“Hey, Emily, c’mere,” Andi called.

Emily looked up from her writing, a bit fearfully. She knew that voice-- Andi, the cousin of Mae Rivers. Andi was fairly popular and known for being something a bully. Emily did not move, so Andi sat beside her.

“What’s that you’re writing?” Andi asked, peering at the pages.

“Just making out a ‘To Do’ list,” Emily explained hesitantly. “So I don’t forget any assignments or meetings.”

She glanced at Andi, wondering what sort of cruelty to expect. She had not been a victim of this fearsome girl, but she had heard enough stories to make her steer clear.

Andi smiled, a genuine and rather friendly smile, and shut the notebook, quietly demanding Emily’s full attention. “Some friends of mine told me something,” Andi began. “Is it true you’re working on West Side Story at the University of North Oakdale?”

Emily blushed a little and nodded. “Who told you?” she asked.

Andi stretched and replied, “News gets around quicker than you think, kiddo.” She raised an eyebrow, noticing that Emily was cringing a little. “Don’t be scared of me,” Andi said with a chuckle. “No one’s going to beat you up for it; I think it’s awesome-- you’re in high school, but got to actually play a role in a college show! I wouldn’t mind being in your shoes.”

Emily smiled, albeit a bit awkwardly, and relaxed a little. “Thank you,” she finally said, unsure of how else to respond.


Andi grinned. “I guess you want me to get to the point, eh?” she asked. Without waiting for a response, she continued, “I’m here as a representative of the drama club. I know you didn’t try out or anything, but we’ve decided that we want you to be part of the club, given your experience with the college play.”

Emily was startled, of course. “Really?” she asked, waiting to be told that it was a joke.

“Sure!” Andi replied enthusiastically. “We’re planning to perform a bunch of semi-short plays. I think you might be a great Laura in our production of The Glass Menagerie.”

Emily could not believe what she was hearing. She was being offered a chance to join the ultra-exclusive and highly talented Oakdale Drama Society! After her love of performing and being onstage had been rekindled, how could she possibly say no?

“Sure!” Emily breathlessly responded, her eyes shining.

“Awesome,” Andi said, pleased. “Come meet the rest of the ODS family.”


“Hey, Tiffani,” the girl called out.

Tiffani looked up from her book as the pretty blonde girl set the plate of festive-looking cookies on the ground and then sat near her.

“Do I know you?” Tiffani asked.

“Sorry, you don’t,” the girl said apologetically. “I’m Danielle Dawson. I’m a sophomore.”

Tiffani smiled, but warily. Hope she’s not one of those ultra-religious people, she thought. It’s good to have faith, but don’t go forcing your beliefs on me!

“Have a cookie, if you’d like. I know it's been a few months since Christmas, but I was in a festive mood today and thought it would be kind of funny to make holiday cookies,” Danielle said gently. Tiffani reached out and took one, then nibbled hesitantly at it.

“I just made those,” Danielle said, smiling. “There’s a club on campus that I’m part of. It’s not too well-known.”

“Some kind of cooking class?” Tiffani asked, helping herself to a second cookie.


“Close,” Danielle replied. “It’s kind of a home ec club, but we do more cooking and eating than sewing or stuff like that.”

“Y’mean,” Tiffani asked, after swallowing carefully, “that you guys basically get together after school, just to cook and eat?”

“Yeah, it’s great!” Danielle replied. “We also exchange recipes and have cooking contests. It sounds kind of old-fashioned, but it’s a great sounds of food. Better quality than what they serve in the cafeteria, anyway.”

Tiffani chewed her lip, uncertain. Lately, the others haven’t been showing up for CNC meetings, she thought. Well, it’s not my job to handle all the news stuff myself. Besides, all the good food I want, with no one to yell at me for eating. Awesome!

Tiffani shrugged, feigning nonchalance. “I guess it sounds fun. I might check it out,” she said slowly.

“Great,” Danielle gushed. “We meet up in room 257 after school and during lunch. Stop in whenever you want-- there’s always someone in!”