Chapter 8

“No, Principal Mock,” said Jasmine, “you are not doing the Stanky Leg.”

“Are you sure? ’Cause I can make my leg look like rubber.” He started wobbling his legs. “How about the Nay Nay? I’ve been working on it for a while now.” His arms started flailing. He looked like one of those floppy air dancers outside the used-car dealership.

Jasmine had to bite her lip so she wouldn’t burst out laughing. “I’m sorry, Mr. Mock. That won’t be necessary. We’re going to be sticking with the original choreography from Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”

“I see. Well I can get crunk with that.” He was kind of shaking his head as he made air pistols with his hands. “This principal knows how to get his freak on.” He pretend-shot into the wall behind Jasmine.

“Great!” The laughter was rising up inside of her. “I can’t stay. Keep on practicing the dance clip I sent you.” She darted to the nearest bathroom to burst out laughing. Then she immediately thought, I have to tell Hannah and Mia. It was out of habit.

For the past few days, Jasmine had been hard at work solidifying last-minute Spirit Week plans. Each day had a different activity. Monday it was Backwards Day. Tuesday was Pajama Day. Wednesday was Twins Day, when couples and good friends would come to school dressed alike. Thursday was Costume Day, where students would dress up like anyone but themselves. Finally, on Friday, everyone was supposed to wear green and black to show school pride at the pep rally.

Jasmine had planned a flash mob at the rally. She’d been secretly working with teachers, the principal, staff, and few students. Hence the hilarious moment with Principal Mock and many more awkward interactions with other adults. It was all a great distraction up until now.

After eating every lunch together, walking to and from school together, and especially meeting in the girls’ bathroom to talk, it was dawning on Jasmine that it was all over. It was almost like her friends had disappeared— except worse. Hannah and Mia were still buddy-buddy. They kept doing the “friends” stuff. It was kind of like a part of her was missing. The bathroom’s empty, echo-y silence made Jasmine’s loneliness cut deep. Still, she did have Eddy. He was very sweet, not to mention handsome. And he was waiting for her at the main entrance.