Skin Read Online Free PDF Page B

frowns. “Latin III is going to be boring. Maybe I’ll drop it.”
    Latin III is the only class we have together. And it’s the first time we’ve had a class together since we started high school.
    “Come on, Devin, don’t drop. We can struggle through it together.”
    “I read on the Internet that Ovid would be fun. He’s known for his erotic poems. We could use erotic poems. But there goes Mrs. Reynolds, picking his mythology poems, instead. The woman is juiceless.”
    “It’ll get better.”
    “Spanish is easier.”
    I think of Joshua Winer. Juicy Mr. Cool. “We could do Spanish next semester.”
    “All the popular kids are in Spanish now.”
    “I hate to break it to you, Devin: Spanish won’t make us popular.”
    “It could. If the popular guys liked us. If they recognized how hot we really are.”
    I laugh. “Sure, Devin.”
    “Are you saying I’m not hot?” She pretends to be insulted.
    Devin has long strawberry blond hair, thick and wavy. She’s fleshy, but in a good way, and, no matter what shesays, she knows how to dress to make the best of it. Her skin is clear—I don’t think she ever breaks out, even when she gets her period. She has great teeth, icy blue eyes, a nice nose. I’ve always known it, but never quite so clearly; I’m stunned. “You’re beautiful, Devin.”
    “Don’t say that.”
    “I mean it. Any guy could like you. But no one would notice me.”
    “What do you mean? You’re totally juicy. And it really could happen, ’cause lots of couples split up over the summer.”
    That’s been on my mind. Last year Joshua Winer was a couple with Sharon Parker. “Like who?”
    “Luke and Corina. Jed and Suzanne. Lots.”
    “Anyone else?”
    “Are you fishing?”
    “Why would I be fishing?”
    “You just sound like you’re fishing. You’re not supposed to fish with friends. You’re supposed to tell me.”
    I can’t tell her about Joshua Winer. No one in their right mind would believe Joshua Winer was interested in me. Not in that way. Maybe he isn’t. Probably he isn’t. “Do you think I jump to conclusions?”
    “Never.”
    “Really?”
    “You’re the last person in the world to jump to conclusions.” She looks me over. “If I ask you a question are you going to bite off my head?”
    I stare at her.
    “Why are you wearing lipstick again?”
    I’ve been waiting for the chance to tell Devin. I decided this morning, in the shower, that I need to tell her. ’Cause I really am worried now. But all at once I panic. “Did you write yes for sex?”
    “The whole eleventh grade did, I think. I never saw a message pass that fast.” Devin lowers her head and talks out of the side of her mouth, like we did when we were little and pretended to be detectives. “You’re avoiding my question.”
    “Which question?”
    Devin laughs. “Are you trying to get someone with that lipstick? Who?”
    “I’m trying to have color in my lips.”
    “I noticed. Purple.” Her tone is not appreciative.
    “It’s burgundy.”
    “Next thing I know, you’ll be wearing all black.”
    “Hey, Devin. Hey, Sep.” It’s Becca.
    And my chance to talk seriously with Devin is gone. I half want to scream. But only half.
    “So,” Becca says to Devin, “have you figured out what you’re wearing Friday night?”
    It’s Wednesday. Two more days till Becca’s party.
    A lot can happen in two days.
    Mamma made an appointment for me with Dr. Ratner for after school tomorrow. There’s still time for things to turn right again.
    “Huh, Sep?” Becca elbows me.
    “What?”
    “I asked what you’re wearing to my party?”
    “Lipstick.”
    Becca smiles. “Lipstick and nothing else? You’re changing your image. It’s about time.”
    My image is changing on its own. But I just smile.
    “And you’re hardly talking. That’s cool. Guys don’t like girls that talk all the time like you.”
    I rush off to my locker. Then rush to homeroom. Turn in the cards and forms with yes for sex. Then