Confectionately Yours #4: Something New by Lisa Papademetriou Page A

life of crime is amusing to someone.
    This whole time, Meghan has been watching me with this Hmm look on her face.
    “Stop looking at me,” I tell her.
    “Okay,” she says.
    We walk for a few moments.
    “Stop thinking about me,” I tell her.
    Meghan laughs. “Okay, Hayley. You’re right — it’s not a big deal.”
    But we both know the truth: If I really didn’t think it was a big deal, I would have mentioned it.

I love the way Marco can look at a crumpled piece of paper on the sidewalk and see something amazing.
    I love the way he’s so gentle with his sister, Sarah.
    I love that he isn’t afraid to stand up for what’s right.
    I love that he gave me his balloon in the first grade when mine soared away on a trip to the zoo.
    I love that he always puts part of his allowance in the frog statue in front of the church downtown.
    I love the far-off look he gets when he’s thinking about something deep, like time, or stars.
    I love that we’ve been friends since before we could walk, and that he knows me better than almost anyone.
    I love that he thinks I’m amazing.
    I love him like a brother. Even though he’s handsome, and wonderful, and smart, and artistic. He kissed me, and I wondered if things could be different. But now I just don’t think they can.
    It doesn’t make sense, but that’s the way it is. I can’t explain it, and I guess that’s why I don’t want to talk about it much.

“S o I really need you to put that in the mail this week, William.”
    “Oh, sorry! I didn’t realize you guys were on the phone. I’ll just hang —”
    “Hayley? No, that’s okay. Your father and I were just wrapping up. I’ll get off. Good-bye, William.”
    “Bye, Margaret. I’ll take care of the dentist. Don’t worry.”
    “Hi, Dad.”
    “Hey, Hayley! What are you doing Tuesday afternoon?”
    “Um — I don’t know. Homework, I guess.”
    “Wrong! You and I are heading out to Islip Academy for a tour and an interview! Isn’t that great?”
    “Oh. During school? Don’t you have work?”
    “I’m taking the afternoon off. I thought we could go out for dinner afterward or something.”
    “Okay, Dad.”
    “Just okay?”
    “No — it sounds good.”
    “It’s a beautiful campus. An incredible library — you’ll love it. They even have stables!”
    “For horses?”
    “No, that’s where the boarding students sleep. Of course for horses! You’ll love it!”
    “Sounds nice.”
    “It is. It’s very nice.”
    “What should I wear?”
    “Just be yourself, Hayley. Wear what you would normally wear. Maybe a skirt.”
    “I don’t usu — Okay, Dad. I’ll wear a skirt.”
    “I’ll meet you in front of your school right at three, okay?”
    “Great, Dad. Hold on, I’ll get Chloe. Love you.”
    “Love you, too, Hayley! Trust me — this is going to be great!”

    Pomelo Cupcakes
    (makes approximately 12 cupcakes)
    Pomelos are like Godzilla grapefruits. They’re huge and have a thick skin. If you can’t find one, a regular grapefruit will work, too. Delicious, unexpected, citrusy taste!
    INGREDIENTS:
    1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
    3/4 teaspoon baking powder
    1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    1/4 teaspoon salt
    1/4 cup vanilla yogurt
    3/4 cup granulated sugar
    1/3 cup milk
    1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    1/4 cup pomelo juice
    2 tablespoons finely grated pomelo zest
    1/3 cup canola oil
    INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, stir together the yogurt, sugar, milk, vanilla extract, pomelo juice and zest, and oil. With a whisk or handheld mixer, add the dry ingredients to the wet ones a little bit at a time, stopping to scrape the sides of the bowl a few times, and mix until no lumps remain.
Fill cupcake liners two-thirds of the way and bake for about 20–22 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack, and let cool completely before frosting.

    Pomelo Cream-Cheese