At First Bite by Ruth Ames

Author:Ruth Ames [Ames, Ruth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-0-545-38823-8
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Published: 2011-02-08T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

“How was your weekend?”

In homeroom on Tuesday, I look up to see Paige standing by my desk. Carmen and Wendy are on either side of her, like pretty bodyguards. But today, the girls don’t seem menacing or cruel. Instead, they seem like they’re simply saying hello …

To me!

I try not to grin too wide.

“It was fine,” I say breezily. I decide it best not to bring up my little flight to the Third Street Promenade. “My mom and I went to Rodeo Drive.” I tap my new blue-and-red charm bracelet. After the insanity on Saturday, I needed some retail therapy.

“Oh.” Paige purses her lips, and dimples appear in her cheeks. “See, we always shop at the Beverly Center or Fred Segal. Rodeo Drive is too touristy.” I nod, crestfallen, but Paige adds, “No worries. You’ll get the hang of it soon.”

My heart surges with hope.

“That’s supercute, BTW,” Carmen says, pointing at my bracelet. I beam.

“See you at lunchtime rehearsal,” Paige says to me as she, Carmen, and Wendy head for their desks. “I’ll be there early for the costume fittings!”

“Can’t wait!” I reply, then bite my lip. Did that sound too eager?

“I can,” Sasha mutters. I blink at her; I didn’t even notice her sit down as I was chatting with the girls. “I guarantee Paige will have a zillion complaints about the costumes and be as annoying as ever.”

“No, she won’t,” I snap. Paige is already pleased with my costume picks. Why would she change her mind?

I glare at Sasha. I wonder what she knows about her brother and his whereabouts early Saturday morning. I’m still no closer to figuring out the identity of the Dark One. Over the weekend, there were no other attacks reported on the news, and the wounded surfer was said to be recovering at the hospital.

Though I texted Arabella about the beach attack — and my successful shifting — I heard nothing from her. I’m starting to think that I’m on my own in this investigation. I’ll have to keep a careful eye out for both Marc and Nurse Murray today.

Mr. Harker comes in then, full of energy. After taking attendance, he shows the class the amazing posters he had printed up for the play. They’re red and black, with a big crescent moon in the background. He says the sixth-grade production assistants will be hanging them up around the school and in town.

I feel a burst of excitement and momentarily forget about Dark Ones. Last night, I went on a bunch of fashion and costume design blogs for inspiration. One explained that measuring tape and scissors are always necessary at costume fittings. I packed my bag accordingly, and feel like a true wardrobe master now.

My good mood lasts through the morning. I don’t even mind when I pass Dylan in the hallway, his arm around a beautiful high school girl. I almost wave to him but catch myself, remembering our rule. Soon enough, though, I’ll be as socially secure as my doofus brother.

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