Read Online What Goes Around by Denene Millner - Free Book Online Page A

enough time together?”
    â€œNo, no, it’s not that,” Lauren continued as she followed behind her sister. “It’s that Jermaine just won’t let the whole ’who killed Rodney’ thing go.” Lauren sat on the closed toilet lid next to the vanity and examined her fingernails.
    â€œUh, are you really surprised?” Sydney questioned as she leaned into the mirror and carefully applied her trusty Diorshow mascara. “Jermaine was literally on the run for a crime that he didn’t commit. Did you think he was going to get over it that quickly?”
    â€œBut I wasn’t the one accusing him,” Lauren insisted, standing up beside Sydney to grab the bottle of Aveeno hand lotion off the counter. “So why do I have to deal with the tirades?” she whined. “Why can’t we leave it up to the police and move on? I mean, with all that’s happening with Altimus and the tax situation, don’t I deserve to be comforted instead of always being put on the defensive?”
    Sydney stopped applying the second coat of her shimmering lip gloss to look at her sister’s reflection in total disbelief. “Lauren, Jermaine’s only brother was murdered. Your own father is looking at life in prison until the realkiller is brought to justice. And you want to move on?” Momentarily ashamed, Lauren cast her gaze downward. “Seriously? Are you that self-centered?” Sydney continued sharply.
    â€œWhatever, Syd, it has nothing to do with being self-centered,” Lauren snapped as she slammed the bottle of lotion down on the counter. “I just need a freaking break. I am sixteen years old. I am not supposed to be worrying about going broke or going to jail. I just want to enjoy my life! And if that makes me a bad person, then”—tears of frustration welled up in her eyes as Lauren took a deep breath—“then I don’t know what to tell you. I guess you’re just a better person that I am.”
    â€œIt’s not about being a better person, Lauren,” Sydney said, quickly softening her tone as she turned to comfort her distraught twin. “It’s just that this isn’t something we can just ignore and it will disappear. And that sucks. But the good news is, the sooner we figure out who’s at the bottom of all this, the sooner it will be over for everyone. Okay?” Lauren sniffled and nodded her head in response. “So instead of getting upset, why don’t you go see Uncle Larry? See if he’s heard anything new.”
    â€œThat’s probably a good idea,” Lauren said softly.
    â€œIt’s definitely a better idea than you standing here crying on my new dress,” Sydney teased gently as she hugged her sister.
    â€œHa-ha,” Lauren said with a smile as she turned to grab a tissue out of the box on the counter. Cocking her head slightly, she looked at Sydney in the mirror. “You look good, Syd.”
    â€œReally? I haven’t worked out in a minute so I wasn’t so sure about the mini…”
    â€œNo, I mean the dress is great and all; but you look happy,” Lauren clarified. “I’m glad you and Jason figured things out.”
    â€œYeah, me, too,” Sydney said softly as she felt the butterflies in her stomach. “Now, if I could just figure out this hair,” she complained as she started to pull her curls back away from her face.
    â€œNo, wear it out,” Lauren advised knowingly. “I heard guys from up north totally dig that whole big hair, curly look. Besides, it works for you.” Sydney smiled at her sister. “Okay, okay, let me get out of here before your head gets too big for the both of us.”
    â€œForget you,” Sydney laughed as Lauren headed out the door. Deciding to take her sister’s advice, she fluffed up her curls, slid on a skinny headband, and sprayed some Luster oil sheen for the finishing touch.