"So what's the emergency Shar?" Kiara asked.
They were sitting on a ledge outside.
"Well, you know how after this year a lot of people are going to be leaving?"
"You mean people like Lance?"
"Yeah, I never thought much about it but now, it's like the time has finally come, you know?"
"It will be hard when they leave but they're just going to college."
"But Lance wants to go to Duke. North Carolina is pretty damn far from California!"
Kia didn't really know what to tell Sharanda. She hadn't thought about it much either.
"How do you feel about Justin leaving?"
"I don't know. I guess I'll miss him like I miss everyone else."
Sharanda raised her eyebrows at Kia.
"What? I mean, I'm not going go break down over it or anything."
"If you say so Kia but I have to go meet Lance now so I'll talk to you later."
"Bye Shar."
Kiara watched at Sharanda walked to the parking lot. Why was everyone suddenly implying she wanted Justin? She rolled her eyes and walked back inside.
After school, the crew was going to hang at the Galleria Mall but Kia knew if she didn't get home that her father would ball her out. She reluctantly left her friends and made her way home. She pulled up in front of their meditteranean stlye mansion and noticed Joey's car. Kia sighed and went into the house.
"Kiara!" she heard her father yell.
"Yes Daddy?"
"Come in here."
Kia walked into her father's study to see him, Joey and a girl.
"Kiara, this is Jessica, Joey's girlfriend; say hello."
"Hi Jessica," Kia said with little emotion.
"Hi Kiara, I've heard so much about you."
"Oh how nice," Kia said sarcastically.
She barely knew Jessica but already she didn't like her. She just seemed so chipper and happy in general. Kia thought she was being fake but she couldn't care less who Joey went out with. Kia was finally able to sneak out of the study while her father was talking to the new couple. Jessica sensed that Kia didn't care for her and it kinda hurt her. She really loved Joey and she was determined to get to know Kiara and hopefully they could be friends.
"Cari, wassup?" Kia asked.
Cari was calling her from the mall.
"Nothing much. I got this really cute top and dress but we're just hangin in the food court right now."
"I think I can come now."
"Did you meet Joey's new 'reason for life'?" Kiara and Cari laughed.
"Yeah, she's just an everyday fake betty."
"Typical."
"Well, I'm on my way, k?"
"Alright, later."
Kia hung up the phone and went back downstairs.
"Daddy, I'm going to the mall," Kia yelled into the study.
"Did you say good-bye to our guest."
"Oh yeah, bye," Kia said and rushed out the door.