Read Online Bounce by Natasha Friend - Free Book Online Page B

come to those who wait,” I say, unzipping my backpack oh-so-casually. Meanwhile, every cell in my body is sweating.
    I have exactly four periods to think of an answer.
    At high noon, the It Girls are waiting.
    Andrea has already laid out my napkin and utensils. There are a few extra chairs at the table as well, for the Almost-But-Not-Quite-It Girls, invited for the occasion.
    Andrea waits for me to sit before she speaks.
    â€œI understand you have some information for us.”
    The smile is laid-back. The voice is friendly. But there is absolutely no question as to what I’m supposed to say.
    I look at Andrea and nod.
    â€œAnd you’re sure this information is correct?” she says.
    â€œYes.”
    â€œWell?” says a girl with bangle bracelets. “Who is it?”
    I have no choice. I have. No choice. I wish I had a choice, but I don’t.
    â€œUm,” I say. “Andrea. He likes Andrea.”
    Please God, let Cleanser Boy like Andrea.
    â€œMe?” Andrea says, pointing to her chest with one finger. “He likes me?”
    Like she’s surprised.
    â€œYes,” I say. “He likes you.” I open my brown bag and take out the sandwich I packed for myself this morning. Baloney. Which, right now, I am full of.
    The squeals are ear-piercing.
    â€œNo way !”
    â€œI so bet he kisses you at the social.”
    â€œYou are sooo lucky, Drey!”
    â€œWell,” Andrea says, lowering her gaze just a bit, “it could have been any one of us, girls. You know that…Now, what’s everyone wearing ? Evelyn?” She smiles at me, kindly, like a queen might smile at her gnarled, hunchbacked lady-in-waiting. “What are you wearing to the social?”
    What am I wearing to the social? I know one thing: I cannot possibly answer this question correctly.
    â€œUm,” I say. “I’m between outfits.”
    All around me, girls nod. They understand this dilemma.
    Andrea pats my shoulder. Is this for sympathy or pity? I can’t tell. Either way, she’s moved on.
    â€œI’m thinking of getting lowlights,” she says, turning her back to me. “Lowlights are the new highlights.”
    A dozen headbands and ponytails bob up and down in agreement.
    I find myself nodding, too. “You totally should,” I say.
    Andrea looks at me. “You think?”
    â€œTotally.”
    I don’t know who I am right now. Yes, I do. I am one of those annoying girls who say totally.
    â€œWell, Evelyn,” Andrea says, “I think I just might.”
    â€œAjax will like that,” I say.
    She smiles. I smile.
    She pats my arm. And I leave the cafeteria with a giant wrecking ball in my stomach.
    When I get home from school, I call Jules.
    â€œI don’t know what to do,” I say. “If Ajax doesn’t like Andrea, I’m dead.”
    Jules snorts. “On-DREY-a? What kind of a name is On-DREY-a?”
    â€œI have no idea.”
    â€œWell, she sounds like a jerk. Why do you care what she thinks? There have to be better people to hang out with.”
    I don’t say anything. Jules isn’t here. There’s no way she can understand what I’m going through.
    â€œI tried calling yesterday,” I say, changing the subject. “Where were you?”
    â€œOh!” Her whole tone changes. “I was at the ortho. I got my braces off! Finally!”
    She goes on to tell me all about her teeth, how incredible they look, and how this changes everything. Right now she is ninety-nine percent positive that Jordan Meyerhoff is going to ask her out.
    â€œJordan Meyerhoff?” I say. “Jordan Meyerhoff ?”
    â€œYes!”
    â€œBut we hate Jordan Meyerhoff.”
    â€œI don’t hate anyone.” There is a little edge to her voice.
    â€œHe locked Jason Perry in a locker.”
    â€œYeah, in sixth grade. ”
    â€œHe laughed when you got your period in gym class. He used to call you