Odd Girl In by Jo Whittemore Page A

Romance?” I dug my fingers into my hair. “Emily, this is stupid! You shouldn’t have to change for anybody .”
    She crossed her arms over her chest. “Chloe likes him too. The only way I can compete with her is to be Trevor’s dream girl.”
    â€œDream? You’re acting like a nightmare,” I scoffed.
    Emily looked dumbstruck. “For your information, I learned this behavior from you !” She poked me in the shoulder. Hard.
    My jaw dropped, but I quickly drew it back up. “Fine. Then let me teach you something else! ”
    Before she could react, I grabbed Emily in a headlock and dragged her to the drinking fountain.
    â€œAugh! Let go! You’ll mess up my wig!” She squealed and slapped at my arms.
    â€œWe’re washing that eye makeup off,” I said. “If we’re lucky, maybe some of your crazy will rinse away too.”
    Someone turned the knob of the classroom door, and I instantly released her.
    â€œIs everything okay?” asked Trevor, stepping into the hallway. “I heard screaming.”
    â€œEverything’s fine,” I said. “Emily was just singing an Ankle Biters song for me.” I bumped her shoulder. “Why don’t you sing it for Trevor?”
    Emily’s face, which had been red from our struggle, turned redder still. “Oh, I don’t think he wants, um …” She laughed nervously. “It’s better with music.”
    He smiled and nodded toward the door. “Come on. Class is about to start.”
    Emily let her shoulders relax and gave a cocky half-smile, and sauntered into the classroom. I followed, searching for something large enough to knock her unconscious.
    â€œHello, Champs!” boomed Ms. Success as we got seated. “I hope your last few days have been almost as riveting as this interview I did.” She held up a copy of Loud Women . “Don’t let the name fool you,” she said to a chorus of giggles. “People who make the most noise get the most attention.”
    â€œAnd the most spit in their food at restaurants,” I whispered to Trevor.
    He snickered into his hand, and Ms. Success whipped around to look at us.
    â€œAlexis …” She pointed at me, and I knew I was busted.
    â€œYes, ma’am?” I said in my meekest voice.
    â€œOur lesson today is leadership,” said Ms. Success. “I understand you know a little something about that.”
    Everyone swiveled to look at me, including my brothers. That was not what I’d expected her to say.
    â€œS-sorry?” I asked.
    â€œThe hockey boosters,” said Ms. Success. “Chloe tells me you jumped right into a leadership role when you joined.”
    â€œOh!” I hadn’t thought of it that way, but I had taken charge of the boosters that morning.
    Ms. Success gave me a thumbs-up. “I’m thrilled that my wisdom sank in so fast. Now, for the rest of you….”
    Trevor nudged me while Ms. Success started the lesson. “Way to go!”
    â€œThanks,” I told him, glancing at Chloe.
    She had turned partially in her chair and smiled when she saw me looking. I smiled back.
    Maybe I had other girls figured out wrong. Maybe the slumber party wouldn’t be so terrible. Maybe …
    Chloe’s glance drifted to Trevor. Over her shoulder, I could see Emily frowning at them both.
    Maybe I needed to bring riot gear.

Chapter 9
    S aturday night Dad drove me and my cake to Chloe’s. Even before I got out of the car, we could hear squeals and laughter accompanied by bad, bad singing.
    Dad cleared his throat. “Are you sure you want to do this?”
    â€œOh, yeah!” I said with way more enthusiasm than either of us found believable. “I mean, it’ll be fine. I should really try this socializing thing.”
    He kissed my forehead. “I’m proud of you. Have fun.”
    Like a soldier heading into battle, I slung my duffle bag