** Candice **

The second I shut the door, the flashing light on the answering machine catches my eye. I almost trip on my own feet, trying to get to it before it blinks again. I'm pretty sure I know who left a message before I push play. As soon as I hear a woman's voice, saying she's calling from the school attendance office, I hit erase.

God must be smiling down on me at this moment because if Mom had gotten to that message before me, I'd have hell to pay. I probably ...