How to Outfox Your Friends When You Don't Have a Clue by Jess Keating

“It’s not that old,” I lied.
    I mean, we all knew that thirteen was pretty much the biggest birthday milestone one can have, right? But I wasn’t about to say that to Mom having a meltdown. Besides, it sort of freaked me out too. But if anything would make me feel less terrified about it, it was a birthday party in a place that I knew I loved.
    â€œThe banquet thing would be perfect,” I said. “We can invite everyone and have some fun games and—”
    â€œAnd lasers !” Daz glared at me pointedly.
    â€œShoot,” Kevin said suddenly, checking his watch. He stood up and folded his notebook closed, stuffing it into his backpack. He eyed me apologetically. “Sorry, I have to head out. We’re supposed to video chat with my brother tonight to make sure everything’s okay for next week.” He turned to Mom. “We’re going away for a few days to visit him,” he explained, heading for the door.
    â€œHave a good visit, hun,” she said. “I’ll miss having you around to make sure Daz doesn’t burn anything down.” She rolled her eyes.
    He grinned, then looked to me. “I’ll…uh…see you later?”
    I shifted a few feet closer to the front door. In case you were wondering, the “official good-bye” with your kind-of boyfriend in front of your brother and mother is the most awkward thing on the planet.
    Worse than when you go to high-five someone and end up missing their hand like a lame-o, even.
    Do you kiss? Do you not kiss? Do you hug? The whole thing was a disaster waiting to happen.
    â€œâ€™Kay,” I said, stepping closer. He went in for a quick hug, while I accidentally dodged the wrong way and ended up colliding with his shoulder.
    Smooth, Ana.
    â€œSee you at later,” I added, practically feeling Mom’s giggly stare behind me. This was why people need to forget the whole “first kiss” thing, because at this rate, it definitely wasn’t going to happen for me.
    â€œWell, that was gross,” Daz said plainly after Kevin left.
    â€œHey!” I shouted. “I have to watch you and Bella stare at each other all googly-eyed!” I stuck out my chin. It occurred to me right then that my brother might get his first kiss before me. Oh, GAH .
    Daz scoffed. “Whatever! It’s not the same thi—”
    â€œ Anyway ,” Mom said, breaking us up. “I think a zoo party sounds like a great plan. I’m on it!”
    â€œHey,” I said, thinking back on all my earlier birthdays. Now that Kevin was gone, my brain seemed to be able to function again. (Figures.) “Do you think I could have a slumber party after?” Ever since we became best friends, Liv and I had special birthday sleepovers every year. Usually we made lip gloss and talked about boys and all the things we wanted to happen during the next year of our lives. Maybe that was exactly what we needed right now.
    Mom nodded. “I think that’s a great idea. You girls will have to stay in the basement though. Four is too many for upstairs. Daz would never leave you alone either,” she muttered.
    â€œOh,” I said, realizing what she meant. “I don’t mean with everyone, just Liv and me. Like old times.”
    â€œNo Bella or Ashley?” she asked. Her head tilted with concern, but I didn’t want her to worry.
    â€œI think since Liv is back, it would be nice to have her over,” I said. “You know, she’s only here for a little while, and I can have a sleepover with Bella or Ashley anytime.”
    It’s true I would feel bad not inviting Bella or Ashley, but I had to do everything I could to keep Liv and I together as best friends, didn’t I? After all, she wasn’t around here for long, so Bella and Ashley would both probably understand. I could have them over anytime after she went home again.
    Mom pursed her lips, considering this. “Okay,