The Princes of Tangleforest Read Online Free PDF Page B

anyway I can get your e-mail, phone number or something?”
    She stopped and stared at him, like she thought he was hitting on her or something.
    “I mean, in case, you know, in case I need to get a hold of you. In case they try to… you know…do hocus pocus.”
    “Sure. Let me see your phone.” He retrieved it out of his back pant’s pocket while she grabbed her phone out of her backpack. “I’ll put my info in yours… do you want mine? She held out her cell phone. They switched phones. Tanner punched in his phone number and email address. 
    After switching back, they continued to walk down the street. Tanner said, “I guess this means that if they get me, you won’t be able to help.”
    “To tell you the truth, I’m surprised you’re still your own person.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “Well, like I said before, most of the kids just bought into this shared reality. Followed along with what became normal. To fit in, you know.”
    “You think I’m a follower? I’m not a follower, and why would I want to fit in here at Strange High?”
    “It’s just strange to you because it’s not like the other schools you’ve been to.”
    “Wait a minute. You’re saying that this is okay?”
    Julia’s jaw tightened and her eyes squinted into slits. “I’m saying, it’s something that I can’t fix all by myself. I’m saying, I need to accept it.”
    “But it’s not right. Look at Ashley.”
    “Funny thing about Ashley, she’s just acting the same way she has acted since kindergarten. The Ashley you met, the one who is friends with me, that’s fake Ashley. The real Ashley looks down at everyone who isn’t like her. So what about you Tanner? Have I met the real you? Or is he hiding in order for you to fit in?”
    “What about you?”
    “What about me?”
    “Look at you. You don’t look the way you’re supposed to.”
    “Excuse me? Are you saying that just because you think the crowd I hang… hung out with are nerds, and because I make good grades and care about my future, that I should dress a certain way? This is how I express myself. This is exactly how I’m supposed to look. What do—”
     “You’re right. I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” Tanner cleared his throat and smiled. “You know what?  You’re one of the most interesting and unique girls I’ve ever met.”
    Julia turned her head quickly but not before Tanner saw the smile. So she did have something in common with any other girl he had known—she melts with a simple compliment.

Chapter 8
     
    “Tanner,” his mom called from the bedroom doorway. “Are you awake?”
    “Mooom, it’s Saturday. Let me sleep.” He rolled over and put his pillow over his head, trying to avoid the light his mom had turned on.
    “I would, I really would, but I need you to watch Bonnie while I run some errands.”
    “Can’t you take her with you?”
    “I’m going to the post office, and she gets so restless waiting in line. Come on, help me out here.”
    “Fine.” Throwing his pillow and blanket aside, he asked, “What time is it?”
    “After eight. She’s downstairs having some cereal. I’m sure she won’t be any problem. I’ll be back around noon.”
    “Noon?” He scratched his head. “That’s some line at the post office.”
    “Funny. I have other things to get done, too. I start work Monday and today is my only free day.”
    “Go, go. We’ll be fine.”
    “Thanks, you’re the best.”
    “Yeah, yeah…”
    ***
    Bonnie sat at the table eating a bowl of cereal, her legs dangling under her. Grabbing a bowl and a spoon, Tanner sat down beside her and made himself a bowl of Lucky Charms.  “So what do you want to do today?” he asked as he took a huge bite.
    “I don’t know. Play Barbies… with you, or something.”
    “I’m sixteen… and a boy. I don’t play Barbies.”
    “What about,” she put a finger up to her mouth. “What about dress up? I can be Barbie, and you can—”
    “Hold up. Hold up. No. Why don’t we go