BFF Breakup by Taylor Morris Page A

say anything and I thought about telling her Susanna was just joking, but surely she knew.
    â€œI still have to get my lunch,” she said, ignoring her. She didn’t even say anything to Julia or Natalie, just looked toward the lunch line, which was practically empty since most people had eaten.
    â€œI’ll go with you.” I didn’t want her to be mad at me. Plus, I really wanted her to meet the girls so we could all be friends. I could already picture the sleepovers.
    As we walked up to the line, Brooke asked, “Who are all those girls?”
    â€œSusanna and her friends, Julia and Natalie. You’ll love them. And too bad you’re not in drama with us. It’s going to be so fun.”
    Brooke picked up a tray and scanned her choices. “Such a bummer.”
    â€œSuch. But you’ll really like them,” I said. “How’s your cooking class?”
    â€œPardon me, it’s not cooking,” she said. “It’s Foods for Living.”
    â€œPardon indeed,” I said, and we smiled. “You do still cook in it though, right?”
    â€œYeah, but it’s also about making healthy food choices and stuff.”
    â€œHow very modern,” I said. “So I guess that means it’s not totally ’50s and you’ll be making chicken with a pound of butter.”
    â€œDoubtful, but our teacher—who is a dude, by the way—”
    â€œModern indeed,” I said.
    â€œIndeed,” she said. “Anyway, he said we’ll cook or bake something about once a week, so it can’t be all that bad.”
    Brooke paid for her lunch and we went back to our table. Julia and Natalie were just finishing up.
    â€œYou guys can’t be leaving,” I said. I really wanted Brooke to talk to them so she could see how fun they were.
    â€œThe bell’s going to ring any sec,” Natalie said.
    â€œIf we hurry maybe we can go to both our lockers before next class,” I said to Brooke.
    â€œI hate that we don’t have them together,” she said.
    â€œSerious.”
    â€œMaybe you can switch,” Susanna said. “You’re two halls over from Madeline, right?” Brooke nodded yes and shoveled another bite of her chili in before the bell rang. “So ask whoever is below Madeline and whoever is below you, and see if one of them will swap. No one will ever know. It’s not like they do checks.”
    I was already nodding my head. It was a perfect idea. Score one for Susanna!
    â€œWe should totally do that,” I said, turning to Brooke. “I don’t know who has the locker below me, but I’ll find out. Who has the locker below yours?”
    â€œChris Meyers.”
    There was a beat of silence at the table, and then we all burst out laughing. Really, how random was that?
    â€œWell, I’m sure he’ll be happy to move for us,” I said, because a guy as dorky as Chris Meyers would probably do anything for two decent-looking (if I do say so) girls like us.
    Brooke gave us all a funny look. But then she said to me, “Disco.”
    â€œWhat does that mean?” Susanna asked.
    Brooke took another bite and said, “Nothing.”
    Natalie said, “We really gotta go,” and stood up with her tray.
    â€œSee you around, Brooke,” Julia said.
    Brooke worked double time to shovel in the rest of her food. It was kind of gross, actually.
    Once she finished and we left the caf, we finally got to talk alone, even if we did have to walk kind of fast.
    â€œSo?” I asked her, bumping her shoulder and sending a little smile to her face.
    â€œUgh,” she responded.
    â€œThat bad?”
    â€œMeh.”
    â€œAre you going to say any real words?”
    She looked at me and said, “You know exactly what I’m saying.” And I did. I knew just what she meant.
    â€œI’m sorry you’re having a bad day.”
    â€œThat’s a good idea, swapping