Claire Page 11

  Claire looked away. The rain seemed to have gotten heavier. Puddles began forming by the Pontiac’s tires, and people started running for their cars.

  “I don’t need charity,” Claire stated. The rain was making her bangs split into a soggy blond M.

  “It’s nawt charity, Kuh-laire.” Massie leaned over Bean to keep her dry. “I did it for me.”

  “Why? Because you feel guilty?” Claire pushed her wet bangs aside. “Because you understand why I did what I did? Because you miss me? Because you want me back in the Pretty Committee?”

  Massie half smiled. And like a ray of sunshine, it made Claire’s cool wet skin suddenly feel a little warmer. “Because I want you to buy some clothes.”

  “Why?” Claire’s teeth began to chatter.

  “Because I don’t want my best friend dressing like an LBR in the eighth grade.”

  Claire giggled. And then they hugged.

  In one more week, they’d be home.

  Make sure you’re IN on all the summer secrets.

  STATE OF THE UNION

  INOUT

  Purple hair streaks Summer secrets

  Confidentiality contracts

  Euro pop stars

  Shark-tooth necklaces

  Massie & Claire in Orlando

  Five girls. Five stories. One ah-mazing summer.

  THE CLIQUE

  SUMMER COLLECTION

  BY LISI HARRISON

  Summer may be over, but eighth grade’s just getting started.

  P.S. I LOATHE YOU

  Coming February 2009.