The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg Page A

wasn't working.
    "It's not MY fault your little girlfriend was having more fun with us," Tracy said as she pulled out into the street.
    "Just stay away from me, and stay away from anybody I know. I'm so embarrassed that you're my sister."
    Tracy slammed on the brakes. "then get out!"
    Mike opened the door and started to get out of the car in the middle of the street,
    "Mike, don't..." I pleaded.
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    He got out, slammed the door shut, and started jogging on the sidewalk.
    "Tracy, what on earth is going on? Go get him -- he can't walk."
    Tracy was gripping the wheel tightly. "No."
    "He'll be late for school."
    "Fine with me."
    "All right, stop it. What on earth is going on?"
    Tracy pulled back out into the street and stared forward while we passed Mike. "He freaked out at me yesterday simply because his stupid girlfriend spent most of Homecoming with us instead of him."
    "Really? Which one was she?" I tried to go through all the girls who'd been dancing with us, but couldn't keep track.
    "The petite brunette with that cute poofy lavender skirt."
    "Oh! She's Mike's girlfriend?"
    Tracy nodded as she pulled into the parking lot.
    "Well, I don't see why you and Mike have to get into a huge fight over that."
    "He was the one who started it. I knew he'd find a way to ruin what was an awesome evening." A smile spread across Tracy's face. "Seriously, we completely rocked that dance! Everybody kept saying their dates were such duds. Did you see one guy out there on the dance floor who was having a good time? No, they all just sat in a big group and talked about sports. . . ." She shifted into her best imitation of Mike. "Whatever, dude!"
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    When we got to school, I kept telling myself that this was just another normal week, nothing to be nervous about. But my stomach kept doing somersaults every time I thought about seeing Ryan at the dance in the clutches of that fresh monster, I decided to walk a lot slower than usual. Maybe he wouldn't be there. Maybe I could just pretend that I wasn't mad. Maybe ...
    As I turned the corner to my locker, I saw him taking off his jacket. I was very very relieved to see there was no sign of She Who Would Not Be Named.
    I started to fiddle with my combination and saw him turning around. We caught each others eyes. He smiled, and started to say something --
    "Um, Penny?" I was startled and nearly dropped my messenger bag. I turned around to see Eileen Vodak and Annette Ryan, both freshmen, hovering behind me.
    "We, Um, we really think you guys are so much fun, and we had a really great time, urn, hanging out with you guys." Eileen blushed and started twirling her long auburn hair around her finger nervously.
    Were they part of our group on Saturday?
    "We just, um, really admire you. What you did was so cool."
    "thanks," I replied in a low voice, hoping Ryan wouldn't hear.
    Annette nudged Eileen with her shoulder. "Um, yeah, we were wondering if your club was for juniors only, or if you would ever consider having freshmen involved. .."
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    I stared at Eileen for a few seconds while I tried to process what she was saying.
    "I mean, I know we're underclassmen, but.. ."
    My eyes grew wide as I realized what she was asking. "Of course. the more the merrier!"
    Both Eileen's and Annette's faces lit up. "Oh, thanks so much, Penny! Just let us know what you need us to do."
    I didn't even know what I was doing.
    "Okay, will do."
    I turned back to my locker as they left. Ryan closed his and leaned over. "Hey there."
    "Hi," I replied. Now if I could only stop the urge to shake him and ask him what the hell he was thinking, going with that vile creature.
    "Hey, Penny." I turned around as Jen and Amy came over.
    I smiled at Ryan apologetically, but was relieved to have the distraction. He just nodded and headed off to class.
    "A couple of the girls on the team who had dates called me to talk about the Club," Jen said. "Do you think we could add a few more members?"
    As I walked to Spanish class, I couldn't help