#5 Not What I Expected Read Online Free Page B

definitely win,” I said.
    Sophie sighed. “That sounds like a diplomatic way of saying I might not.”
    I felt bad that Sophie thought I doubted her. I think she could tell what I was thinking because she laughed. “I’ll forgive you as long as you promise to pass out campaign stickers for me tomorrow morning,” she said.
    â€œDeal,” I said, even though I’d already told Billy I’d pass out stickers for him too.
    I wasn’t the only one campaigning for him. Brynn had become his self-appointed campaign manager, and she was being very aggressive in her efforts to get him elected.
    During our break at dance, Brynn was trying to rally support for him. “Vote for Billy Weiss tomorrow,” she told all the freshman on the team. Then she passed out stickers she’d made with a picture of him when he was a toddler. “He’s the cutest candidate running,” she said. “But then I’m biased.”
    She seemed preoccupied with what she was doing, which was why I was caught off guard when she said to me, “Don’t you think it’s a little weird that Sophie is running for SGA?”
    It was the reaction I’d been dreading. I’d had a bad feeling Brynn was going to make this into a bigger deal than it should be. I felt myself getting defensive on Sophie’s behalf. “What’s weird about it?” I asked.
    Brynn shrugged. “It just doesn’t seem authentic.” She looked at Emily who was standing next to her. “We’re on the dance team because we’re really into dance.”
    Emily nodded like that made sense.
    That was all the validation Brynn needed to continue. “Why does Sophie want to get involved in student government? I have a hard time imagining her doing student government at her art school in New York. They probably didn’t even have it at her school in Paris. So why do you think she wants to do it now?”
    Brynn looked at me like she was on the debate team and she’d made her argument—now it was my turn to rebut.
    But luckily, Ms. Baumann called us back to practice at that exact moment.
    I didn’t want to argue with Brynn. Sophie has a right to do whatever she wants to do. I knew Brynn was implying that Sophie is only doing it because she wants to be with Billy, which I honestly don’t think is the case. I also knew that by defending Sophie it would make what Brynn was thinking more valid.
    So I didn’t.
    10:52 p.m.
    Don’t like what’s happening behind closed doors
    Sophie has called ten times (OK, four, but it feels like ten) to read me her speech and to talk about what she’s going to wear to the assembly tomorrow. But it’s hard to focus on what will happen in the school election when I have much more pressing issues at home.
    I couldn’t help but overhear the conversation Mom and Dad have been having in their room. Their voices were elevated, which is usually a sign they’re talking about something worth hearing. Their room is across the hall from mine, and I’ve been listening undetected outside their door for years. I usually like being in the know, but I wish I hadn’t heard the conversation tonight.
    â€œI think opening a downtown boutique is a great idea,” Mom said.
    â€œI don’t think it’s a bad idea.” Dad’s voice sounded argumentative. “I know you’re a talented designer. I just think the timing of opening a new store is wrong.” I listened as he talked about the fact that he just recently opened the Love Doctor Diner and how hard it would be on our family if they were both putting in the time required to ensure that a new business is successful. “Flora, it’s also a tremendous financial commitment.”
    I thought what he said made sense and that Mom would agree, but she didn’t.
    â€œI’ve put a lot of time into my business plan,” said Mom. She explained how the space