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51
Truth And
Dare
Leyla Yucel
Isobelle Carmody Award
for Creative Writing
Winner
Boorondara Literary
Awards
Prize Winner
My immediate response must have been the wrong thing to say. The
laughter has stopped dead; the girls aren’t saying a word. Irina had
pulled away when the dare was set and I wish she was still close to me.
All is silent and I’m trying to figure out what to say when Zara starts
talking.
‘Miranda? What do youmean why?’ She’s smiling but it’s wavering
and uncertain. I pause for a second and I feel Irina’s concerned stare.
A quick glance around the room to gauge the other girls’ reactions
leaves me internally wincing. Heather is silent, which in itself is
impressive, and Audrey has stopped braiding her hair.
‘I mean, wouldn’t it be kinda awkward? Jake’s your brother and
you want me to…’
‘Kiss him?’
She laughs. ‘Don’t be silly. I think this is a step in the right
direction for you. I’ve known you since we were in kinder and I
doubt you’ve ever kissed anyone? Have you?’
Audrey giggles and Zara stares expectantly at me. Irina looks up
and she cocks an eyebrow. I drop my gaze and leave the question
hanging.
‘Don’t you think it’s time to grow up? Besides, even I can admit
he’s really hot,’ Zara continues.
Before I even open my mouth Heather takes this opportunity to
interject. ‘She’s probably the super wild type who pretends to be all
innocent and stuff.’
Irina laughs at that. Zara notices this and points at her. ‘Don’t you
dare relax! After we’re finished with Miranda we’re going to be
talking about your love life!’
Irina turns bright red, opens and closes her mouth a few times
before ducking her head meekly and nodding. Zara stands up. ‘I’m
off to grab the victim.’
Having dodged the question I flash her a quick smile. Audrey’s
fiery locks have now been tamed in a braid that sweeps over her left
shoulder and Heather is quietly whispering to her, every once in
while throwing a glance in my direction. Clearly, the question has
not been forgotten.
Less than aminute laterZara comes backwith Jake. Jake is admittedly
handsome, he’s the type that is everyone’s type. Heather and Audrey
blush slightly when he smiles at them but he just doesn’t do it for me.
Then he turns to me and while I am fearful, I also feel curious.
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