Read Jolted (Conflicted Encounters #1) for Free Online Page B

waiting for the scolding.
    "Kallie Marie Adams!" screamed my mother. "Where are you? How could you just leave like that? Do you have any idea how embarrassing that was for us? Your father had some very important people here yesterday. And then brunch this morning!"
    I zoned her out as she rambled on about how I had inconvenienced them and the money they wasted on the event. Scarlett pretended to be occupied with her phone, but I was positive she could hear my mother screaming through the phone.  
    "I'm at school," I cut her off. I had no idea where the lie came from, but it might be the only other place, other than home, that would be acceptable.
    "Now? Kallie, you had obligations here," she said, clearly still angry.
    "I am aware, Mother. I had to enroll for the masters program before it was too late. I just couldn't do the party, Mom. I'm sorry. It was too much," I whispered.
    She was silent for a few seconds. "When will you be home?" she asked, calming down a little.
    "I don't know. I might stay here at the apartment for a few weeks. I just need some time to regroup," I said, hoping she bought the line.  
    I should be going home. There was nothing for me in this town. I should just ask a friend to come get me and get the new car my parents have been begging to get me. But thinking of going home felt like a knife to my heart, and I just couldn’t seem to make myself to do it. Here, no one knows what I am going through. No one is expecting anything from me.
    "This way I can get my books early. You know, go and scope out the classrooms and study up. That way I am ahead when the fall comes," I added. I wasn't sure when lying became a skill of mine.  
    "Fine, Kallie," she sighed with defeat. "You will need to write thank you cards to all the attendants with an apology."
    "Yes, ma'am," I responded, relived she was giving in. "I need to let you go, my phone is going to die. Goodbye," I ended the call before she could ask any more questions. I quickly turned off my phone and tossed it into my purse.
    "Ready?" Scarlett asked, putting her phone away and opening her door.
    I got out, too, grateful for the privacy. She had to know I was lying. There were no schools around here. She waited for me to catch up to her and we walked into the store. She didn't ask any questions and I loved her for it.
    I quickly grabbed some nice jeans and some cute tank tops. I grabbed some underwear and a few bras, too. I was careful to not look so out of place by getting clothes only a rich, city girl would wear. I also grabbed a pair of flip-flops and running shoes. I couldn't stand another day in these heels. I gave in and grabbed two more summer dresses. One was a pink halter dress that was light and rested just above my knees. Scarlett would toss a cute top at me every now and then, and I would toss it over my arm.  
    Scarlett's eyes opened wide when she heard the total and I handed over my card to the cashier. We were able to find a phone charger at the electronics store in the strip. Scarlett took me to a drug store where I grabbed a hair brush and some other stuff I needed. I tossed my bags in the trunk and smiled at myself. I felt less alone and deserted when I had the necessities. Scarlett drove us over to a bar and grill restaurant down the road.
    "Lunch is on me," I said, rummaging through the bags in trunk. "I'm going to change in the bathroom here." I pulled out an outfit and shoved it in my purse.
    "You don't need to do that," she said.
    "It's the least I could do. Thank you for doing all this," I said, looking at her and hoping my eyes told her how much I really mean it.
    Scarlett grabbed a booth while I snuck off to the bathroom. I shoved my overused dress in my purse, and then threw on some skinny jeans and a red tank top. I brushed my hair and pulled it into a high ponytail before applying some quick mascara and lip gloss. That would have to do. I slipped on my new flip-flops and found Scarlett in our booth.  
    "I hate to ask, but