Wednesday at school, the twins broke the news to Jen, Kerry, and Kate. After hearing, the day went by so slow. They planned a good-bye dinner at The Cheesecake Factory.

At dinner, each of the girls brought simple presents to remember each other by. It was a sad night for each of them. Since Jen, Kerry, and Kate wouldn’t be able to say their goodbyes because of school, in the parking lot they hugged and cried and wished the twins good luck. Each of them knew that “promising to call EVERYDAY” like they said to their friends when they were 10, wasn’t going to happen. But they did agree to email and keep in touch that way.

It was late by the time everyone got home, well after 12.

Thursday went by fast. Kerry was throwing away her garbage from lunch when Zack came up behind her and put his arm around her neck.

Zack: Hey you

Kerry: Ugh gosh Zack, lay off! Take your grimy hands off of me and stop following me around.

Zack: Still stubborn, that’s alright, I was used to that. I’ll see you around.

He winked at her then trudged off to class. Kerry was in such awe that he had the nerve to be like that, but then again, Zack always did stuff like that when they dated. That was, before he got in trouble. Kerry didn’t mention anything to Greg about him being back, and since Greg went to another school, she had absolutely nothing to worry about. Or so she thought.

Two days had gone by, and Kate thought it was time she at least said something to Jesse. He was swapping his Chemistry book for AP English when she approached him. Kate didn’t want it to appear too tense, but not come off like nothing happened. Something did happen, and it was time they got past it.

Kate: Hey stranger, I saw you yesterday at the neighbor’s house.

Jesse: Uh, yeah, same here. Do you need something?

Harsh. But I deserved that, she said in her head.

Kate: I was just hoping maybe, umm, maybe we could talk. Over dinner….?

Jesse: Look, Kate, I don’t want to sound mean, but, I don’t think-

Before he could finish his sentence, a slutty 10^th grader walked up and put his arm around Jesse’s waist.

Girl: Hey babe, who’s this?

Jesse: Cammy this is Kate, Kate this is Cammy.

Cammy: Yeah, Cammy the girlfriend.

Kate: So that’s how it’s going to be. That’s fine Jesse, totally fine, if our friendship is dirt to you, I guess I’ll be the one to mop it up.

She snapped her head around and pranced down the hall pissed off that Jesse would have another girlfriend in the matter of days. Especially her. EVERYONE knew Cammy was the skankiest chick in 10^th grade; all the older guys knew she was easy. I just didn’t know he was one of those guys. She thought disgusted. Jesse McCartney always had respect for girls.

Kate met up with Kerry after school and went to Planet Smoothie to talk things over about everything recently happening.

Kate: Gosh I feel like we haven't talked in AGES!

Kerry: I know, I know. So how’s everything with Jesse?

Kate: Ugh, sorry you mentioned it. Do you know who he’s dating!!! He’s going out with Cammy!

Kerry: wait wait wait, you mean, kinky-Cammy?

Kate: that’s the one!

Kerry: I’m sorry, you DEFINITELY deserve better than him! I thought he was different.

Kate: Yah, me too....well anyways, how’s Greg!

Kerry: AH! So great! I went to this banquet thing with him and it was so fabulous! I’m going to his house Saturday while his family goes into the city!

Kate (smiles dirty): Oooh, getting Nau-TAY!

Kerry: Haha! Shut up. No, its different with Greg. I know that sounds weird, but when I’m with him, I’m not always thinking about doing stuff with him. I think and hope he thinks the same. I don’t know, he’s just…different from any guy I’ve dated before. Which reminds me…Zack is back.

Kate: Zack! I thought he went to juvenile after he got busted and all!

Kerry: Yea well, they let him out. BIG mistake! He’s practically breathing down my neck, its sick!

Kate: Uck. Question…

Kerry: Ya

Kate: Have you talked to Jen lately? She hasn’t really been around, except last night. But even then she was, distant.

Kerry: I noticed that too! Maybe we haven't been hanging out with her lately. I feel bad. We all are drifting apart. It’s kind of sad, you know. First Sparkle and Spencer leaving, now Jen.

Kate: Yeah I know. Well hey lets all get together Sunday and have a sleepover, just the girls. Monday we have off so it’d be great! like old times!

Kerry: Ok, I’ll talk it over with Jen. But I got to go, my mom is going furniture shopping for the media room and I figured I would be of some assistance.

Kate: Alright, call Jen later and work something out.

Kerry picked up her smoothie and walked out.

But Kerry never called Jen. It totally slipped her mind. Maybe if she had called, her plans would have changed.

Every Friday morning, Kate treated herself to a chicken biscuit from Chick Fil-A for breakfast before school. Her morning was going pretty good. She was wearing a new denim skirt with new black and white Pumas.  That is, everything was great until she actually got to school. Of course the first thing she had to see was Jesse, with his tongue down Cammy’s throat. She wanted to PUKE. But she couldn’t, or else her white shirt would be ruined. Instead she gave them both a dirty look and walked on by. Behind her she heard Cammy’s peppy voice: well what’s her problem?

Hah. Whatever. It’s not MY problem, it’s your damn boyfriend’s problem. Happy thoughts, happy thoughts Kate.

Kate went to Kerry’s locker, but she wasn’t there. Huh, must be in the bathroom.

So she went to her locker instead, and usually Jen was right underneath her getting books and binders and applying one last coat of lip gloss. No Jen. Odd, very odd.