This is where I will post many great stories, poems, and plays written by me!!! Many of them are only in the begining process, so please stay tuned! Some of them also need titles, so please suggest some!

NOTE: All work is copyrighted! Do NOT steal any of my writing. Thank you.

STORY 1- Ghost Story

This one does not have a title yet, but I just finished it. A chilling but final tale.....

The ghost was eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The strawberry jelly oozed under the white, soggy bread. The smile on the ghost’s face was pure and amused, yet still had a sense of mystery about it. I knew right then that this spirit was nothing but a child- a teenager perhaps. Someone who had died at a very young age.

            The ghost’s hair was thick and blonde, pulled together in a high ponytail. The pink ribbons tying it together looked new and shiny, but where would a ghost get such ribbons? They must have been there when the child died- preserved and untouched from the harms of the world.

            Her clothes looked as if they were recently washed and ironed. Fresh, denim jeans with beautiful embroidery and tiny impossible stitches. A plain white t-shirt with the words “Princess” written across the front. Worn, but loved sneakers decorated with hearts and permanent pink and purple marker. A typical girl. Except for the fact she was almost completely transparent.

            I met her the first day we moved. The first time we entered the eerie, old house that had stood for hundreds of years.  With the lopsided roof, almost completely caved in from the weight of mold and decay. Why we had chosen such a mess of a house, I would never understand. But my parents had always liked this type of house. Old and dreary. Perfect for their occupations.

            My mother was a horror writer. The most famous one at the time, actually. She was known for her gothic, bloody young adult novels that made even the bravest person cringe with fright. “This house is absolutely bursting with ideas!” my mother had gushed, admiring the cobwebs hanging from the ceiling. “Imagine it, Emma! A suspenseful novel….taking place in this very house! It’ll be the next best seller of the year!” I had nodded and moved on. My mother was always giddy with delight when she discovered a new idea.

            My father was a scientist. He was serious and formal; he never laughed much. We knew he loved us, even if he didn’t laugh. He was kind, but mostly dedicated to his work. His studies and experiments fascinated him. EVERYTHING fascinated him; the trees, the earth, aliens, everything you could dream of fascinated him. And when he wanted to figure out what was the truth, he would. With no doubt. He would find a way. He was good like that. Never giving up. And teaching his child to do the very same.

            He loved the house not for its scary features, but because of the basement down stairs. It was perfect for calculating equations, mixing chemicals, and everything else a scientist had to do. “Look at this Emma!” he exclaimed, running his hand down the metal door of the basement. “It’s humongous! I can do anything here! I’ll be the best scientist ever!” He kissed my head and nodded, continuing to chatter away about how to basement would benefit the family.

            I didn’t care for the house. I thought it was dull and ugly. I thought it was dusty and dirty. I thought that my parents were wrong to choose it, over all the other clean, stunning houses they could have purchased. But when I fought, they fought harder. Unfortunately I had no rights. I had no say in what would happen. I was a kid. Just like the ghost.

            The realtor for the home was creepy. She grinned the entire time, even when she informed us, that past families living in the house had experienced cockroach problems. My parents laughed, even my father, thinking it was some kind of joke. “No” she answered, still with the creepy grin pasted on her face. “I’m serious. Watch out! And be prepared to call an exterminator. Many people have called to complain about this. So we’re warning you” We exchanged a look of confusion, then disgust, then went back to smiling. “She’s kidding” my mother whispered. I knew she wasn’t.

            The realtor led us through the rest of the house, carefully observing every move we made. She was so scary. Her overly happy voice made me shiver. Her eyes were sliver and magical looking- frightening. My father continued to tell me what a joker she was, but I knew if my father was laughing he must have been just as scared as I was.

            The ghost was in my room. She wasn’t eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich the first time- or maybe she was. I couldn’t see her, so I really wouldn’t know. But when I walked up to the room the first time I sensed her presence. The room was cold, too cold. And quiet enough to hear a pin drop. Suddenly, the room started to almost spin. I got the chills and a whisk of wind caused some items to clatter the ground. I tried to close the window since it must have been open, but was knocked onto the carpet. But none of that was the scary part. The scary part was when a clear, light, girls laugh rang out and echoed through the room.

            I sat on the floor, devastated and startled. My heart seemed to leap up from my chest to my throat, making it harder to breath. A laugh. A single laugh had formed a complete mystery. A puzzle that I had a strong urge to solve.

            My first instinct was to look around the scene. Try to come up with other possibilities. Maybe it wasn’t a laugh, but the wind scraping a tree branch. The thought seemed to calm me down a bit. Yes. That must be it. I was imagining it all. Such a house could give you frightening thoughts, and exaggerate your surroundings. Of course. And the window. That could have been the source of the wind. I remembered that I had yet to close the window. I looked up to do it, but surprisingly the window was completely locked and closed.

            “So honey, how do you like it?” my mother asked shoveling a spoonful of stew into her mouth. “It’s fine” I answered simply. I stared down at my food. Should I tell her what had happened? I decided on no. She would think I was crazy. Maybe even a chicken. A little wind and all of a sudden I was terrified. “I will surely get some experiments done tonight” my father announced at dinner. “That basement is perfect!” Perfect, perfect, perfect. They had been using that word all night. What was so perfect about this house? It was hideous and dirty. And maybe even haunted. Perfect- NOT.

            The night was silent and purely dark. I hated this bed. Every time I turned the bed would creak loudly, disturbing the whole house. The bed was an unsightly mix of brown and gray. The sheets had holes in them from past use, and the pillows were scratchy, like spiders running up and down your face. There was no light switch in the room, just a single, tall lamp that hovered above you in the darkness making terrifying shadows. The entire room was a horrible, scary scene. And nothing like, my popish, girly room back in my old house. I desperately wanted a pretty, lacey comforter. I wanted to feel my soft, cottony pillow on my cheek. I wanted a normal light switch that made no figures on the wall whatsoever. But all my wishes were wasted. This was my room, although it didn’t feel anything like me.

            The ghost came again that night. Another whoosh of wind flew through the house like a wild tornado. I dug my fingernails into the ratty sheet and clung to it with my eyes wide open. Again, I did not see her but I heard her laughing. Giggling sweetly in the background clairas the wind swirled around me in a rush. I still gripped the sheet, as if I let go I’d fall. Fall down, down, down into….well I didn’t exactly know what. All I knew was that I could not let go. The noise was hurting my ears. Swirling wind, laughing, things falling to the ground. All too much to comprehend. “Stop” I whispered. The chaos went on for a few more seconds, and then drifted into the distance.

            The next morning was still just as dark as night. No bright sunshine streamed into the room, running its long rays like fingers across my face. Just a dark, dreary cloud came across the sky.

            “Emma!” my mother called. “Emma, you have to go to school!” I leaped out of bed and wiped my perspired face my worn out sheet. It was so hot in the room now that I practically melted onto the floor. I looked in the mirror, observing a rather large pimple that had not been there last night. Stumbling over some astray items, I left my room looking more confident than I felt.

            Rosemary Academy was the most horrible school I had ever been too. The teachers were pure evil looking, darting their eyes back and forth, snapping at you for the smallest mistake. The minute I walked in, I was greeted by menacing children. They didn’t seem evil- pretty normal actually. Pretty normal snobs.

            Lunch was lonely, until a rather quiet girl approached my table, and hesitantly set herself down in the seat. Forcing a polite smile onto her face she extended her hand. “My name is Christy” she said. “What’s yours?” I sighed. “Emma” I answered. I tried to act uninterested. Maybe then she’d realize I didn’t need any “friends” pretending to like me, when they all felt sorry for me. “Cool” Christy said, as if it sounded anything but cool. “So I hear you’re new. Where do you live now?” “100 Johnson Street” I answered briefly. I wanted to give her as little information. Why was she so nosy anyway?

            Suddenly, a dramatic change came across Christy’s face. Her usually bright happy face turned absolutely pale, and her lips became dry and chapped. She stopped sipping her milk and observed my face, her eyes narrowed and her mouth pinched. She shuddered and stared in shock. “100 Johnson Street?! You live in the Martin House!” “Huh?” Why was she so surprised?  My heart beat fast. What was so special about that house? “Th…the Martin House” she sputtered in surprise. “The….Oh my God….I can’t believe they sold it to you” “What are you talking about?” I snapped. “Get to the point” “That house” she whispered. “That house is haunted” I laughed nervously. The wind. The laughter. It all made sense or….no it still didn’t make sense. No house could actually be haunted. They save that for horror novels and scary movies. “Is that all?” I asked, trying not to care. “No house could actually be haunted” “It could, too!” she insisted. And I was startled by the harsh sound of her voice. “Melanie Martin died in that house!” “Who’s that?” I quizzed her. “She was so sweet…kind and everything. She lived there with her family. She died about six years ago. Nobody has lived in that house for six years. I mean after the car crash….no one could stand to live there. They say they hear her laughing. And her parents just couldn’t take the torment. They moved. They loved Melanie so much….we all did….” She bit her lip like she was about to cry. “She was the neighborhood girl next door. She baby sat for me when I was 7 years old. We loved her. She’d tell us stories and sing and laugh” She really was crying now and Christy turned to me. “Don’t you dare hurt that girl” “What?” I was shocked. “I said don’t hurt her” Christy repeated. “Even though she’s a ghost now, she is still human and she’s still in our hearts. Don’t be mean to her” Christy sighed and burst in complete sobs. “Melanie!” Christy cried. “Melanie loved us. She loved her family….she….she loved peanut butter and jelly sandwiches! She’d make them for us when she left, laughing with us. I loved her. Oh be good to her Emma, be good to her!”

            After that conversation I had one thought in my mind: Christy was not sane. Something was wrong with her. Or maybe she made Melanie up to scare me. But….she had been crying so hard. Be good to her, she had said. Oh Emma be good to her. But how could you be good to someone who didn’t exist?

            It was the night I finally saw her. I had taken a scorching hot bath, and was now comfortably placed in plaid pajamas. Then, it happened. I had entered the room, yawning and sleepy when I suddenly felt the cold wind, that had always warned me of Melanie’s presence. I squeezed my eyes shut, desperately trying to ignore it.  But Melanie continued to taunt me. I was thrown into a corner. “Ouch!” My leg was bleeding from smacking against the wall. Tears ran down my cheeks as I helplessly tried to get up. “Leave me alone!” I cried. “Leave me alone!” Suddenly a wind that seemed to whoosh in through a rainbow appeared, and transformed into the very girl Christy had described. She had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in her hand.

Story 2- My novel

This is a novel that I am currently working on. It may not continue, for I'm at loss right now on what to do with it. If you have any ideas please tell me and I will give you credit.

Process: I am not sure

Chapter 1

          This story isn’t your typical boo hoo, I’m starting high school story. It’s much more important than that. It’s about geeks that turn out to be your best friend, girls so catty that they practically spit up hairballs, and things that go from plain miserable to just right. It’s about a little high school freshman who doesn’t think that she can do anything, but then realizes the potential that she has and how bright her destiny could be. It’s about a girl that’s jealous and lonely, but then learns some secrets that change everything. Nope, this isn’t a boo hoo, I’m starting high school story. This is a story about life.

          My alarm clock rang loudly interrupting a great dream. I sighed. That always seems to happen. Just when you come to an awesome part in a dream your stupid alarm clock rings. I was about to hit the snooze button when I remembered: It was the first day of school! Immediately, I Emily Anderson, leaped out of bed and danced with joy. Okay you are probably really freaked out right now. She’s dancing with joy on the first day of school? I have to admit I’m a little weird when it comes to that. I don’t know why, but I love school. I love the slamming lockers and the hum of laughter in the halls. I love all of my classes (no kidding!) and I love P.E. There isn’t anything I don’t like about that wonderful building. Why? I don’t really know. Maybe it’s because I’m pretty popular. Maybe it’s because I’m a straight A student. Or maybe it’s just because I was born missing common teenager sense.

          I burst through the door of the kitchen. Yup. Typical first day of school in the Anderson household. Mom flipping pancakes with this totally, obviously fake grin on her face (my mom is a teacher- a kindergarten teacher I might add. She loves her job, but having a bunch of wild muddy 4 and 5 year olds start your morning can’t be very soothing) My dad was drinking coffee with an even more fake smile. (He’s a lawyer. Enough said) My perfect 17 year old sister flipped her copper colored hair and settled her bright blue eyes onto to her no carbs, no calories, no sugar, blah cereal with some gross name I can’t remember. And my not-so-perfect-and-ultra-annoying little 12 year old sister trying to get her fake eyelashes to stick and looking at these magazines with models so skinny that they could fit in the cracks in the sidewalk. Caroline always says she wants to be like them. I don’t know why. She perfectly fine the way she is. She has a very natural and pretty face and then she go’s and ruins it with globs of cosmetics. “Honey!” My mother put her hand on Caroline’s shoulder. “You don’t need fake eyelashes. Put them away” Caroline pouted. “Awww…Ma...” Mom crossed her arms. “First of all, don’t call me Ma. It makes me feel old. Second, you are 12 years old. You’re just a kid! You don’t need makeup!” Caroline scrunched up her nose. “Katie Johnson wears makeup!” “Katie Johnson is not my daughter!” my mother said cleverly. “Fine then!” Caroline shouted. “I’ll just live with depression for the rest of my life! Then when I grow up I’ll be all depressed and somebody will ask me why and I’ll blame it on you!” My father groaned. “Cut the dramatics and just get ready for school. You’re going to be late!” Caroline stamped up the steps and slammed the door. Rose shook her head. “Nothing like some drama in the morning!” Mom gave her a look and the Rose went back to her super bland cereal.

          Since I was in 9^th grade now I would be going to Washington Ridge High School. There was no bus service for high school kids, so we all had to walk. This year I had nobody to walk with. My best friend Kayla had moved to New York during the summer. I missed her a lot. I wished that she was with me today. And then I saw him. His smile seemed to light up the dreary morning. His big blue eyes glinted in the sun as he brushed back his blonde hair. He was riding a shiny, jet black motorcycle. Utterly amazing. He stopped it for a minute. He smiled and then he said, “Hi” He ginned and revved up his motorcycle again. He rode it off into the distance. I felt as if Prince Charming himself had just rode up to me on is stallion. Wow.

          I flipped my golden colored hair and tightened my thick, messy bun. My bright red skirt and black blouse were brand new and I felt great in them. I was wearing freshly polished high heel shoes and my deep blue eyes were ready for adventure. Washington Ridge High School here I come!

Chapter 2

As I stepped into the doors of my new school, a feeling of excitement and optimism electrified my body. I didn’t have any friends because Kayla was gone. Kayla had always been the most popular girl in school. And that is why I always seemed to be getting a lot of attention. Now that my ultra popular best friend was off in busy New York City, I was just a little Alabama freshman with no buds on my side. Still, I could always make new friends and the thought filled my heart with hope. I began walking down the hall smiling at everyone I passed. I was so happy I could have floated into the sky when….BANG! I smacked right into another girl who was walking down the hallway. “Oh….Oh I’m SO sorry!” She glared at me. She was wearing globs of green eye shadow and shiny, cherry red lipstick was caked all over her lips. The girl was wearing some clothes that I knew was defiantly not appropriate for a 14 year old girl, especially at school. Her dangling earrings clanged as she whipped her head around to me. “Watch where you’re going will ya?” I glanced at her blood red polished finger nails, then finally snapped out of it. “Um…I’m sorry….I really am…..hey let me help you pick up your purse” She grabbed off the floor before I could touch it. “Who are you anyway?” she said ignoring my offer. “Strutting your stuff down this hallway like you’re the next Madonna!” She had about 4 girls behind her, all with catty smirks on their faces. I think a group like that is referred to as a posse. I smiled. “My name is Emily. What’s yours?” She smiled and looked at the girls behind me. I bet they were all sharing a pretty good laugh in their minds. “Nicole. But you can call me Nicki” She paused. “Just so you know, I rule this school! Now that Kayla Phillips” She made a face as she said her name. “Is gone, I’ve taken over. So don’t think you’re better than me” She poked me and came closer to my face. “You got it, sister?” I smiled feebly. “I don’t think I’m better than you” I stammered. “I was just….happy. That’s all” She grinned and I couldn’t help but notice how perfectly white her teeth were. “You know what, Emily? I like you. I think we’re going to be very good friends” My hope soared! She wanted to be my friend. Halleluiah! “That’s great!” I answered. Nicki put a hand on my shoulder. “I know! Why don’t you sit at the cool table at lunch with us today?” My heart started to beat like a drum. Even being best friends with Kayla I never got to sit at the cool table. And now I had my own free invitation! “Awesome! I’ll be there!” I flounced away, joy filling my body.

          “OMG! Did you see that girl over there? Her butt is like bursting out of those jeans!” I sat uncomfortably between Nicki and her posse. Ever since we had sat down, those girls had been making fun of people. I didn’t think it was very nice at all, but I just kept my mouth shut and joined in with the laughter. Nicki pointed to a girl at the other end of the cafeteria. She had black frizzy hair and glasses that were scotch taped in the middle. “Kerri Smitzomeyer! She’s the biggest geek in school! Let’s show her who’s boss!” Everybody nodded in agreement with huge grins on their faces. What was going on? Nicki pulled a banana out of her lunch bag and chowed it down until there was just a peel. Then when, Kerri was at just the right angle Nicki through the banana peel straight at her feet and…..SPLAT! Kerri fell flat on her face in front of the entire cafeteria! Nicki guffawed! “Nice fall, Smitzomeyer!” “So graceful! You should take up ballet!” another posse member (Tiffany, Nicki’s BFF) added between giggles. Kerri’s face turned beet red. As she went to pick up her tray her skirt flounced up and her underwear was shown. The laughter grew louder. “Nice panties Kerri! Barney undies are so in!” Nicki screamed. Kerri started crying and ran out of the cafeteria. I couldn’t take it anymore! “That was so mean!” I told Nicki. “Why did you do that?” Nicki gave me a look. “Because it’s funny, that’s why! What’s the matter, Emily? Can’t take a little humor?” I wasn’t about to be pushed down by that! “You made her cry!” Nicki rolled her eyes and shrugged. “She’ll get over it! Besides, who cares if she cried?” I shook my head. I wasn’t going to fight with her. I knew what was right from wrong. I had a funny feeling she wasn’t going to be a very nice friend, but I pushed the thought out of the way. Maybe she was right. Maybe I did have to loosen up a bit.

Chapter 3

“Okay class, let’s review. The French and Indian War took place in……..” I groaned. My new teacher Miss Jay talked so FAST! I couldn’t understand a thing she said and it was driving me insane! “Great job everybody! Oh yeah, and you’re homework is a 500 word essay on the French and Indian War! Due tomorrow I might add! Have fun! Goodbye” The bell rang and we scurried from the classroom chattering like typewriters. On my way out, Nicki stepped in front of me. “I’m having a sleepover tonight at seven. Want to join us?” I grinned and nodded. “Sure” Nicki grinned right back. “See ya there, Em!” I was ecstatic!

          I arrived at Nicki’s house right on time and I was greeted by a gray haired woman. “Yes?” she asked nervously. “My name is Emily. I’m here for Nicki’s sleepover?” She nodded. “Oh yes. Come in” I cautiously stepped through the door and wiped my feet on the welcome mat. “I’m sorry” the woman said. “I didn’t recognize you. I’ve never seen you here” I smiled warmly. “Oh, I’m a new friend” And I felt kind of proud saying it. As I entered Nicki’s bedroom, I saw Nicki and her gang all seated in a circle on the floor. She smiled. “Hi Em! Come join the party!” She kept the smile plastered to her face as she stared intently at her mother. When the woman was gone Nicki whipped her head around to me. “Okay. Now that everyone’s here and my mom is gone we can start having some actual fun!” She dug into her pajama pocket and pulled out about 20 cigarette packs. She opened one eagerly and yanked out a cigarette. From the other pocket she produced a lighter. She lit the cigarette and stuck it into her mouth. Smoke exited in puffs. Everyone else dug into the pack as if they were a hungry gang of lions and started blowing on those stupid things like chimneys. I stared in horror and coughed. “What are you doing?” I questioned between gasps. Nicki blew out some of that smelly, disgusting smoke. “What do you mean? We’re smoking! It's what cool people do. Why haven’t you taken a cigarette yet?” I couldn’t believe it! Smoking was wrong and dirty and smelly and just plain gross! I couldn’t understand why such a pretty girl like Nicki would want to rot away her pretty face with a cigarette. It was vulgar! “No thanks!” Nicki laughed out loud spitting out smoke in my direction. “What kind of a popular girl are you? Come on! Take one. It’s not like your going to die!” I squirmed. “Actually, I could die! Smoke harms your lungs and makes you smell…….” “Cut the lectures!” Nicki interrupted defiantly. “Smoking is cool!” When I didn’t answer, she groaned. “Fine. Don’t take one. Be a big baby if you want to! Time for some new fun anyway!” She paused. “Truth or Dare!” Okay. This was pretty normal. I was okay with Truth or Dare. Nicki looked at me. “Truth or Dare?” I hesitated. “Dare” She grinned. “I dare you to ask out any boy we pick for you tomorrow!” I shook my head. “I’m not going out with anybody! We’re in 9^th grade!” Nicki pouted. “Aw…the little baby doesn’t want to smoke or ask out a guy! Come on, Em. Act like a woman!” “But I’m not a woman yet!” I argued. “I’m not doing it!” Nicki narrowed her eyes. “Oh well. I guess you’re going to have to resign to the NERD table ‘cause you’re not sitting with us anymore unless you do this” I closed my eyes. I had to do this. “Okay” I decided. “I’ll do it” Nicki grinned. “Do you swear?” I sighed. “Yes, I swear” She nodded. “Great. Now let’s do something else” She seated herself in one of those computer chairs and turned on her computer. “What are we doing now?” She rolled her eyes and answered slowly, as if I was stupid. “We’re putting dirty things about people on the internet!” “But….But why?” I sputtered. I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT! Nicki shook her head. “Because it’s fun! Emily, you have a lot to learn!” There was a pause as she logged in to the internet. “Okay, now. Who are we going to diss first?” “Ooooh!” Tiffany shouted. “Let’s do that stupid Kerri Smitzomeyer!” Nicki grinned evilly and I swear I could practically see two little red horns coming out of her head. “Perfect! What she we say about her?” Everybody started thinking. I was thinking too-but about something different. Was Nicki really a good friend for me to have? She smoked, made fun of people, and wrote dirty things about people on the internet. When I thought about it I realized that….no she wasn’t. She was a snob and she pressured me to do things I didn’t want to do. But…..she was also bringing my popularity back. Maybe it wasn’t her, but me. Maybe I was overreacting. “Hello! Earth to Emily!” I came back to earth. “Oh sorry….ugh…what did I miss?” Nicki pointed to the screen and grinned. I could picture the horns growing longer as I glanced at the screen. Nicki had written some really bad curses in there, so I’ll just say blank whenever they come. Here’s what it said:

Kerri Smitzomeyer is such a blank kisser. She always acts like she’s better than everybody else. She is not even smart! Her blank parents just make her think she’s so great, but she’s not! She is UGLY with a capital U. She has a blank bigger than China and her mother picks out her little perfect dresses. Stay away from the little blank! She is just a GEEK!

I gasped. I couldn’t believe that Nicki had written something like this. It was just so nasty and cruel and…..wrong. She grinned. “Isn’t it great?” I shook my head. “It’s….so…..oh my god Nicki….It’s just DIRTY! Why did you write this? Why? It’s not funny. It’s not even the least bit funny….It’s cruel. It’s just….so bad” Nicki looked happy. “I know!” I was really mad now. “That’s not a good thing!” I cried. “It’s terrible! That poor girl! You’re ruining her life! WHY? I’ll never know…but…..but please stop! Stop doing this to people!” There was a long silence. I had a feeling nobody had ever talked back to Nicki before. “Fine!” Nicki screamed. “Be that way! Be a LOSER! See if I care! Get out!” I crossed my arms. “I think I will!” And I bolted out of the house, tears blurring my vision.

Chapter 4

“Mom?” “Hi honey” “I want to come home” “Why? You didn’t like the party?” “Please just come and get me. I don’t want to talk about it” “You sure?” “Mom, just come! Okay? I’ll see you later” I hung up my cell phone. I couldn’t stand this! I just blew my only chance to become something! I was going to be sitting at the nerd table for the rest of my life! I was standing right outside Nicki’s house and when I looked back I could see them through the window. There were making the loser sign at me and sticking out their tongues. Fine. Let them do that! I didn’t care! Oh, who was I kidding? I did care. I cared a lot. I just couldn’t show it. Don’t let the enemy see you cry, that was my new motto. I stood my ground. I held back my tears. And I waited for my mommy to come pick me up.

           We were home. “Hey Em, why are you home so early?” my sister Rose asked munching on a wheat thin. She smirked. “Couldn’t take a sleepover?” “Shut up Rose” I muttered sticking my hand in the wheat thin box, tasting one, and thinking how my sister could stand such disgusting food. “Em you are so immature!” she groaned rolling her eyes. Caroline badgered me next. “Get a grip, Emily. Sheesh. She can’t even handle a sleepover!” “Caroline!” Mom shot a threatening look at my little sister. She shut up. “Honey, you don’t have to do your homework!” my mother comforted me. “You’ve had a terrible day! I’ll write a note to your teacher” I don’t know what happened next. I just kind of snapped. Went off the deep end. All of a sudden, anger and frustration bubbled up inside me and I just started screaming. “STOP THAT! You think that if mommy puts a band-aid on every little scratch I get that I’ll be okay! Well GUESS WHAT? You’re wrong! I don’t need mommy making it all better any more! Just leave me alone!” My mother stared at me in shock. She gaped and she put her hand to her hard. There was complete silence. And then I started crying. Big sobs. I hugged my mother tight and buried my face in her dress. “I’m sorry mom….I’m so sorry…oh mom!” My mother looked a little surprised, but she hugged me back. “Sweetheart, if you felt that way you should have told me. If I knew…” “No mom” I interrupted. “I didn’t mean it. I love you”

 I’m just…..a little freaked right now” My mother felt my head. It’s something she always does when I say I’m a little freaked. “Well…okay” she said with a frown. “But I really don’t think you should bother with that homework. You look really bad” I sighed. My bun began to unravel. “I know. I guess the first day wasn’t what it was cut out to be” I paused. “But I need to do this homework. I don’t want Miss Jay to think my mom is just going to write a note whenever I don’t want to do homework. I’ll go do it now” I wandered up the stairs and into my bedroom where I locked the door and flopped onto my bed. After searching my backpack for about 10 minutes a groan escaped my lips. I had forgotten my Social Studies Text Book. Never in my life had I ever forgotten something. It just wasn’t me. And yet, there it was, plain and simple. I was not going to be able to write a 500 word essay on the French and Indian War without it. And I couldn’t call a friend for info because it was almost 10:30. What was I going to do? I sighed. Caroline knocked on the door. “EMILY! MA WANTS TO KNOW IF YOU WANT A HOT DOG FROM NATHANS!” “I’M NOT HUNGRY!” I shouted back. Back to the homework problem….I would have to just use information I had stored in my brain-but then again I didn’t have anything stored in my brain. Miss Jay had spoken so quickly I hadn’t heard anything. WHAT WAS I GOING TO DO? I sighed. Oh well. I was going to walk in tomorrow with no essay and that wasn’t good. You see, there are different types of teachers. Some of them are okay with it if you miss a couple of homework assignments throughout the year. They know that we’re just humans and that we mess up sometimes. They’re cool with that. Others, like Miss Jay, are totally NOT okay with that. She has been said to give brutal and embarrassing punishments to kids who don’t bring in homework. And I was going to be the first kid of the school year to receive one.

************ *

Hey Kayla,

Things have been hectic lately. How is New York? Hope you love it, love it, love it. New York sounds a lot better than Alabama at the moment. I soooo miss you. PLEASE VISIT ME. Come on BFF! I want to see you. Call ok? Or at least answer this email. You surely have new friends in that cute little NYC apartment but remember me. Luv u so much

BFF

Emily

Chapter 5

As I entered Miss Jay’s classroom the next day, Nicki gave me an icy glare. She mouthed “I’m watching you” and nodded with a menacing smile. I turned away and winced. Just keep moving. “Please take out your homework” Miss Jay announced. Uh oh. This was it. I watched with anticipation and a slight trigger of fear as the other kids in the room busily took out their reports and looked expectantly up at Miss Jay.  “Miss Anderson?” I looked cautiously. “Yes ma’am?” Miss Jay pointed to my desk and lifted an eyebrow. “Where is your essay?” I gulped. “Uh….well you see Miss Jay…..I….well….” “Spit it out!” Miss Jay ordered sternly. Nicki giggled, Miss Jay gave her a look. “Well?” she said pointedly. I gave up and answered feebly. “I forgot my book” There was silence in the room for a minute. “Well then Miss Anderson. This is not like you at all and I cannot understand it.  But I’m afraid that’s detention. I’ll see you there” I nodded and wondered what detention was like when Miss Jay was in charge.

          As I got up to exit the room I felt a storng, sticky pull at the bottom of my jeans. I heard giggles. I attempted to get up one more time, but I was pulled right back down. Oh no. What was going on? Bracing myself, I looked at my seat and gasped. A gooey wad of pink bubblegum was stuck to the back of my jeans and I had a feeling I was not getting up from this chair anytime soon. To make a long story short I got my hands absolutely gross trying to get the gum off and when I finally succeeded lunch was almost over. As I exited the room Nicki popped her gum in my face and sneered. I trudged into the cafeteria in the worst mood possible and was about to sit where I had sitten the day before, when I heard Nicki’s voice. “Oh Emily!” she sneered. “Don’t you remember our new seating arrangement?” She pointed at the so-called “nerd” table and smirked. “Toodles!” I cringed. The nerd table. Filled with the most low-life people in the universe. And I was sitting there now. I closed my eyes and cautiously walked to the back of the cafeteria and sat down next to Kerri Smitzomeyer. Her eyes grew big. “Oh…I’m sorry…..uh….do…you…need….me……to……move…over….uh…Nicki’s friend” I looked at her funny. “What the heck! It’s not like you have to treat me like royalty or something!” Kerri looked really confused. “I don’t?” I shook my head. “No. Why?” She thought a minute and straightened her glasses. “Why are you sitting with me?” I shrugged. “I don’t know” There was a big silence. Then Nicki came over. Everybody practically bowed down to her as she walked by. “Remmember our little dare?” she hissed in my ear. “Well…you’re asking out Fredrick Finklestein!” My mouth dropped. Fredrick Finklestein? As in the biggest nerd in school? I opened my mouth to protest, but she shook her head. “You swore!” “But we’re not friends anymore!” Nicki grinned. “Doesn’t matter. I was going to tell you sooner, but I decided to give you all of your misery all at once!” She looked over at Kerri. “Hi Kerri. How are you and those barney undies doing?” Kerri blushed and turned to her tuna casserole. “Stop it!” I scolded. “Your embarrassing her!” Nicki sneered and ignored me. “You wouldn’t mind if I took these off your hands, would you?” She grabbed Kerri’s glasses off of her face, split them in half and held them up high above Kerri’s head. “Oops! Gee I’m so sorry Kerri. I destroyed your glasses, but your sweet mommy will buy you new ones, right!” Kerri pushed her tuna casserole away and put her head down. Nicki patted her head sarcastically and walked back over to the “cool” table. Fredrick Finklestein made his way over to us and put his tray down on the cafeteria table. He blushed at me. “You know…..er….I heard you talking with Nicki….and…..well, Emily you don’t have to ask me out if you don’t want to……I mean……I know you’ll die of embarrassment if you have to go with someone like me and….” “No” I interrupted. “It’s okay. So, would you like to go see a movie after school?” Fredricks mouth dropped. “You don’t even care about the rumors that are going to be spread about you if you…like….go out with me?” I shrugged. Fredrick seemed like a really nice guy and I liked him. Not liked, liked him, but liked him. I didn’t mind seeing a flick with him. He finally agreed to go with him, but he was blushing deeply. I turned to Kerri. “You know, Kerri. After I go to the movies with Fredrick I was thinking you could come to my house. I know you’re an amazing student and I thought you could tutor me” Kerri shook her head. “I’ve been a geek long enough to know that when a popular girl asks you to hang out, all she wants to do is cheat off your paper and use you. What kind of an imbecile do you take me for?” A popular girl? She thought I was a popular girl? Ha! I wasn’t even close to popular. “Look Kerri, that’s not true!” I grinned at her. “I really want to get to know you guys!” She snorted and shoved some tuna casserole in her mouth. “Sure! You think you can totally fool me! Well shut up and listen. I saw you with those dumb popular girls yesterday, laughing with them hysterically about my little fall. Thinking it was hilarious that I slipped on that banana peel that Nicki threw at my feet” I sighed. She was right. She had no reason to trust me. “Well, Kerri if you change your mind I’ll be at detention after school. So don’t call me ‘till after 5:00!” As I stood up from the table I overheard Kerri talking with Fredrick. “Typical popular girl!” she scoffed. “Always in detention” I sighed. So much for making friends with Kerri.

Howdy Em!

How r things? I made a new friend, Lucy. But she’ll never replace you. I mean she may be a best friend but you are still my one and only BFF. I luv u 2. I miss u

KayJ

Chapter 6

As the bell rang I shivered as I remembered my fate. Go to detention with Miss Jay, have a date with Fredrick Finklestein, maybe meet Kerri. Wow, this was gonna be one strange evening. Sweat trickled down my forehead as I entered the detention room and set my backpack on the floor next to the chair. I gulped as Miss Jay entered the room along with some other people I didn’t want to see. One of them being Nicki and the gang. And then……gasp! Oh my god. Oh my god. The boy that I had seen the first day. The angel on the motorcycle. OH MY GOD! His arm….it was around Nicki. Were they……… “Hey Anderson!” Nicki called with a sneer. “Didn’t think I’d see a goody two shoes like you here” She paused as she called to the hottie she had walked in with. “This is Jake, my boyfriend” Oh no. He was taken!!! Oh woes me. My worst nightmare! “Oh h….h….hi” Oh my gosh. I couldn’t stop shaking. He was so HOT! “Hi” he grinned. “I remember you. First day, right?” “Yeah” I answered dreamily. “I…..” “Come on Jake!” Nicki interrupted. “Let’s take a seat” She smirked. “Okay class” Miss Jay boomed. “It’s time for detention! Who would like to go first?” Go first? What? In detention, didn’t you just sit and copy things off the board….what did she….? “Taylor, what about you?” Taylor was in Nicki’s gang. She blushed. Obviously going first was NOT a good thing. Taylor slowly got up and approached Miss Jays desk as she fiddled with a loose string on her sweatshirt. “Well Taylor, what should be your punishment for tomorrow?” Taylor shrugged and rolled her eyes. “I don’t know” “Well” Miss Jay continued. “Apparently, you haven’t brought in any homework so far…..I guess that would make you a dunce huh?” “Yes” Taylor whispered. There was giggling and Nicki was doing most of it. “Well, then tomorrow instead of doing work that you obviously can’t understand if you’re not doing any homework you will wear the dunce cap for the day. The only time you may talk to anyone is when I speak to you. Understood?” “Yes Miss Jay” “Now say it loud, I am a dunce for not bringing in my homework and will do so next time if I’m not an idiot” Taylor gulped and repeated what Miss Jay said underneath her breath. “LOUDER!” Miss Jay ordered. More giggling in the back. I for one was not giggling at all. Taylor looked totally humiliated. I felt so bad for her. Nicki was sure to bury her with insults and taunts tomorrow. “I am a dunce for not bringing in my homework and will do so next time if I’m not an idiot!!!” She screamed across the room and her face automatically turned red afterwards. “Thank you, Miss Marcelo. You may leave” Taylor scurried to her desk and grabbed her book bag, dropping it 3 times in the process and left. There was a lot of laughter as the door slammed behind her. “Who’s next?” Laughter immediately ceased. Anyone of us could be at risk and…. “Jake! How about you! Don’t be shy!” Jake shrugged with a sly, lopsided grin on his face. There was applause as he walked to the front of the room and he seemed to be enjoying the spotlight. “Jake, what should your punishment be?” Jake shrugged. “I don’t know Miss Jay. It’s not exactly my job to figure it out” More giggles. Nicki winked at him. “Well” Miss Jay continued. “You rode your motorcycle on school premises which is strictly forbidden. You caused much damage out there. Plus you ditched class to smoke which is also STRICTLY forbidden. Hmmmm….well you did pollute the air with that vulgar smoking of yours. Maybe you can apologize to the earth by cleaning every inch of it. Tommorow you must borrow a janitor outfit and clean every inch of that yard you ruined. We might also need you to scrape gum off tables if your not too busy taking out the trash after lunch or scrubbing the toilets in the bathrooms. All bus privileges will be taken away since you obviously do not want to ride it. How does that sound?” Jake shrugged. “Nah” “What do you mean, Nah?” “Nah as in no. Look it up in a slang dictionary” Giggles filled the room. I gasped. He was back-sassing the teacher! “I’m going home, Miss Jay” Jake announced picking up his backpack and heading out the door. “Nice seeing you today. I’ll be outside waiting for my chick” He winked at Nicki and went out into the hall. Miss Jays face was beet red as she swung open the door. “Mr. Matthews you come back here this instant!” “Look Miss Jay, I’m not really in the mood for chat. Maybe later okay?” The teacher was furious. “You can’t talk to a teacher that way!” “Oh can’t I?” he asked. With a huge knowing grin on his face Jake pulled from his pocket a shiny pair of keys. Miss Jay gaped. “How did you get my car keys?” “Easy!” he answered. “You left them on your desk and I took them after school!” I could practically see steam emerging from her ears. “Give me back my car keys, Jake” “I will” he told her calmly. “After you do a little favor for me” She narrowed her eyes. “Jake Matthews hand over my car keys, NOW!” “Like I said” Jake repeated his attitude still totally cool. “A deal can go a long way. You let me go without punishment! You get your car keys! No deal equals no car. No car equals me going into your car and driving it down the road!” Miss Jay scowled. “Jake, I’m going to ask you one more time, give them to me!” “Never!” Without warning, Jake dashed down the hallway all of us following him along with Miss Jay. She was screaming her head off, her face pink with perspiration. “You come back here, you brat! Give me my car keys or I’ll press charges against you!”  Jake bolted into the parking lot where he dangled the keys over Miss Jays head as if taunting her. He was taller than she was and kids giggled as she jumped for the keys like a hungry puppy. “You have one last chance!” Jake shouted. “You can send me away scot-free and get your car back!” “You brat!” Miss Jay screeched. “Give me the keys, RIGHT NOW, or I’ll call your parents!” Jake just grinned. “Oooooh. You hear that guys? She’s going to call my parents! I’m shaking!” Everyone laughed. “Bye Miss Jay!” Jake called. He laughed as he unlocked the door to Miss Jays jeep and hopped in. He slammed the door shut hitting the button to lock the door so no one could enter. He rolled down the window. “I’m about to take a little test drive!” Jake got ready to rev up the motor when Miss Jay screamed. “Please Jake! Get out of the car! I’ll do anything! Please let me have them back!” “Anything?” “Anything, yes!” Jake thought about it for a while and then his face broke out into a grin. “All right. Get down on your hands and knees and bow down to me! Oh and call me Oh Mighty Jake. Then maybe I’ll give them back!” Everyone broke into hysterics. Fat Miss Jay bowing down to Jake Matthews in the middle of the parking lot? Now that would be something to see! “No!” Miss Jay protested. “I won’t do that! You think of something else!” “All right!” Jake sighed and frowned. “It’s a sin this car has to be destroyed. It’s so nice! Probably a whole lot of money. Oh well!” He lifted his foot to step on the pedal, but again Miss Jay called out. “Okay! Okay! I’ll do it!” More hysterics! I couldn’t believe she was actually going to DO it!

Chapter 7

It took Miss Jay a while to figure out how to get on her hands and knees. She was very overweight and you can imagine what it looked like. When she finally got down there we were all having laugh attacks. I knew this wasn’t very nice of Jake to do, but it WAS funny. I couldn’t help myself. Still, a pang of sympathy for Miss Jay shot me. Oh god, she looked so pathetic. Deep in my heart I hoped that Jake might give her a break. She began to bow down to him. “Oh mighty Jake” she mumbled. “Please let me have my car back” Jake shook his head. “Now say, You are so much smarter and better than me and I am just a fat loser!” Miss Jay’s face turned red. “No! This has gone too far! I am not going through this humiliation for you!” Jake rolled his eyes. “Make up your mind. Your car or your reputation? Take your pick!” She sighed. “Okay. Oh mighty Jake, please let me have my car back” She took a deep breath.  “You are so much smarter and better than me….and…..and I am just a fat looser” “LOUDER!” Jake ordered imitating Miss Jay. She turned pink and started to speak when Jake spoke again. “Wait!” He searched through his backpack and from it produced a video camera. He turned it on and put it to his eye. “Go!” Everyone was laughing out of control! He was taping it! Miss Jay screamed it as she bowed to Jake, her cheeks pink with embarrassment and defeat. “Oh mighty Jake please let me have my car back! You are so much smarter and better than me and I am just a fat loser!!!!” Miss Jay gasped as if she could not believe what she had just done. As the students mocked her and laughed in her face Miss Jay scurried over to the car. “Now give me the keys!” she yelled. Jake smiled. “Promise to let me do whatever I want?” “Yes, now give them to me!” He smiled knowing he had won, leaped out of the car and gave her the keys. “Nice doing business with you, Miss Jay! Let’s hear it for Miss Jay, you guys!” Everyone whooped and cheered. “Free burgers for everyone!” he called as all of the kids including me raced out of the parking lot, unpunished.

          As we invaded Burger World with all our orders, Nicki and Jake seated themselves at a table. “Hey Emily!” Jake called. “Want to sit with us?” Nicki clenched her teeth and put her hands over Jakes. “Honey, don’t you think we should sit ALONE?” “No, why?” Jake asked. “It’s always cool to have company!” My eyes lit up. Oh my god. He was asking me over. I raced over without thinking. “Yeah, sure” I answered pushing myself in next to Nicki. She glared at me and pushed me onto the floor, making me knock over her milkshake in the process. “Emily!” she cried. “How could you! MY drink” Jake gasped. “Emily! Are you okay?” He took my hand and lifted me up. HE TOUCHED MY HAND!!!! OH MY GOD!!!! I sighed. “Thanks!” He shot me his Tony winning grin. “No prob!” We sat down again. Nicki gave me another brutal glare. I guess she expected Jake to think I was a no good klutz….and her plan failed. I noticed that Nicki didn’t like failing or being wrong. “So” Jake asked. “What are your plans for tonight? Some of us are going down to the bowling alley….” I didn’t hear the rest. Suddenly I remembered. Fredrick. I was supposed to meet him a half an hour ago! “Oh my gosh!” I cried leaping up from the table. “I’m sorry! I have to go!” “Why?” Jake asked, surprised by my reaction. “Where are you going?” “I got a date with Fredrick Finklestein”

Chapter 8

Now you can imagine the reaction on Jakes face when I told him that. But he would eventually find out and I figured I should just tell him right then and there.

          Anyway, when I finally got to my house my jeans were really muddy and I was not very well dressed. Fredrick, oppositely, was wearing a suit and tie completed with spiffy freshly polished shoes. He was holding a bundle of roses in his hand. “For you” he muttered blushing out of control. “Er…..I’m sorry….I’m a little overdressed.” “Oh no!” I tried to assure him. “Don’t worry about it! I’m the one that’s underdressed…..if that’s even a word!” I laughed nervously. He blushed again. “Sure….uh….you want to go to the movie now?” “Yeah!” He sighed and pointed to a hand-made automobile. “It’s just a bike attached to a little cart. It’s all I’ve got. We could walk if you don’t want to be seen in it” “No that’s fine” I said trying not to sound disappointed. “I love handmade contraptions! They’re so interesting!” I hopped into the cart. He got onto the bike eyeing me every bit of the way, expecting me to lash out at him. Tell him he’s a dork like everyone else does. Tell him that I can’t go out with a loser. But I didn’t. I couldn’t. He was a nice guy and I didn’t want to hurt him. I’d do it. For him.

          On the way to the movie I saw a few of my friends. I tried to act cool, but I was hard. They were laughing hysterically and it took me a while not to cry. No, I thought. No. Think about Fredrick. Think about Fredrick. I repeated it in my mind,

          When we got there Fredrick got us a seat in the back where……Oh my god. OH MY GOD NO!!!! There, sitting right there was Nicki and Jake…..kissing in the very back seat. Nicki’s lipstick was smeared and I spotted cigarette packs in her back pocket. She offered Jake one and he took it and asked to use her lighter. She gave it to him and they started puffing away. Then they started kissing again. How could they possibly kiss each other after smoking? It was nasty. Their breath probably reeked. I don’t think I could stand that. Note to self: Don’t date guys who smoke.  “Um…..Fred can we go?” “Oh you finally got it? I’m a loser. You’ve got it now? Want me to walk you home…or is that too much too?” “No it’s not that it’s just….Nicki and Jake are back there and I don’t want to disturb them. Let’s go.” I dragged him out of the theater until we were standing in the lobby. Fredrick was blushing as usual. “So…..” I started after some silence. “I guess we should kiss now I mean it’s a date” Fredrick was still blushing. “I guess” I puckered up my lips. Oh god. I had never kissed a guy before and this wasn’t exactly my idea of first kiss. He stopped. “Wait! Why are you so nice? I mean I’m a dork. You know I’m a dork. Why did you ask me out? I mean you’re so pretty, and smart, and so SWEET! And you asked me OUT! Why? I mean, I’m a LOSER! You’re going to ruin everything for yourself….why do you want to share a kiss with me? I mean I’ve never kissed a girl in my life, not that anyone would want to kiss me anyway but still! I spend all my life wishing I was Jake Matthews and I wasn’t some genius freak everybody hated and made fun of and spit on! Wishing I was actually good looking and wasn’t a genius and wasn’t a nerd and didn’t sit alone in my room watching Star Trek re-runs while everyone else is at a party or having fun somewhere else I wasn’t invited. WHY???? Why, when I’m finally coming to the realization that I am a nobody you come along and want to KISS ME??? WHY? I mean, you’re beautiful but I don’t want to do this anymore. I like you as a friend Emily. I do. But…..not like this. I don’t want to kiss you. I want to be your friend. But I don’t want to kiss you”

He panted, totally out of breath. The shy, timid Fredrick Finklestein had totally revealed himself to me. He had told me his feelings on life. How terrible it made him feel when people ignored him or teased him. How he wished he was Jake Matthews. He wanted to be cool. I knew what to do. “Fredrick, how would you like to be my friend! I have some plans for you you see…….” “Um….this isn’t a trick is it? I mean…” “Listen Fredrick….how would you like to be cool?” His eyes lit up. “Well that would be great…I mean…” “Good. Fredrick, I am on a mission to make you cool. Okay? I will do everything I can to not only make you the hottest most popular guy in school, but get you your dream girl. How about that?” Fredrick’s face practically glistened. He had a look of hope in his eyes and he stood for a moment, completely devastated by my offer. He licked his lips. “Wow. That would….wow….be so great. I don’t…..know what to say” “You don’t need to know what to say. Say yes or no” “Yes” he answered dreamily as he adjusted his glasses. “Okay” I said. “Meet me tomorrow at lunch” I smiled and walked away.

Hi Kayla

Today was a really weird day. Its really hard to explain but I will next time I call you. Say hello to Lucy for me. She sounds nice. How did you meet her?

Emily

Chapter 9

I was right. As I walked through the doors of Washington Ridge I could see Taylor sitting in a corner on the side. She knew what was coming and her punishment was today.

I walked over to try to be friendly, but she got up frantically biting her  chipped purple polished finger nails. “Hey!” I called. “What’s up with you?” She hunched over. “I got a punishment!” she whispered secretively her slightly bloodshot eyes darting around the room. “It’s completely against Nicki gang regulation. One of the rules is that if a teacher try’s to punish you, you have to find some way out of it. But of course, because I’m the goody goody of the group, I didn’t and I’m about to get the biggest day of humiliation of my life. She might even punch me! I’m just terrified!” As she spoke I studied her features. She had dark beautiful mysterious black hair that was ruined from the red streaks of cheap hair dye running through it. It was tied into a messy bun and there was hair dangling in her face. A diamond stud sat on her pierced, and now perspiring nose. “Why are you whispering?” I finally asked. “SHHHH!!! They’ll hear you and…” “Hey look it’s the DUNCE!” “Oh no!” Taylor moaned putting her hand to her forehead as if she needed some Tylenol. The sweat trickled down her head and her cover-up was starting to fade unleasing a rather big pimple on her forehead. Nicki walked over to us slamming me into a locker and sneering at Taylor. “You know that punishments are against Nicki regulation, right?” “Yes sir….I mean ma’am. Ma’am! I meant ma’am!” Taylor backed up bracing herself for a punch, but it didn’t come. “Well, I’ll be watching you!” She narrowed her eyes and walked off, sneering the whole way.

Taylor let out a breath of relief. “Oh my god, that was close” She slipped on her black silky sweater and shivered. “Now to my fate….the dunce cap” Again she shivered and I noticed her hand had begun to shake. Looking both ways and seeming to dread every step, she walked slowly and cautiously down the hall.

As I walked into Social Studies (my first class) I noticed that Taylor was trembling as she set her books down. I felt so bad for her I prayed. Please God, don’t let Taylor die of embarrassment. She’s so scared. Amen. I glanced over at her hoping to see some progress, but she was still shaking and her mascara looked like it was about to be washed off. “Miss Marcelo? Take your seat with the dunce cap” The room was silent as Taylor got up and approached the dunce stool where she sat, her back facing the class, as Miss Jay set the dunce cap on her head. The class let out stifled giggles and Taylor buried her face in her hands. I gasped as the laughter grew louder and I knew why. On Taylor’s back was a huge sign that read, LOSER. Oh my god. She was going to die of embarrassment. Nicki smiled and held up a marker and a piece of cardboard (the same material as the sign) obviously accepting all credit for the stupid thing.

All through Social Studies nobody could sit still. Everyone was laughing and it was making me sick. How could they do this to her? They were so heartless! I mean that teacher was being CRUEL. She could see the sign! Why didn’t she DO something?  Did they understand what she was going through? Did they GET it? She was scared, and hurt, and upset, and angry. And whos doing was that? NICKI’S.

Chapter 10

At the end of Social Studies Taylor shuffled out of class looking miserable. I could see tears were streaked down her cheeks smudging her mascara, event though she tried covering her face with her hands. I stopped her in the hallway. “Taylor, come with me!” “No!” she cried. “I’m sick of you and your little leader Nicki! Go away. I hate you!” Her face turned red as she tried to yank from my grip. “No. Come on.” I could her sobbing as I took her into the girls bathroom and locked us in a stall. She cried for a few minutes and I waited patiently. After a while she looked up. “What do you want? Are you gonna give me a swirly? Wrap me up in toilet paper? What’s the deal?” “I want to help you” I told her handing her some tissues. She seemed grateful for them and blew her nose. “Look, Nicki is an imbecile. And I think you should know she stuck a loser sign on your back and it’s been there all day” Taylor’s face turned white and she started to weep again. “Oh god! Really? Oh god. I should have noticed. I am such a loser!” “No” I interrupted. “Nicki is a loser. You are not a loser, Taylor. Don’t say that” She settled her bloodshot eyes on me as she blew her nose again. “Who are you?” she asked feebly. “My name is Emily” I said. “I’d like to be your friend….”  “Don’t bother” she sniffled. “Just don’t even bother. I am out of the posse. Not only that, but now I am a loser for life. All the streaks in my hair and the pierced nose for nothing!” I gasped in surprise. “Nicki made you do that?” “Of course!” she answered. “I used to be a good girl. No trouble for me! Then Nicki came along. She said she liked me. She said we’d be good friends. And then she made me put streaks in my hair and pierce my nose and smoke and talk dirty. I didn’t want to. I really didn’t. But I felt like I did…and then I just cracked. And now I’m done for” Her face was now slimy with tears and I sat on the floor next to where she was sitting on the toilet seat. “Taylor, I know you will probably say no. But I am sitting at the….geek table with Fredrick Finklestein and Kerri Smitzomeyer. If you want to join me…” I trailed off as I looked into Taylor’s eyes. She looked suspicious as she shook her head and sighed. “Don’t even try. I know who you are. Girl, I saw you stand up to Nicki and what was the result? Insults, torments, pranks, humiliating moments. It hasn’t come yet but soon she’ll beat you up. I’m not messing with her or giving her any reason to mess with me. I’m giving up. Let her do what she wants” “No!” I insisted leaping up from the floor. “You can’t! You can’t do that. Look. I am going to make a world where the stupid cool kids are nice and fun and cool in a good way. Not some stupid punks who always get what they want. This is ridiculous. I promised Fredrick I’d make him cool. And I pass that promise onto you. What do you say?” Taylor looked doubtful as her bun unraveled and strands dangled in front of her face. She began to mumble. “Stupid bun. Stupid me. Stupid life” She glared at me. “No. I…I can’t. It’s stupid. We’ll never win. Nicki is too rich and powerful. She’d only humiliate us more” “Taylor no. You meet me at lunch. Then we’ll talk” I whipped my head around and left the stall leaving Taylor gaping on the toilet seat.

Chapter 11

Taylor met me at lunch. Deep in my heart I knew she would come and I was pleased to see her stroll up to our table. She was rather suspicious, but she was here at least. Her face was pale and a little blotchy. God, she looked tired. “What?”  That was what she said to me as she uncomfortably seated herself next to me. She eyed Fredrick and Kerri observing them. Then took a teeny weenie bite of her grilled cheese and threw it out. “Why’d you do that?” I asked. It was a perfectly good sandwich. I didn’t understand. “Nicki says I have to watch my weight” She said as if it was normal. As if starving yourself was perfectly ok. “When was the last time you’ve eaten?” I demanded. It wasn’t really my business but I felt that I had to know. She shrugged. “A week ago” I almost choked. God. Nicki had really brainwashed this girl. “You haven’t eaten in a week because Nicki told you not to?” Taylor squirmed. She did not like this conversation. “Well…yeah. She said I was fat and that if I stopped eating it’d make me thin” I gaped and without even thinking, smacked her. It wasn’t hard but it was definitely a smack. Took my hand and hit her right in the face. She gasped. “Ow! What was that for?” “For letting a stupid clueless monster take control of your life and turn you into an anorexic!” She seemed shocked. As if she had no idea not eating was bad. Then she took a big bite of her fries. I could see she enjoyed it. “Oh my god” she moaned with pleasure, her mouth full and fries spewing onto the table. “I forgot how good food tastes” She savored the salty flavor in her mouth for a sec, then finally came back to earth still chowing down on fries. “So what did you want to see me about?” she asked looking me up and down. “Taylor, Fredrick. Do you remember when I said I’d make you cool?” They nodded eagerly. Fredrick turned to Kerri. “See I told you so!” he insisted. She just rolled her eyes. “Well, I am going to keep that promise. Kerri I am willing to help you to” Kerri glared at me as if I was a piece of gum she had just stepped in. She bit a chicken nugget and rolled her eyes again. “I do not need to know how to be cool. I don’t want to be one of….them” “What do you mean them?” She shook her head. “Nicki, Tiffany” She glared. “You and Taylor! I don’t need it and I don’t want it. I’m not spending my life making fun of people. It’s not something worth doing and its mean. Forget it” She stared at Fredrick with little pleading puppy dog eyes. “Don’t do it Fredrick. It’s stupid. She’s just a manipulating brat trying to hurt you!” “I am not!” I protested. “I mean I want to befriend you guys! I want to be your friend! What don’t you understand?” Kerri looked down at her plate. I saw water works sprouting from her eyes. “I don’t need friends” she whispered. “Why?” I questioned. She shook her head. She seemed calmer now. “Because I don’t want to disappoint people. I mean I’ve had friends Emily as hard as it is to believe, but nothing ever works out. When I go down I bring the people who hang out with me down to. And then people get hurt. And I don’t like hurting people just ‘cause I’m a loser. I used to be friends with Nicki too. We were so tight. Then she started getting laughed at for hanging out with me. It was like 5^th grade and it was the year I got braces and glasses and I started liking math and being buds with Fredrick. Its like in her book you can’t like school or have eye problems and some crooked teeth. You have to be perfect and if your not perfect you don’t make the cut and end up being an outcast for life. That’s why I have a couple close friends and not many” She was crying now. “I don’t want to bring you down!” she sobbed. I could only hear some words through tears. loser…..not……hate…….jealous…..Nicki…..Tiffany……friendship….no….can’t…..makeover…..cool….I’m just not cut out for it!” I patted her hand hoping desperately we’d be friends. “There. There. It’s ok, it’s ok. You’re fine Kerri. I’m here for you. You’ve got a friend” Kerri finally looked up and I saw her smile for the first time. “Thanks Emily. Maybe you’re not so bad after all. And maybe you can make me cool. But not cool like them. Cool in my own way” I smiled and so did Taylor and Fredrick. “That’s just what I had in mind”

Chapter 12

I invited Kerri, Fredrick, and Taylor over that night. I could see that Kerri wasn’t used to being asked over other kids houses by the way she blushed when my mom greeted us. “Hi Emily!” my mother sing-songed practically dancing into the room. She beamed. “I see you have some friends over! I told you that you’d make new friends when Kayla moved” “Yeah” I answered absent mindedly. “I guess. We’re just gonna go upstairs and do homework, you know?” She nodded and I could tell she was a bit thrown off. “Well ok. Do you guys want a snack?” “No ma, that’s alright” “I’ll get some sugar cookies!” she insisted as if she hadn’t heard me. I sighed. “Fine” We headed upstairs to my room. As we clomped up the stairs I was shocked to find that Fredrick wasn’t blushing as much as usual. And he was staring at Kerri as if she was a god. I smiled to myself. This could be good.

When we finally got to my room I flopped on my bed and directed my new “friends” to sit on my bean bag chairs. We started snacking on sugar cookies. “So you guys, what do you want to do?” Taylor sighed. “Well I have a rather morbid announcement” We nodded for her to go on. “Nicki and Tiffany are having a party. None of us got invites. She came over and sneered at me. She told me we could come if we liked but our kind wasn’t really wanted at a cool party. Do you think we should go?” “So not!” Kerri immediately decided. “I’m not good at parties….and we weren’t really invited anyway” “Dito” Fredrick agreed. “Nerds like us should not be seen at cool parties. It’s totally defying the laws of social status” Taylor nodded sadly. “I guess you’re right. I’m a geek to now. So I shouldn’t go” “GUYS!” I shouted flinging my teddy bear on the floor. “How could you? I’m not a nerd! And neither are you! We’re cool. I say we just go. See what happens. We could totally conquer this party!” “Conquer it?” Kerri snorted. “Fredrick is right. It defies the laws of social status….” “Who made up the laws of social status?” I interupted. “Who just decided who was cool and who was a nerd? WHO? That stupid Nicki girl that’s who. Ruining our school. Making everybody look inferior. Well guess what? We can end that! We can be COOL!!!! Who wants to be cool? COME ON! WHO?” Silence followed my little pep talk speech. I’m pretty sure Fredrick was crying. I’d never seen a boy cry before and I don’t think Taylor or Kerri ever did either. We sat quietly. Then Kerri got up and put her arm around Fredrick. He perked up. So did Kerri. One word broke the silence. “Cool” Fredrick said aloud as if testing the word. “Cool. It sounds so beautiful” He turned to me. “I’m with you Emily” “Me to!” Kerri agreed. “Me three!” Taylor cried. We made a solemn swear to be nice to people even if we looked sizzling hot and were super cool. Which we would be. We just had to figure out how.  

My dearest BFF,

I met Lucy because she joined the swim team with me. We’re on the Red Lightning. Swimming is so fun- but it was a lot more fun when you were swimming with me.

YOUR BFF AND THE COOLEST PERSON EVER (except you of course)

KayJ

Chapter 13

          As we walked into school we were filled with confidence. Then we saw Nicki and it all went down. “Hey losers!” she called to us giggling with Tiffany and her two other posse members Crystal and Jen. “Hear about my party?” “Sure we did!” I bragged putting my hands on my hips and getting in her face. “And we’re coming too!” Her mouth swung open like a trapdoor. “You mean even though you were ditched as total outcasts you’re STILL risking your lives to come to my party of the year? God, your stupid” Suddenly her cell phone rang and she smiled at her caller ID. Jake. “Got to go! Catch you at the party losers-if you don’t chicken out!” “Don’t worry. We won’t. AND we’ll be the life of your party”

          That night Taylor, Fredrick, and Kerri came over to get ready for the party. I had all my makeover stuff ready. “Look, Emily” Kerri said. “I don’t think we should get completely worked up over this, you know? Save the makeovers for later on” I sighed, a little disappointed but agreed that Nicki wasn’t worth it. So we just put on our best clothes. We put Kerri in a brown mini (she didn’t want to be colorful) and a navy tank. Taylor was dressed to impress in a blue shiny tank, a denim mini, and pink leggings. She looked likes someone from the eighties but I didn’t say anything. I dressed in a pink tee that said PRINCESS on it and my only pair of designer jeans. I hadn’t worn them since Kayla moved. “You sure you want to do this?” Taylor asked. “Yeah” I said sighing. “Let’s go”

          We hopped in my mom’s jeep. We were all gonna look bad with my mom driving us, but whatever. We didn’t care.

          As we rolled up in Nicki’s driveway, lights and loud obnoxious loud music greeted us. I smelled a hint of smoke in the air. They were probably puffing away somewhere. “You sure you’ll be ok here?” My mom bit her lip with hesitation. “We’re fine mom” I assured her as we exited the car. “Thanks for driving us” That was her cue to leave but she didn’t seem to get it. “I don’t know about this Emily” “Mom, you can go” I snapped. “We’re fine!” She shook her head. “Gosh, my baby is growing up!” She finally left. There we were. Standing in the middle of the parking lot. Then I saw Jake. “Hey Emily” he greeted us smoothly. He strolled over. “Want to have a smoke with Nicki and I?” I shook my head. “No that’s ok. Do you know where Nicki is?” “I’m right here, imbecile” she answered snottily as she adjusted her bra that was clearly exposed under her low, V neck tank top. “Ok, everyone! Truth or dare!” she announced. Everyone eagerly got in a circle . Nicki grinned. “Ok, I’m going to ask first…..how about Emily?” She said it as if it was a random choice. I knew it wasn’t. “Truth or dare, Emily?” Oh god. Which was worse? “Uh….truth” Nicki made a big deal of wiggling her eyebrows as she pretended to think. But I knew she had something already. “Hmmm…..how about…oh I know! Have you ever kissed a guy?” I sighed. “No” I admitted. “Not really” Everyone started laughing hysterically. Nicki smiled devilishly at me. “Ok Kerri. Now you! Truth or dare?” Kerri sighed and closed her eyes. “Truth” she whispered getting ready for a terrible one. “What’s your bra size?” Kerri blushed and buried her head in her arms. She was not enjoying this game. She mouthed help to me. “Well….uh….32A” she mumbled. More laughter. Kerri ran out of the room, tears streaking the mascara we’d applied to her face before the party. “What a flat freak!” Nicki cried. I couldn’t take it. “SHUT UP NICKI” There was silence. “What did you just say to me, you loser?” “I said SHUT UP. You have no right to judge people by there bra size! It’s stupid and sick! Everyone knows the only reason you have a C cup is ‘cause you stuff! So look who’s talking? Get a life, Nicki!” Silence iced the room. Nicki gave me the death look. “I do not stuff!” she screamed even though it was obvious there were tissues spewing from her bra. She immediately realized she was screeching then returned to being smooth and totally cool. “And look who’s trying to accuse…Little Miss Training Bra over here” There was more laughter. But it was sort of forced, as if they felt they needed to laugh. “Let’s play spin the bottle instead” she announced. Chatter started up again. Nicki winked at Jake and spun the bottle. I bit my lip, as I eagerly watched the wine bottle spin. Suddenly Nicki let out a wretched groan. She got a girl so she lost her turn. She looked furious. “Emily, why don’t you go next?” She batted her good girl eyelashes at me and I scowled. Taking a deep breath I spun the bottle. This guy Andrew had caught my eye and I hoped to get him. I closed my eyes. Geez, this bottle took a long time to spin. I heard everyone gasp. Oh no. I hoped it wasn’t someone to horrible. I opened one eye. And gasped myself. I had gotten….no this could not be right. I opened the other eye. It really was him! Jake Matthews. I had gotten Jake Matthews. Nicki’s eyes were flaring. She turned to me with hatred then back at Jake. Like two circles of black coal her pupils got big and filled with anger. Despite her dagger, hating eyes Jake got up and took my hand. Nicki gritted her teeth. There were whistles as Jake and I entered the walk in closet. I was unsteady. I couldn’t believe what was happening. Jake locked us in the closet and turned out the lights. “Come on babe” he said then pulled me close. I yanked away. “Jake I’m not ready for this….I’m sorry but…” “Come on, Em. Let’s kiss. Nothing can stop us”. He started kissing me. I yanked back with surprise. “Jake, no. You have a girlfriend! You can’t!” “I don’t care about her! You’re hotter!” He tried again, this time squeezing my bottom. I screamed. “Get away from me! EW!!! You freak. You have a girlfriend! Get away!” “Come on, honey come closer!” “I’m not your honey! You’re harassing me! Go away! Get me out of this closet!” He looked shocked. “You know, Emily there a lot of girls that want me. They’d die to make out with me! That’s what you do with a boyfriend you know!” “Well they can have you!” I snapped unlocking the door. “You’re not my boyfriend and if you were I’d break up with you right now! And anyway, in my eyes having a boyfriend isn’t just about making out!” I opened the door and dashed out of the closet grabbing Taylor, Kerri, and Fredrick. I could hear Jake screaming at me, “You naïve jerk! Are you really passing up the chance to make out with me?” “Yes! And good riddance!” I cried back. Then leaving everyone at the party in awe Kerri, Taylor and I left.

          As we exited Nicki’s terrible house Taylor panted in surprise. “Emily, what happened?” Kerri and Fredrick shared a secure, knowing a glance as if they knew this party was trouble. “I don’t want to talk about it” I muttered taking out my cell and groaning. “I am not calling my mother” I announced, firmly shutting my Motorola. I sighed and seated myself on a rock.  “This is ridiculous! There’s no one to pick us up!” Kerri looked at me a confused look plastered onto her blotchy face. “Emily, why won’t you just call your mom?” “Because!” I snapped causing her to jump back in surprise. “I’m sick of running to my mommy with everything! I guess your used to it Kerri but I’m not usually a mamas girl!” Kerri looked pained. I saw the tears come. Oh my god. What had I done? “Kerri” I whispered. She started talking through her tears. “You know what Emily? I actually believed you for a minute there. I thought you’d make us cool. I thought you’d be my friend. Well I was wrong. Emily you’re a lying jerk. You spend all this time telling us to stand up to Nicki when you’re just like her” And with that Kerri walked away, took out her own cell phone and called HER mother. “My mom is picking me up” she announced. “Fredrick, Taylor you’re welcome to come to” “What about me?” I squeaked knowing I didn’t deserve the ride. “Oh you can’t go home with a MOTHER. You’re not a mama’s baby, right? You’re so independent. Why take a ride from a bunch of losers?” She sneered. I sighed. “Ok” I mumbled. She was right. I was horrible.  Taylor glanced at me with what I thought was pity. “Come on, Kerri. We can’t just leave her here” Kerri’s faced turned red with anger. “Why not? How come everybody feels all sorry for her? Huh?” Fredrick took Kerri’s hand and held it giving her an understanding look. “Kerri, you’re acting just like her if you leave ‘er here” Kerri’s face twisted in anger. She pulled away from Fredrick. “Why don’t any of you get it? You consider her a friend when she’s not one! How could you?” She kicked the dirt, scuffing her shiny, black shoe and I remembered rather sadly how I had helped her pick them out. Everything was over. I would never have friends….especially not ones as loyal as Taylor, Kerri, and Fredrick. As I began to lose all hope, a cherry red mini van pulled up on the driveway. “Hello dears! Get in!” Kerri’s mother was happy and plump. Her frizzy red hair matched her rosy cheeks and a dimple beside her lip made her smile brighter than the sun. Kerri forced a pleased, content smile. “Ok mum” Of course now, they couldn’t leave me at the corner. Her mother wouldn’t hear of it! We hopped in the car and I was shocked to find there wasn’t a trace of trash. My mother’s car (not as big as a mini van) was not filthy, but there were traces of junk in some places. Kerri’s car, on the other hand was spotless and looked as if it had just been bought. “I know!” Mrs. Smitzomeyer exclaimed interrupting my thoughts. “How about I drop Fredrick off and then the other two girls…..um I’m sorry what are your names?” I told her my name and then Taylor told her what hers was. “Ahhh! Taylor and Emily. What pretty names. Anyway I’ll drop Fredrick off and then Taylor and Emily can spend the night!” “No mother” Kerri forced through her gritted teeth. “That’s ok. I….” “Nonsense!” her mother beamed. “Your friends should be great company” “They’re not my friends mother!” Kerri cried glaring at me. Mrs. Smitzomeyer’s joy immediately ceased. “What? Why of course they’re your friends! I mean you talk of nothing more than these darlings!” I smiled sweetly. “Of course Mrs. Smitzomeyer. Kerri and I are VERY close” “Yes!” Taylor added. “We love her! Your daughter is one beautiful girl!” “And!” I continued. “I’m sorry for anything I did to hurt her and I hope we’ll be friends forever” I looked at Kerri hopefully. She gave me another look and turned away.

Chapter 14

Dropping off Fredrick was easy. His house was rather small and easy to miss, but it looked content and cozy. There was a basketball net near the warm brick house and I wondered curiously who used it, for Fredrick was awfully clumsy and would never use such a thing. When we rolled up into his driveway he looked relieved to be home. Kerri walked him to the door. I smiled knowingly and Mrs. Smitzomeyer had a slight, but surely happy look on her face as Kerri went to kiss his cheek, then cowered and just waved. Fredrick looked disappointed but he forced a smile and waved back. As Kerri hopped back into the car I whispered to her. “Kerri, do you by any chance like Fredrick?” She shot me a look that could bore holes in brick. “That is none of your business” That was when I knew it for sure- Kerri and Fredrick were in love with each other. 

As we rolled into Kerri’s drive way I gasped in sheer astonishment. She had a humongous swimming pool with a diving board, various water slides, and clear sweet smelling water. Her door was a huge block of gold set securely on silver hinges. Her home itself was the most beautiful and spectacular object I had ever seen. She was rich. A huge golden mansion stood in front of me. I looked around the car. How could such a rich family own a MINI VAN? Kerri silently unbuckled her seat belt, either totally oblivious to our reactions or just giving the cold shoulder. Taylor and I exchanged shocked looks. A smooth, shiny golden path led up to the mammoth, extraordinary house. It was like a fairytale and this path combined with that beautiful home and the dew sparkling on the trees made it even more enchanting. We slowly moved towards the house and Mrs. Smitzomeyer, seeming like a normal mother, fiddled angrily with her keys as she tried to open the strong, massive door. She finally got them untangled and slipped the key into the shimmering lock. When she opened the door we all gasped. It was even more amazing inside. The ceiling was so high I was sure it would tower over trees and the floors were smooth and shiny as if they were freshly washed. I breathed in. It smelled so sweet in here, like fresh flowers that had just gotten damp from a morning rain. Such a comforting smell. “You have such a lovely home!” I exclaimed. “It’s amazing!” “Why thank you dearie!” she answered appreciatively. “It’s nothing really though…..I mean I was an actress back in the day and I made a few bucks here and there….but it was such a long time ago I….” “You were?!” Taylor shouted. “Are you kidding? Really? Were you on TV? Is that how you got rich?” “Taylor!” I cried slapping her shoulder. In spite of Taylor’s rudeness Mrs. Smitzomeyer just chuckled. “Well….yes. My family put all the money I made in a special account for me to use when I had my own family. It was a very large amount of money and my mother didn’t want me going around gallivanting with it when it could be put to crucial use in the future. I was 20 years old at the time and I was sure to go into a spending frenzy with my college friends. So anyway here I am. I saved the money and it was put to work” “Why that’s amazing….” “Mom!” Kerri interrupted shooting her mother a dagger look. “We didn’t come here to listen to your life story!” Mrs. Smitzomeyer flushed. “Oh I’m sorry, hon. I guess you don’t want to hear my old lady tales. Well I’ll be off then. Would you girls like some pizza?” “Oh yes please Mrs. Smitzomeyer!” Taylor answered licking her lips. Mrs. Smitzomeyer laughed out loud. “Ok, eager beavers I’ll order up some! Oh and dearies please call me Annie. Mrs. Smitzomeyer makes me feel rather old!” She exited the room with a grin on her face, but I could tell she was dejected. Her daughter had snapped at her so suddenly and any dummy could see she wanted to stay. “Look!” Kerri said whipping her head around. “I have another friend coming today” Taylor and I exchanged glances. “Who?” I finally asked. Kerri sighed and plopped herself down on the soft, cream colored couch. “Her name is Winter Marigold. She’s been my BFF for as long as I can remember. Just be nice to her ok?” I gasped. “Why wouldn’t we be nice to her? Winter Marigold. That’s such a pretty name. Is it real?” “What do you mean is it real?” Kerri snapped practically biting my head off. “You know. Is it her real name?” Kerri rolled her eyes and fiddled to get her shoes off. “Of course it is! It’s not like you see people walking around with names they made up” “She was just asking!” Taylor insisted now taking off her shoes. “Yeah right!” Kerri glared at me her eyes piercing like knives, her mouth tight and straight. “You guys are ALWAYS just asking” As if on cue the doorbell clanged through the massive home. Kerri immediately smiled and scampered eagerly over to the amazing door. She yanked it open revealing a tall girl with sunny blond hair and a tan to die for. She had mysterious, but happy hazel eyes that seemed to gleam under the porch light. In her hand was a blue glittery overnight bag complete with a fluffy rich looking sleeping bag. “Hey Kerri!” she cried gleefully hugging the frizzy haired girl tight. “Hi!” Kerri answered obviously thrilled that the girl was here. “You look amazing, Winter! Look at that tan!” Winters laugh sounded like a bell. “Yeah. I’m so glad to be home though. Florida is so lonely Kerri! I feel so much more comfy with my BFF here in Alabama!” “Glad to hear it!” Kerri exclaimed. She led Winter over to Taylor and I. “Emily, Taylor. This is Winter Marigold!” Winter smiled brightly and extended her hand. “It’s so awesome to meet both of you! I mean Care Bear…..oops Kerri sorry. Kerri told me all about you!” “Who’s Care Bear?” a curious Taylor asked. “Oh!” Winter said absent mindedly. “Just a silly nickname I gave Kerri. We have been best friends forever and we just ended up doing that. Kerri calls me Winnie and sometimes Win-Win. It’s just fun, you know?” Not even waiting for an answer Winter plopped onto the couch as if she was standing in her own house. “So Care Bear, what happened while I was gone?” “Nothing much” Kerri shrugged. “Nicki broke my glasses and my mom had to take me to get new ones” Winter gasped and threw her arms around Kerri again. “Those witches! How could they? That posse you tell me about, they sound horrible! Nicki, Tiffany, Crystal and…..hmmm who is that other one? Julie? Wren?” “Jen” Kerri corrected sitting on the couch next to Winter. “I hate them. If you knew them….gosh they are mean with a capital M” “Wait” I said slowly finally deciding to slip off my shoes. “Do you go to our school Winter?” “No” she answered shaking her head. “I go to Ruby Academy down on Springer Street. It’s a private school. We have to wear ugly uniforms. Ugh! It totally cramps my style. I mean I design a lot of my own clothes” She pointed to her tank top. “Like this for example” She was wearing a hot pink tank top decorated with shimmering sparkles. There was a crown threaded into the front with words underneath. I struggled to read them. Warning: I’m a princess. I have a pointy crown and I ain’t afraid to use it. I laughed. That was funny. She smiled. “Do you like it?” “Yeah!” I answered brightly. “It’s really cute. You know you should sell those. You’d make a fortune!” Winter laughed. “Yeah right! I’d never make anything off these. I just design as a hobby. I’m not great or anything” “She’s amazing!” Kerri protested. “I mean her clothes are so cute and trendy and witty! You have to see more of her work! Winnie you rock!” Winter sighed and playfully punched Kerri’s shoulder. “Ok Care Bear. Enough about me. Introduce me to your new buds!” “There’s really not much to say” Kerri said coldly. “They’re not my new buds. They’ve never been my buds” Winter groaned exasperatedly. “Kerri don’t be silly! You told me all about Emily and Taylor and they sound like buds to me!” Kerri shot her a look then turned to the floor. “I never said any of those things” Winter gave Kerri a knowing look. Obviously she had said something about Taylor and I and it involved the word friends. “Fine” Winter answered deciding not to argue. “Why don’t they just tell me about themselves?” “Well” I blurted. “I love soccer and I’m trying out for the team in a couple of days. I also want to participate in the Alabama Earth Club because I love my environment. I absolutely ADORE art and hope to make it into the art show this year” I was out of breath by the time I finished. I looked at Winter, expecting her to laugh at my stupid life but instead she looked impressed. “Oh how fabulous! I like soccer too! I’m actually on the team at Ruby Academy. I’m just goalie though. I bet you’re like star forward or something. Are you?” I shrugged. “Yeah, I’m a forward but not a star forward” “I bet you are!” Winter insisted. “But anyway I love the earth too. I think it’s SO thoughtful and extremely kind of you to want to help the environment. It’s so important to love the earth. You know last year I was on a recycling comity. It was so much fun and I really adored the earth after that! Totally radical” She paused and then continued. “And you like art too? That is so fantastic! I mean I am obsessed with art, totally. ‘Cause like I need to know about it to be a fashion designer. I usually draw a picture and then create clothes based on them. Art is so thrilling, isn’t it?” I nodded and she let out a dreamy sigh. “We have so much in common Emmy….oops sorry. Is it ok if I call you Emmy? I’m so used to giving people nicknames” I grinned eagerly. “Yeah of course!” Wow, Winter was so….perfect. She was pretty, smart, talented, and nice. She was everything. The perfect pal ever. “So?” Winter asked her perfectly pink lips curled into a sweet smile. “What about you Taylor?” “Well…” Taylor began. “I love poetry…well I did. Until Nicki told me it was stupid. Then I stopped. Come to think of it I haven’t written in months” I lifted an eyebrow. Taylor had never told me she was into that. That made me think a bit. Maybe she had wanted to keep that a secret….it was a little personal. But then why would she tell Winter, a girl she’d only known for 10 minutes? Winter seemed to have a charm about her coaxing anyone to tell her anything. I have to admit I felt rather comfortable around her.  Winter gaped and hugged Taylor. “Oh Taylor. That’s awful. I mean that Nicki girl thinks she rules everything. But really, poetry is a beautiful fulfilling thing. I’d love to hear some of your poems. I bet they’re so pretty” Taylor blushed madly. “Wow. Uh…well I guess. Hey, you want to hear one now? I have my journal with me and….well it’s a bit personal but that’s ok” “Oh no!” Winter insisted. “If its personal keep it to yourself” “No” Taylor said quickly. “It’s ok I…..want to share it with you” She seemed surprised with herself as she spoke. “Ok then” Winter agreed. “Start. I can’t wait!” Taylor took out a dog-eared yellowed journal. “I’ve had it since I was six” she mumbled hurriedly as she flipped through the pages. “It’s nothing really” She cleared her throat finally deciding on a poem. She started to read aloud:

Love Birds

A bird calls in the long billowing tree

His call to his mate flees eagerly through the wood like a jack-rabbit

His shout of love is bursting with undying passion

His admiration is more powerful than the strongest pair of arms

The most howling of winds

The loudest of thunder

Love Birds in a quiet dew sparkling night

Calling to each other in the enlightening sparkle of their dear passion filled hearts

Love Birds

Winter’s eyes glistened with fresh tears as she began to clap with awe at Taylor’s poem. “You’re a poetic genius!” she breathed bursting now into loud applause. “Oh my god!” screamed Kerri. “That was amazing! You never told me you like poetry! Or that you were so good at it!” “Good!” I cried pulling Taylor into a hug. “That was intriguing! It was fabulous! Where did you learn to do that?” “I…I don’t know” A flush of joy came about Taylor’s cheeks and she looked happier and healthier than I had ever seen her. “Thanks Winter. For making me share the poem. I feel better….like I can be myself again” “Don’t thank me!” Winter protested. “Thank yourself! You wrote that lovely poem-not me. Thank you for sharing it with me. I feel honored. You’re a really cool girl” Instantly, Kerri’s face when from joy to hate as she stared at Taylor. A knock came from the front door and we jumped. “Honey!” Mrs. Smitzomeyer….er….Annie called. “That’s the pizza! Will you open the door for the man?” “I’ll get it, Annie” Winter called back leaping off the couch. “Winter honey, is that you?” “Yeah!” “Oh good! Did you get acquainted with Emily and Taylor, dear?” “Oh yes, Annie. Everything’s just great!” “Oh good” Annie repeated. Winter got up and opened the door for the pizza dude. His brown hair lay matted and greasy on his pimply face. He wore a hat that said, PIZZA PALACE PALOOZA and a small white name tag on his shirt read Jason. The warm smell of cheese and sauce filled the room. I smiled and licked my lips, mouth watering. “That’ll be $10.00 please” “Sure” Winter nodded reaching into her pocket and pulling out a pastel pink wallet. “Here you go” She handed him a crisp 10 dollar bill and the teenager eagerly took it from her hand. “Thanks, Jason!” she called to him as if they were old friends. His eyes grew wide. “Err…You’re welcome?” It sounded more like a question then a statement. As the pizza boy left the room Annie entered it. “Oh hon, I am so sorry! I forgot all about money. Did he not let you have the pizza?” “I paid for it” Winter said simply as she carried the warm box over to us. Annie gasped. “Oh dear! You shouldn’t have! Here, let me pay you back…” “No way!” Winter insisted. “It was a favor! And favors are not paid back” Annie shook her head as she hesitantly closed her purse. “Winter Marigold, you are one heck of a saint!” “Don’t!” Winter said. “I’m not a saint! I was just being nice!” “Well, honey a lot of kids these days don’t just be nice!” She smiled sweetly at us. “Have a nice time girls! I have to go run some errands!” And with that, she left the room.

Kerri sighed and turned to us. “You want to rent a movie or something? I heard that The Summer Of the Lover was good” “No way!” Winter immediately replied taking a rather big bite of her greasy, cheesy pizza. “How do you stay thin?” I blurted. I tried to make it look casual but Winter gave me a weird look. “What do you mean?” “Like, you’re eating a lot of pizza. I never eat pizza ‘cause I want to be thin. But you’re already nice and thin. So how do you stay like that if you eat stuff like that?” She shrugged. “I burn it off. You know I exercise. Not excessively of course! Just like 30 minutes a day. It works. You stay trim. And I don’t eat pizza like this all the time. It’s a sleepover so I figured what the heck?” I blushed, feeling totally stupid. “Was that a rude question?” I asked her. Winter pondered over that for a moment. “No” she replied thoughtfully. “A very random question, but not a rude one. You were complimenting me kind of. Anyway, does anyone want to inform me on what happened tonight? Kerri muttered something about a bad party. Did you guys have a party?” “No” I admitted. “We didn’t. But Nicki did and it was totally out of hand. Everyone was drunk and smoking. They were all playing truth or dare and Nicki spent the whole game trying to humiliate people. Then we did spin the bottle which turned out to be the most stupid game ever. So we left” “Oh how awful!” Winter exclaimed sympathetically. “That girl is a terror!” She turned to Kerri smiling. “So have you talked to Allie lately?” Kerri seemed totally upset by the question. “Winter, I told you she doesn’t hang with me anymore. She’s in a higher status group and she has been ever since her family inherited that fortune” Winter shook her head as she examined her nails. “I still don’t believe it. Allie isn’t like that” “Well she is now” Kerri answered firmly. “And nobody calls her Allie anymore. It’s Allison now” Winter scrunched up her nose in shock. “What? But she hates her name Allison! She always said Allie was a more fun, carefree name and she would always complain how stuffy and old fashioned the name Allison was. Nobody ever called her Allison unless they wanted to tick her off” “Times change” Kerri nodded. “She is not the same girl at all. She’s rich and snobby. And she’s working her butt off to become Nicki. I mean I am pretty sure Allison just joined the pack and she is dying to become the leader of the clique. With her killer indoor pool and her private water park I doubt it’ll be hard for her” “She has an indoor pool and a private water park? I didn’t know that! Why didn’t she invite us over to use it with her? We’re her BFFS!” “I told you!” Kerri insisted. “We’re not her friends anymore!” Winter sighed. “I guess I really never believed it….. Allie is the best. Why would she do that?” “Because Nicki can convince anyone of anything. And anyway, Jen and Crystal were voted out of the posse” “Really?” I gasped.