CHAPTER 22

What Had Happened Was …

It turns out I didn’t have to wait until I was fourteen years old to get a phone after all—Dada and Mom bought me one as an opening-night gift. The first person I texted was Hailey Joanne. We’ve been talking ever since. We’re not besties. Not yet. But we’re friends. And I’ve realized that maybe I don’t need just one bestie anymore. TJ, Hailey Joanne, Izzy, the Chloes, and the rest of the cast—we all keep in touch and hang out and do things together, like seeing movies or just meeting up for lunch or hanging out in Izzy’s basement listening to music.

Having a group of friends feels right for me now.

One Saturday long after the musical ended, Hailey Joanne had Mr. Versey pick me up and drive us out to the country club the Pinkeys belong to. It has an amazing running path around the golf course and through a wooded area that makes me feel like I’m in a fairy tale. Izzy was invited, too, but she had no interest in spending the day running, and Hailey Joanne and I understood.

After a five-mile jog where Hailey Joanne and I kept the pace up by pushing and daring each other, we were completely winded. We plopped down on a cushion of pine needles by a pond where we could see turtles’ heads popping up out of the water.

Hailey Joanne panted, “You know, you’re really getting good. I have to work hard to keep up with you.”

I laughed. “I’m the one who has to work to keep up with you!”

Hailey Joanne reached for her feet, beginning to stretch. “I’m serious. Next year, we’re going to be the queens of GOT. No one will be able to keep up with us.”

That was funny; I hadn’t thought about going back to GOT next year. I kept up my running because I enjoyed it, but mostly because Mr. Ramsey told me it was a great way to increase my lung capacity and breath control for singing.

I started stretching and turned to Hailey Joanne. “You know, I don’t think I’m going back to GOT.”

“Why not? You won’t be suspended anymore.”

“I know—and don’t get me wrong, I love running—but now I think I love singing and performing even more.”

Hailey Joanne put a hand to her forehead and pretended to swoon. “Oh, well, now that you are a star, dahhling!”

I laughed. “I’m not. But there is a drama club that meets after school to work on scenes and acting technique. I want to join that club. I want to study and really get good at it. And maybe when the spring musical comes around, I can audition without getting tricked into it and earn a part in the next show.”

“You’ll get a part, and you’ll be great. But you have to promise me one thing.”

“What?”

“That you’ll keep running with me from time to time. You’re a better motivator than Apps For Laps.”

We giggled. I said, “I promise. Whenever you want a hard run, I’ll be there.”

“Crisp!” She leapt up. “How about now?” Hailey Joanne ran off. “Last one back to the clubhouse is a wet cheeseburger!”

I jumped up and powered after her. Pretty soon, with a little Beyoncé singing in my head, I was caught up and matching my friend stride for stride.