Read Online Just Kidding by Annie Bryant - Free Book Online Page A

them, they all burst out laughing, even Isabel. Avery had drawn some sort of person leading a cheer, but it was terrible, like something a four year old would draw.
    Avery pretended to be outraged that everyone waslaughing at her drawing. “What’s wrong with it? I think it’s good. I think it shows my spirit.”
    At that goofy remark, Charlotte, who had taken out her notebook, dropped it and her pencil on the table and put her head in her hands. Her shoulders were shaking with laughter.
    All the BSG were being so loud that other tables started to look over at them. “Hey, what’s going on over there?” called Chase with his usual “I’m so cool” confidence. “You girls having a fight or something? Now that doesn’t sound like it’s in the spirit of Spirit Week.” Chase shook his finger at them condescendingly.
    â€œBSG fight!” chanted a group of girls at another table.
    â€œWe are not fighting!” Charlotte called back.
    Avery added, “We’re just having a good time at lunch, Chase. Are you jealous?”
    Katani and Isabel were still laughing, more softly this time, when Chelsea Briggs popped up behind them and snapped a photo. “Oh, no!” Katani gasped. “You caught me with my mouth open.”
    â€œYou were showing your spirit,” Maeve giggled.
    â€œI was showing my molars ,” Katani moaned. “And I bet that picture pops up twenty years from now when I’m a business executive and just ruins my reputation.”
    That helped them all calm down. Charlotte noticed the cafeteria starting to empty out and looked at the wall clock. “Hey, we only have five minutes before class. We’d better get packed up quick!” The girls jumped up and cleared the table, wiping it off after they stacked their trays so it would be clean for the next students.
    As they were finishing, Maeve remembered that she still hadn’t had the chance to tell her friends her fabulous idea. “Hey, guys,” she started, but just then, Chase Finley came by, smirking at Isabel.
    â€œSo what’s all the noise about, Isabel? You telling ’em all about Amanda and Kevin breaking up today? I heard you know all about that.”
    Isabel stared at him. She couldn’t believe he’d make a joke like that! She was so appalled that she couldn’t even think of an answer, which made Chase think he’d really gotten her. He cackled in her direction as he walked away.
    â€œThat boy needs some social IQ lessons!” Katani fumed. “He always acts like his mouth hasn’t heard from his brain in a month!”
    â€œCome on, guys, we better go,” Charlotte warned. “We’re all going to be late if we don’t hurry!”
    As they were rushing out the door, Avery saw Dillon waiting for her just outside, his eyes hopeful. “Uh, Avery, can I talk to you a second?”
    The others looked at her, but she just shrugged. “You guys go on. I’ll see ya later.” She turned to Dillon, whose face was reddening. “Well, this better be quick, because that’s all I’ve got—about one second. What’s up?” She didn’t think she had to be too friendly to Dillon after the way he’d treated her in the hall.
    But Dillon seemed genuinely miserable. “Ave…I just wanted to say I’m really sorry for what I did. You know, throwing you in the air before. It was a–a totally dumb thing to do, and I, I don’t even know why I did it. It seemed like a funny joke at first but I guess it was really stupid.Anyway, I’m really sorry. I mean, I like being friends with you and stuff, and I don’t want you to feel bad.”
    It wasn’t the smoothest apology in the world, but it was sincere. Avery looked suspiciously at Dillon, but he looked uncomfortable and unhappy. Obviously he had been thinking about what he did and realized it was wrong. And it took a