Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
out of his head. “Is that the problem?”<br />
Moistening my lips, I ask, “Wanna hang out on your<br />
roof tonight? After dark?”<br />
Perry’s mouth hangs open. “My roof ? What is wrong<br />
with you, Ruthie? If you don’t button up, you’re going to get<br />
sent home. The principal will never let you wear that. How<br />
did your mother let you out of the house? What were you<br />
thinking?”<br />
So far, the “Perry Plan” isn’t going well. And it’s embarrassing!<br />
“What are you staring at?” Perry sneers at Walter<br />
Maynard, who is turned all the way around in his seat.<br />
Walter doesn’t stop staring until I hold my backpack up to<br />
my front.<br />
Next to me in the cramped seat, Perry fishes through his<br />
pack and pulls out a little gold pin.<br />
“Here,” he says. “It’s stupid, but it’ll work.”<br />
Perry hands me the pin he received as a finalist in last<br />
year’s Science Fair. It’s in the shape of a moving atom and<br />
says, SCIENCE IS A BLAST!<br />
“But—” I say.<br />
“Believe me, Ruthie, you don’t want to get off the bus<br />
looking like that.”<br />
Sighing, I button my shirt. And I wear Perry’s pin. Close<br />
to my heart.<br />
“Thanks,” I say. Then, leaning back against the seat, I<br />
smell Perry’s smell. It’s a combination of herbal shampoo,<br />
102