The Black Sheep Read Online Free PDF

so sorry, girls,” Mona says, towing Meadow away. “This is what happens when I let them eat junk food. Normally we have a very healthy house.”
    Another hope dashed. “Is Maya really that bad?” I ask Carrie, piling Cheetos onto my plate while I have the chance.
    Carrie nods. “But Mitch makes up for it. He’s sweet.”
    â€œWho’s Mitch?”
    â€œMaya’s older brother. He’s hot, too.”
    â€œReally.” I toss my Cheetos into the trash. A hot older brother is so much better than junk food.
    â€œYeah, but he’s pissed about the whole Black Sheep thing. He asked my brother if he could stay at our place while you’re here, but the Mulligans refused. He’s boycotting the barbecue, though.”
    Well, that’s just great. I’ve driven a sweet, hot guy out of his own house before he’s even met me. “It won’t be so bad,” I say. “The crew is really nice.” The lie sticks in my throat with the Cheeto dust.
    â€œMitch will come around,” she says. “It’s got to be easier than living with Maya.”
    I squeeze her arm to silence her because I notice that Judy and Bob have crept up to record our conversation. Carrie’s mouth forms a perfect O as she realizes what she’s just told America.
    Turning to Judy, I ask, “You can edit Carrie’s comments, can’t you?”
    She shakes her head. “The neighbors signed waivers.”
    â€œBut Carrie didn’t realize, and she has to live here after we’re gone,” I insist. “Can’t you give her one free pass?”
    Judy rolls her eyes at Bob. “Free passes don’t equal good ratings, KB.”
    I switch off the lamp on the bedside table, and it immediately flicks back on. Now I fully understand why Maya is A) a bitch, and B) sleeping in my bedroom (with en suite bathroom) in Manhattan right now.
    Meadow is staring at me from the other twin bed. “I’m not tired yet,” she says.
    â€œWell, I am. It’s been a really long day.”
    I click off the light again, pull the homemade quilt under my chin, and try to relax. I’m a little nervous in this house. Even this late at night, there are distant rustling sounds. And it smells of…people. Not unpleasant, necessarily, but lived-in.
    There’s a soft thud as something lands on the bed. I scream, and Meadow turns the light on. “Relax, it’s just Manhattan.”
    The little beast puts two paws on my stomach and stares at me with shiny brown eyes. “Can you get him off me?”
    Meadow shakes her head. “He always sleeps with Maya. If we shut him out, he’ll just scratch on the door.” She switches off the light again.
    The ferret steps onto my chest and stands there for a few moments, confirming the location of my jugular. Eventually he turns a few times and settles down. Pretending to be asleep. Waiting.
    Meadow’s voice comes out of the darkness. “Kendra?”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œCan I borrow your jeans tomorrow?”
    â€œThey wouldn’t fit you, Meadow.”
    â€œSure they would. I’m as big as you. And I can roll up the legs.”
    I grit my teeth. “I’ll think about it. Now go to sleep.”
    She’s quiet for a few minutes and then, “Kendra?
    â€œYeah?”
    â€œWhat are your parents like?”
    I consider for a moment. “Busy. They work a lot. They run marathons.”
    â€œBut are they nice?”
    That’s a good question. I don’t know the answer to it. “I guess so.”
    â€œWill they be nice to Maya?”
    I reach over to turn the light on, careful not to disturb the ferret, who’s curled in a tight disk. “Are you worried about your sister?”
    Meadow wrinkles her nose in disdain. “No.”
    â€œShe’ll be fine. I’m sure she’s sound asleep right now, and I bet she likes my bedroom.”
    â€œShe’d