Forever...: a novel Read Online Free PDF

Kolodny looked up from his desk. "Will you girls in the back please stop talking and get to work." I pulled out a sheet of notebook paper, wrote Like what? and shoved it at Erica. She wrote back, Something drastic!
    On the night of the play Michael, Erica and I sat together in the fourth row of the auditorium at Summit High. The play was Butterflies Are Free and Artie played the blind boy trying to make it on his own. Michael was right—Artie really surprised me. He was as good as a professional. Somehow, he seemed different on stage—more sure of himself. He made me forget he was Artie Lewin, game freak. Sybil played his mother and Elizabeth played his girlfriend but they couldn't compare to Artie. It didn't help that Sybil looked fatter than ever and kept fidgeting with her gray wig. Elizabeth's costume consisted of the world's skimpiest bikini and when she first came on stage Erica nudged me with an elbow. For some stupid reason I felt I had to say something to Michael—something to show I'm not the jealous type. So I leaned over and whispered, "She's very pretty." How did I ever think up such a clever remark?
    "Uh huh," Michael said.
    When the play ended Artie got a standing ovation.
    "I had no idea … " Erica said over and over. "I just can't believe it."
    "Me neither."
    "I told you," Michael said. 'It's the most important thing in his life." As I watched Artie take another bow I could see that Michael was right again. We tried to go backstage but there were two teachers in charge of keeping everyone out since the custodians were anxious to lock up the school for the night. Erica said she'd wait for Artie and that we should go on to the party.
    I wasn't looking forward to going to Elizabeth's house and facing her close up. But there was nothing I could do about it without being obvious. Besides, how would Artie feel if his best friend didn't show?
    Elizabeth's house was on a street a lot like mine. Her mother answered the door.
    "Michael … " Mrs. Hailey said, It's so nice to see you again."
    "Mrs. Hailey … this is Katherine Danziger," Michael told her.
    "Hello," I said.
    "Come in … come in … " Mrs. Hailey said, looking me over. "Everyone's downstairs … Michael, you know the way."
    Could she have said that for my benefit, just to let me know that Michael had been there before? It was a big party—maybe thirty or forty kids—and as soon as the cast arrived everyone surrounded them, offering congratulations. Michael gave Artie a couple of friendly slugs, then bent down and whispered something to him, and Artie smiled, nodded and said, Thanks, buddy." Elizabeth's father took movies of us for the next half hour. Artie really hammed it up. Michael kissed Elizabeth on the side of her face and said, "The part was made for you … you were great." And Elizabeth answered, "I'm glad you thought so."
    I walked away with a sinking feeling in my stomach. Sybil was standing in the corner talking to some boy. I went over to her and said, "I enjoyed the play a lot … you were good." Sybil laughed. "Thanks, but I know better … She introduced me to the boy who turned out to be Elizabeth's younger brother. I wondered if he would make her list.
    Erica took me aside, looked in Artie's direction, and said, "He's flying very high … I wouldn't be surprised if tonight's the night … "
    "Good luck," I said, without enthusiasm.
    "Oh, here you are." Michael stood next to me and reached for my hand.
    "Have we met?" I asked, pulling away.
    "What's that supposed to mean?"
    "Nothing," I said. "Just forget it." I made my way over to Artie, who was sitting on the couch surrounded by fans. When I got a chance I said, "I know you've heard this all night but you were really sensational."
    "Thanks, Kath." He moved over, making room for me beside him.
    "How'd you do it? You actually convinced me you were blind."
    "I don't know … it just comes naturally."
    "Seriously, Artie … "
    "I'm serious. I don't know how I do it. I've always wanted