True colors

I wonder if I’m the only one who is thinking that there is something weird about the way she’s staring at us, but when I glance at Charles, I can see how uncomfortable he looks. He’s sweating profusely all of a sudden, and he’s staring at Samantha with what I can only term a pleading look, while the look on her face changes to one of defiance and smugness. Neither of them looks in the least bit surprised to see the other.

“Um, what’s going on here?” I ask, at last, becoming very uncomfortable with the whole thing.

“What’s up, girl?” Sam asks, ignoring my question.

“I’m fine. This is Charles, although I think you already know him from the way you two are behaving.”

“Oh, I know it’s Charles, trust me, I know,” Sam replies, with a sly smile. The smile reminds me of that of a cunning snake that I had read about in a picture book when I was about seven or so. Somehow, I know that what I’m about to hear is not going to be pleasant in the least bit.

“Okay … why’re you acting weird? Charles,