Read Online The Pledge by Chandra Sparks Taylor - Free Book Online Page A

I wore my purity necklace, although Aunt Dani continued to try and talk me out of it. I thought I looked really good—mature but not too old—and Momma agreed when I modeled the outfit for her. Candy seemed to like the outfit, too.
    â€œWell, I guess I’m ready,” I said, glancing at the clock. Allen was supposed to arrive at seven, so I still had a few minutes. “Do you think we should add some extra practices next week? I want to make sure we’re ready for regionals,” I said.
    â€œSounds good,” Candy said, looking distracted.
    I touched her shoulder. “Hey, what’s going on with you? Are you sure you’re okay?”
    Candy took a deep breath. “I need to tell you something,” she said, “but I don’t want you to get mad at me or think I’m trying to ruin your relationship.”
    â€œOkay,” I said slowly. For some reason the way Candy had acted toward Allen when we saw him near the fountain flashed through my mind. I wondered if she was going to tell me she liked Allen—or worse, they had dated.
    â€œI know someone who used to date Allen,” she confessed.
    â€œGirl, is that what’s been bothering you?” I said, and laughed. “Everybody has history. What Allen did before we dated doesn’t concern me.” I picked up my purse and checked it to make sure I had all my essentials, including my cell phone and my emergency twenty-dollar bill.
    â€œBut that’s just it, it does concern you—or at least it might,” she said.
    â€œCandy, what’s going on? Just tell me,” I insisted, tired of her beating around the bush.
    She grabbed my hand. “Courtland, my friend said that Allen used to hit her.”
    I couldn’t help it. I burst into laughter. “That’s your big secret? Girl, please. Allen wouldn’t hurt a fly.”
    â€œBut why would she lie about something like that?” Candy asked.
    I stopped laughing, realizing she was serious. “Let me ask you something,” I said. “Did Allen break up with her, or did she break up with him?”
    â€œWhat does that have to do with anything?” Candy asked.
    â€œJust answer the question,” I said.
    â€œI think he broke up with her,” she admitted.
    â€œJust what I thought,” I muttered before looking at her. “Don’t you see what’s happening?”
    â€œNo,” Candy said.
    â€œShe’s angry Allen dumped her, and she’s trying to get back at him. She probably heard we were going together and didn’t like it, so she told you that stupid mess trying to break us up so she could get back with him.”
    Candy shook her head. “She’s not that type of person, Courtland,” she said.
    I sighed, trying to hide my frustration. I couldn’t believe Candy was trying to ruin the biggest night of my life. “Okay, let’s say Allen did beat her. Why did she stay with him? Why didn’t she break up with him?”
    Candy shrugged. “I really can’t answer that,” she said. “All I know is what she told me, and I would never forgive myself if I didn’t say anything and something happened to you.”
    I laughed. “Girl, please, the only thing that’s going to happen to me is that I’m going to go have some fun with my man.”
    She gave me a sad smile. “I hope for your sake that’s all that happens.”
    â€œIs that why you acted so funky with him that night at the fountain?”
    â€œYes,” she admitted.
    Candy’s vibe was starting to mess up my evening. “Well, since I’m dressed, you can leave. I’m sure you want to get dressed for the dance,” I said, hoping I didn’t sound as rude as my words felt. She was going with a group of cheerleaders, and they weren’t going to leave until later.
    â€œYeah,” she said, catching my hint. She gathered her things and gave me a hug I