Initiation by Jessica Burkhart Page B

same time.
    We high-fived.
    â€œAmerican history with Mr. Spellman,” I said.
    Khloe smiled. “Same.”
    â€œCount me out,” Lexa said.
    â€œEnglish with Mr. Davidson,” I continued.
    â€œYou’re stuck with me again,” Khloe said.
    â€œNot it,” Lexa said.
    â€œFrench III with Madame LaFleur,” I offered.
    Khloe and Lexa shook their heads. “Spanish I with Señora Garcia,” Lexa said.
    â€œI’ve got her, too,” Khloe said.
    The two friends smiled at each other.
    â€œI can’t believe you’re taking French III ,” Lexa said. “That’s waaay advanced. Most ninth graders don’t even take it.”
    â€œI took French at my old school,” I said. “And I studied it on my own. I love the way it sounds—it’s such a romantic language.”
    I looked back at my schedule. “Gym twice a week with Mr. Warren.”
    â€œGym?” Khloe asked. “Why are you taking that?”
    â€œIt’s not required for students who participate in a sport,” Lexa explained.
    â€œI know . . . ,” I said, hesitating to explain. “I wanted to stay extra strong for riding.”
    â€œYou’re insane,” Khloe said. “After you’ve climbed the rope for the fiftieth time, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t drop it.”
    â€œMaybe,” I said. “But my next class—life science?— sounds interesting. With Ms. Meade?”
    â€œWe’re in the same class,” Lexa said. “But I’m not as interested as you seem.”
    I stared at my schedule again. “All I have left is study hall twice a week and my elective—fashion,” I said. “I’d take that class every day if it was offered!”
    â€œAh, so we have a fashionista among us,” Lexa said, seeming intrigued.
    â€œI had a feeling you were into fashion. I bet you like classical American fashion, maybe? That’s the impression I got from your clothes,” Khloe said.
    I stared at her. “That’s only the highest compliment ever. Jackie O. and Audrey Hepburn are my style icons. I’m really into reinventing old looks so that they seem fresh.”
    When I’d read that Canterwood offered fashion as an elective, I’d practically screamed. I BlackBerry messaged all of my friends with a dozen !!!!!! s and immediately starred it as a definite course. After I enrolled, I posted an update on Chatter.
    LaurBell: Ahhh! I’m taking *fashion* at Canterwood this fall! So excited! I remembered Ana’s reply, smiling.
    AnaArtiste: @LaurBell Hmm . . . all this time as your BFF and I had no clue you liked fashion. ;P
    â€œWithout question, I know Khloe’s elective is acting,” I said.
    Khloe grinned from ear to ear.
    â€œWhat’s yours?” I asked Lexa. “Website design,” Lexa said. “I’m really big into online artistry. I already promised KK that as soon as I was ready, I’d create her own personal website complete with acting portfolio.”
    â€œI’m excited,” I said. “But it definitely sounds like we’re all going to be busy.”
    â€œDefinitely.” Khloe folded her schedule. “Oh—plus glee club.”
    â€œAs if,” I said. “Not that I’ll even make it. I’m just excited to audition.”
    â€œI’ve watched the glee club perform before games and school events,” Lexa said. “Everyone always looks like they’re having so much fun—and they do super contemporary stuff, which is cool.” She peered at my schedule again. “Now that I’m looking at it on paper, your schedule is really full. A ton of advanced classes, plus riding and glee club.”
    I scanned my paper. “ Maybe glee club. But I don’t seem to have more than you or Khloe. Plus, riding and glee and fashion are all things I live for.” My smile sunk a little. “You think