Read Online The Girls by Amy Goldman Koss - Free Book Online

summer. That’s when my dad moved out and I was sent to that horrible sleep-away camp. I’d been so lonely, I thought I’d die. It was Maya who’d written me cheer-up letters every single day. None of the other girls did that.
    Then a car horn honked. I’m sure the whole apartment building heard it. My dad sprang to his feet.
    Oops, my homework was spread all over the table. I gathered it up as fast as I could, remembering that I’d meant to help Dad with the dishes. I promised myself that next Sunday I’d be more helpful and better company too. Well, there aren’t many dishes from take-out Thai anyway, right?
    My dad walked over to the window and looked down at Mom’s car. He didn’t wave or anything. I kissed him, told him I’d had fun, and dashed out the door.
    When I got to the car, my mom said, “I specifically asked you to be ready!” instead of hello.

Brianna
    T ESS, ONE OF THE TWINS, shot out Candace’s door and ran naked into the front yard just as I got there. When I nabbed her, she squealed with delight. I carried her inside and Candace rolled her eyes. From the way she said “You’re such a natural with babies,” I couldn’t tell if she meant it as a compliment or an insult.
    After I wrestled Tess into a diaper and trapped both twins in high chairs, Candace said, “What did you say the new boy’s name was? Because we got a new kid in my Sunday school today.”
    My heart went thump. “Eric.”
    â€œNo, this guy was Jeremy. He just moved here. He’s nice.”
    â€œI don’t know if Eric’s nice or not. Haven’t talked to him yet,” I said. “He sat way across the room in art.” Then I remembered and said, “ Maya’s in my art class. That’ll be so weird tomorrow!”
    Candace smiled at me.
    â€œWe sit next to each other,” I explained. “What am I supposed to say to her?”
    Candace shrugged, as if that were my problem.
    â€œWell, what should I say ? How should I act ?” I asked, hearing myself whine.
    Candace blinked at me as if she barely recognized what species of creature I was. I tried to read her face, but there was nothing else written there.
    Beth dropped her sippy cup and started to howl. After we got her calmed down, Candace laughed. “Wouldn’t you love to have seen Maya’s face when Darcy called her last night?”
    No, I would not have loved to see Maya’s face, I thought. I’m sure she was freaked. Probably cried. Ick and double ick! Why would I want to see that? And I was now completely dreading art class.
    â€œBut Candace,” I said. “How do you want me to act with Maya?”
    â€œMe?” Candace asked incredulously. “You’re asking me how I want you to act?”
    I nodded, feeling like a total fool, an ant, a nothing.
    â€œAnd should I tell you how to walk?” Candace asked. “Talk? Think? Be? My God, Brianna, I’m not your mother!”
    â€œWell, I can’t hate Maya, I mean, I can’t hate hate her, like she’s the worst person that ever lived,” I stammered, sounding like Renée. My heart beat faster. Why did it feel daring not to hate someone? I got confused, could feel myself blush.
    â€œYou like Maya?” Candace asked, her voice full of scorn.
    â€œNo, not particularly,” I said, not sure anymore what I thought about anyone. “It’s just that I’m sick of the whole Maya thing. It’s boring.”
    â€œOh, really?” Candace asked. “Well, Brianna, I’m so sorry to have BORED you!” She picked up a magazine and started leafing through the pages as if she were alone in the room. I watched the twins rub applesauce in their hair.
    I could barely whisper when I said, “I don’t even know, really, why everyone’s so mad at her.”
    â€œWe’re not mad at your little friend.” Candace sneered, flipping