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  “So, speaking of not knowing anything,” Chase ominously began. “What have you been up to?”

  This oughta be good. Same old Chase. “You really should’ve become a police detective, you know that?”

  “Hey, I haven’t even asked anything yet.”

  “Yes. But I know it’s coming.” I grinned.

  “Okay, okay. I can take a hint. If you don’t want to tell me then I figure I’ll just have to guess.” Chase leaned in and smoothly picked up the small puppy that had fallen asleep. He rubbed its petite head with the tip of his nose before he took one of my hands and lightly placed the puppy on my palm. Lady raised her head and watched intently while I cradled the little guy next to me, but she didn’t growl. After a couple of seconds she seemed content that I was safe and went on to clean another puppy.

  “So, I take it you’re still ruling the roost in theBradford home?”

  Great. We’re going this route. “What do you mean?”

  “Come on, you know there isn’t anything your family wouldn’t do if you didn’t want them to. You’re way too spoiled for your own good.”

  “That’s calling the kettle black, don’t you think?”

  “Ha! You think I’ve been spoiled?”

  His incredulous look was unbelievably entertaining. I bit my lip to stop the smile before responding, “Oh, Señor Español, I didn’t realize life inSpain was so difficult for you.”

  “More difficult there for me, than here for you, I am sure,” Chase smugly replied.

  Whatever! “I’ll have you know since Zack left, it’s been really difficult. Thank you very much.”

  “Oh, you mean you have no one to plague now with what fingernail polish to choose?”

  “Hey! Fingernail polish is an essential element to any girl’s outfit, so don’t knock it.” I laughed. “Besides, my life is not all idle, or whatever you think it is.”

  “Ha! I bet it is. Actually, I bet the only idle thing you don’t do, is American Idol. Never mind, I take that back. I can see by your face that you are blasé enough to actually watch American Idol.”

  “It’s good! Plus, when you vote you’re helping to launch someone’s singing career. So therefore, you really are doing a service forAmerica, especially if the singer is good.”

  “That’s your idea of helping America?” he began to laugh. Really laugh.

  I never realized until that moment just how annoying laughter could be. I squinted my eyes slightly and brought out my fake smile. “Finished?”

  “Al-almost!” he gasped.

  “Before you die of laughter, I’ll have you know I am extremely busy with helping people. In fact in my Honors English class, I have the privilege from time to time to even tutor the teacher.”

  Chase stopped laughing. “What? You tutor your teacher? What does that mean?”

  “It means when Mr. Young has his facts wrong, there are times when I feel I must correct him.”

  He was clearly baffled by that statement. Good.

  “Emmalee Bradford, are you saying you correct Mr. Young?”

  “On occasion yes, Chase Anderson, I do.”

  “Wow! You know, that is one thing I think I would love to see.” He shook his head slightly and then stared at me.

  “What? What are you thinking about?”

  “You. Does anything phase you?”

  What does that mean? “Of course it does. I lost my best friend this year. That has phased me incredibly.”

  “You lose a friend? Impossible.”

  Is he being sarcastic? He seems serious enough. “Well, we didn’t get in a fight or anything, and she didn’t die—if that’s what you’re thinking. She left for college.”

  “O-oh.” He nodded. “So that explains the puppy. Mom and Dad can’t bear to see you mope.”

  What the—? “I do not mope!”

  “Sure you don’t.”

  “I’ll have you know, I am–this moment—planning on adopting someone to take Olivia’s place. In-in fact, I’m thinking about picking a girl who no one would’ve ever noticed before and make her popular.” Now that is a good idea. I’m surprised I didn’t think of it sooner. “So there. I do plan on serving humanity.”

  “How? By granting some girl’s wish of becoming your friend?”

  “Well, yes. What’s wrong with that?”

  “Nothing. If you really mean to be her friend, and not just something to occupy yourself with until you get bored with the idea.”

  “Of course I mean to be her friend. I need a friend, don’t I?”

  “Em-ma, I hope you know what you’re doing.”

  “It will be perfect, you’ll see.”

  I found for the first time in three weeks I was actually looking forward to going to school on Monday. “Now, enough about me. It’s your turn. I want to know all about Spain. What did you do? Where did you visit? Was Spanish easier or harder for you to understand than you thought it would be?

  “Very good, Emma.” He smiled at me. I think if Chase had the foresight to clap he would have. “You abruptly switched the conversation just as swiftly as any high society matron. You mom would be very proud.” He held out his hand. “No, before you get on your high horse again, I want to point out that Georgia has fallen asleep. So if you’re going to say something please try and refrain from shouting.”

  As if I ever shout. Urgh. Besides I really wanted to know about Spain. I’d forgotten how quickly Chase could get on someone’s nerves. I took a deep breath before whispering, “She looks absolutely adorable.” And she did. LittleGeorgia had curled herself around the top of the basket.

  “Yes, she does.” Tenderly Chase brushed one long strand of her curly blonde hair off his sister’s forehead. “When I see her, especially like this, it almost keeps me from wanting to leave again.”

  Leave? “Oh, are you planning to leave?”

  “Eventually, yes.” He turned to look at me. His eyes held millions of secrets in their sparkling blue facets.

  “But, why?” I couldn’t help asking. For some reason the thought of him leaving again left me feeling a bit uncomfortable.

  “Because, Emma.” He smiled a bit ruefully. “I’m twenty-one, now. I can’t spend my time here forever, you know.”

  “Oh. Well, I am surprised since you are so busy, that you had time to come and visit your family at all.” I looked away.

  “Can’t someone come because they miss a place?”

  I caught his eyes again, “It depends.”

  “On?”

  “On, how long that person plans on staying. A week? Then no, I wonder why he would’ve even taken the trouble. A month? Is decent, but not nearly enough time to --”

  “How does six months sound?” He grinned as my jaw dropped.

  “Six months? Really?” Six months is a very long time. I smiled back. Smiled? I was probably glowing, but I didn’t care.

  “Are you happy now?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good.” He chuckled. “And before you ask, I will tell you. I’m here to help my dad clean up a few of his businesses. I happen to be good at that.”

  “Cleaning up businesses?”

  “Well, yeah, but I meant helping my dad.” I watched, baffled a bit as he stood up and walked out of the dressing room. A few seconds later he returned with a blanket for Georgia. After he tucked the purple quilt around her, he held his hand out to take the puppy I’d forgotten I had.

  “Oh, sorry.” I handed the warm sleeping body over and smiled when Chase snuggled the puppy next to its mother. Lady immediately began to lick the little guy and welcome him home. “You did a very good job,” I whispered as I stroked her soft fur. “I have never seen more beautiful puppies, ever.”

  I heard Chase chuckle above me. I turned and instantly he held his hand out for me. I said a quick good-bye to Lady and then let him help me to my feet.

  “Are your parents home? I think it’s time I said, hello, don’t you?”

  Chapter 3:

  “So, are you
going to give me your phone number,

  or am I going to have to stalk you?”

  It was as I was contemplating the mysteriousness that seemed to revolve around Chase--instead of listening to Ms. Ingle during my honors history class—that I first noticed her. I asked Elton Bloomfield, the senior class president who sat next to me, what her name was. And it took a good three whispered explanations before he was able to realize which girl I meant.

  “Are you talking about that weird girl sitting alone in the front of the room?” I could tell he was intrigued I seemed to notice her at all.

  “Yes, with the bright yellow cotton hobo bag. Who is she?” I quickly whispered just before Ms. Ingle turned towards us.

  “I think her name is Hannah. Why?” he whispered back once the coast was clear.

  “Because, she’s gorgeous. Don’t you think so?”

  “Gorgeous?” I could tell Elton had never considered it before.

  “Yes, look at her face. Not her hair, her face. She’s really pretty.”

  “Well, yeah. So she’s pretty. Why do you care?” He grinned somewhat confused at me.

  “Because, I am going to make her my new best friend, that’s why.”

  “You are?” He looked shocked.

  I laughed before I remembered my surroundings, which earned me a glare from Ms. Ingle. I smiled my “Bradford smile.” She must’ve been impressed because thankfully, she didn’t comment. After the teacher turned to the board again I thought it was safe enough to answer.

  “Of course, I am,” I hissed. “It’s going to be so much fun. I can’t wait. Don’t you think she’ll be excited when I tell her the good news?” My eyes searched his for an answer.

  “Oh, uh, yeah.” He nodded. “I think so. I mean, I can’t see why not. Who wouldn’t want to be your friend?”

  “Exactly! It’s perfect, isn’t it?” I grinned.

  Elton blinked a moment, but didn’t answer.

  I glanced back at the girl and then to Elton. “Her name is Hannah? You’re sure?”

  “Uh-yeah,” he swallowed. “Pretty sure. You want me to ask for you?”

  “Oh, Elton! Would you?” I smiled my prettiest smile right at him.

  “Harrumph!”

  My head jerked up to the front of the class. Ms. Ingle was really glaring this time. I smiled. She wasn’t affected. “Emmalee Bradford, is there something you would like to share with us?”

  All eyes in the classroom flew to mine. “Uh—no, Ms. Ingle. Thank you.” I smiled really big then. I mean, when the whole class is watching you might as well look good.

  Ms. Ingle rolled her eyes before answering. “Fine. But please try to refrain from speaking out of turn while in my class, okay?”

  “Yes. Ms. Ingle, I will try,” I promised and then smiled again, just for added assurance.

  “Good,” she answered before she turned back to the board.

  “I’ll have Hannah waiting to be introduced to you as soon as class is over. Just meet us in the hall,” Elton mumbled hastily before he turned back to his book and ignored me completely.

  By the time it took to gather my books and accessories and place them in my Juicy Couture handbag--which looked more like a large purse than an actual school bag—Elton was true to his word and was waiting for me in the hallway with Hannah.

  “Emmalee, this is Hannah Smith,” he announced. And then thinking he might’ve needed to add more said, “I—uh, thought you two would—uh—like to get to know one another,” before he nervously grinned at me and then walked away.

  “Hello, Hannah.” I smiled my Bradford smile for the third time that day. Hannah was not immune to it. She brought her head up from contemplating her colorful bag. I noticed I was about four inches taller than her.

  After a brief hesitation I heard a faint, “Hello.” before she walked away.

  Huh? I was quick to catch up. “Do you have lunch this hour?”

  Surprised, Hannah turned to see me next to her. “It’s okay, Emmalee, you don’t have to do this.”

  “Do what?”

  Hannah stopped so abruptly a guy almost crashed into her. “Get to know me. Just because Elton introduced us, doesn’t mean you have to try and be nice, okay?”

  Whoa! “What--?”

  “Really, I won’t even blame you if you want to go and find one of your friends. Look, I’ll see ya around.” She started to walk again.

  It took a whole three seconds before I could move. And when I did, I had to practically run to catch up to her. “Wait. Hannah, wait!”

  “Yeah?”

  “I asked Elton to introduce us. Honestly. If you have lunch right now, do you wanna grab a bite together?”

  She switched her bag to her other shoulder. “Why?”

  “So I can get to know you.”

  “Is this some sort of prank, or something?”

  Flabbergasted, I smiled. I couldn’t think of anything else to do. “No. It’s not.”

  Curious she searched my smile for a moment and then shrugged. “This better not be, or you’ll live to regret it. I’ve got to drop off a few things first. Where do you want me to meet you?”

  “Oh, uh—at my car? Do you know which one it is?”

  “Sure. Give me about five minutes, okay?”

  “All right.” My smile stayed in place until Hannah was out of sight. Then ever so slowly it lowered into a frown as I made my way out of the hall into the bright sunshine. Why doesn’t Hannah think that I’d want to talk to her? Does she think I’m a snob or something? And if she thinks I am, who else does? I found that question to be too disturbing to ponder at the moment, and shook it off completely as I approached my car.

  At the fast food restaurant we both ordered chicken sandwiches and then laughed at ourselves. It ended up being the first of surprisingly many things we had in common.

  “I can’t believe you’ve heard of the band Take That,” Hannah declared in shock after sipping on her lemonade. “I thought I was the only one who collected their music.”

  “Are you kidding? I’ve got every CD they’ve ever made.” I smiled and popped a fry in my mouth, before ignoring every rule I had been taught and asked while chewing, “Okay, so music is a score. How about books? Do you like to read?”

  “Do I?” Hannah laughed. I thought for sure she would say no until, “All right. I’ve got one for you.” She leaned forward and smirked. “Jacob or Edward?” I watched amused as she lifted one eyebrow in a defiant challenge.

  Ooh, we are raising the stakes now, aren’t we? I decided to play dumb. “You mean in the Twilight series?”

  “Of course! What other Edward and Jacob are there?”

  “Fine. You have a point.” If there were any other Edward and Jacob characters other than in Stephenie Meyer’s romantic thriller series, then I had never heard of them.

  “You have read the Twilight series, haven’t you?” Hannah asked a bit concerned.

  “Uh, duh! What girl hasn’t? I totally own them all.”

  “Me, too!” she gushed. “Hardbound and paperback. The paperback are so much easier to carry.”

  “No, way! I have both sets too, though I usually am too afraid to tell anyone.” Man, I like this girl.

  “So-o, Edward or Jacob?” Hannah asked again.

  “Edward. Big shocker there, but definitely Edward.”

  “Aww! You’re kidding? I so heart Jacob.”

  “Wait, you actually like Jacob?”

  “Yeah. He’s hot. But seriously, Bella was so not for him. Who knew he would end up with—well, you know.”

  “I know! I was that shocked, totally blindsided you have no idea.”

  That was it. From then on the rest of lunch was nonstop Twilight talk. I couldn’t believe how much fun it was to hash out and debate our differences over the same series that we both loved. None of my other friends had really gotten into Twilight as much as I had and it was so cool to finally meet someone who understood the bookish part of me.

  As we pulled back into
the school parking lot, Hannah shook her head bemused. “I have to say, Emma, I wasn’t expecting us to get along at all. Honestly, you don’t seem the type of person to like all of the cool things you do.”

  I burst out laughing as I set the emergency brake and turned off the car. “What in the world is that supposed to mean?”

  She chuckled as she collected her bag and pushed open the door. “Well, you know—I just didn’t expect you to be so easy going. You’re really not what you look like at all.”

  I opened my door and we both climbed out. “Um, gee. Thanks, I think?” I grinned over the hood at her, not sure what else to say.

  “It was a compliment trust me…” Hannah’s voice trailed off as a group of guys from the football team came up to us.

  “Hey Emma! How come you never return my calls?”

  I rolled my eyes at Justin Lineweaver. It was the same question he asked me every day. “You know I don’t date high school guys.” I hitched my purse on my shoulder and flashed my Bradford smile, before walking over to Hannah’s side. I pulled her up over the median to the grass lawn and away from the guys.

  “Justin Lineweaver has been calling you, and you don’t return his calls?”

  “Yeah, long story. Which reminds me. Where’s your cell? Here’s mine. Copy your digits in it so we can hang.”

  “Sure.” She passed me her phone.

  I realized our thumbs both moved at the same warped speed. The mark of a true texter. We grinned as we handed our phones back at the same time.

  The bell rang.

  “Hey, I’ll text you after school, okay?”

  “Cool. Bye!” Hannah waved and made her way to the science building. The direct opposite from art class where I was headed.

  I had just finished my English homework when my mom poked her head in the room. “Hey, Emma. You’ve got a visitor downstairs.”

  “A visitor?” My brow furled. “Who is it?”

  Mom smiled. “You’ll see.”

  Curious, I stood up to follow her.