No! You just wanted to use me, and I’m not falling for it anymore. Jocelyn, you’re not my sister. My real sister is Sienna Hart. I won’t hold it against you for hitting and yelling at me before, but don’t ever come looking for me again.” With that, Amber grabbed Claire’s hand and walked into the school.

Claire gave her a thumbs-up, then slung an arm around her shoulders and pulled her in for a hug. “Amber, you were seriously awesome just now! Like, super cool. So that’s Jocelyn Turner–the one you told me about? The one who always filled your head with twisted ideas, hit you, yelled at you, made you run errands for her in the middle of the night, and even made you massage her feet? What a piece of work,” Claire said.

Amber nodded. “I used to think she was my only sister. She always told me she was the one who cared about me most in the world, that I should just do whatever I wanted, ignore everyone else, rebel against teachers, and act like I was better than everyone. But ever since Sienna came back, I realized that’s not what real family is like. Sienna never hits or yells at me. She patiently explains things I don’t get, keeps me company at night, buys me gifts, and even cooks for me.”

Claire just couldn’t resist. Amber looked so cute, pouting and complaining about everything in that sweet way of hers, that Claire leaned over and smacked a kiss right on her cheek. “Amber, you’re seriously too adorable! When you talk with those pouty lips, it’s like you’re being all spoiled with me. I really like you, Amber. Let’s never be apart, okay? Let’s be best friends forever!” Claire said.

Amber froze in place, her hand flying up to her cheek where Claire had kissed her. Her eyes went wide with shock and panic as she took a step back, pointing at Claire with a trembling finger. “What–Claire! Why did you kiss me?”

She was wondering, ‘She’s a girl–girls aren’t supposed to kiss other girls, right?”

Claire just shrugged it off, waving her hand. “What’s the big deal? Hasn’t your family ever kissed you? Why are you making such a fuss?” She thought, ‘I always kiss my mom. What’s the big deal about this?‘

“Claire, you can’t just do that!” Amber blurted out, flustered.

Claire blinked, genuinely puzzled. “Why not?”

“Because… you’re a girl, and so am I… Anyway, it’s just wrong for you to kiss me! You absolutely can’t do that again,” Amber stammered, her face burning red.

Claire just stood there, confused for a moment. Then, as the meaning sank in, she doubled over with laughter, clutching her stomach.

“Oh my god, Amber, you’re seriously going to be the death of me! You’re just too funny–seriously, you…” Claire was laughing so hard she could barely get the words out.

When Amber saw Claire laughing at her, her face immediately went blank. She just turned away and walked off, not showing any emotion at all. “Wait, wait, don’t go, Amber! I have something to tell you, please don’t leave yet! Okay, okay, I won’t laugh anymore, I promise! I’m sorry, really, I won’t laugh again,” Claire hurriedly called after her.

Amber finally stopped, crossing her arms in front of her chest, her face all serious as she said, “I’m being serious, Claire. Did you hear me? You are not allowed to do that again!?”

Claire pinched her cheek, “Amber, why are you so naive? I kissed you just because you’re my friend, that’s all. What are you even thinking? I kiss my mom and my dad all the time.”

Hearing that, Amber finally felt relieved. “Come on, let’s get to class. It’s class time.”

She hurried off, eager to drop the subject. Still, she couldn’t help but feel that Claire’s behavior was a bit too much.

Jocelyn glared daggers at Amber’s retreating back, grinding her teeth so hard she thought they might crack. She clenched her fists and slammed her fist into a nearby tree with all her strength.