Too Good to Be True by Laurie Friedman Page A

and scooped up her dog, Riley, and held him up in front of me. “Riley can be Toto,” she said like it was all decided.
    I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Just because it’s Brynn’s party doesn’t mean she can decide what people are wearing. It’s really babyish, in my opinion, to all wear
Wizard of Oz
costumes. Plus, I already have a cute flapper costume.
    Brynn tapped her foot like she was waiting for my answer, so I just said, “Whatever.”
Wednesday, October 9, 8:45 P.M .
    After practice today, Emily and I walked home together. She said there was a cute store just off our route that she went to with her mom and her little sister yesterday, and there was something in the store she wanted to showme. When we got there, she had two matching Dance On graphic tees on hold behind the counter. “One is for you, and one is for me!” she said.
    We tried them on, and they were supercute. “When I saw these, I knew we had to have them, so I got my mom to buy them yesterday!” she said.
    â€œI love it!” I said.
    â€œI’m so glad!” said Emily. Then she hugged me and said, “April, you’re like my new best friend.”
    For some reason, it made me really happy when she said that.
Friday, October 11, 10:15 P.M .
Just home from the diner
    Tonight was one of the most annoying nights ever.
    I went to the diner with my family to celebrate my parent’s fifteenth anniversary. (I personally find it hard to imagine how they’ve put up with each other for fifteen years. I’ve only been putting up with them for thirteen, and it has definitely been a challenge.)
    Dad closed early and planned a surprise celebration for Mom. He invited everyone we know and love (his words, not mine)—Gaga; all of my aunts, uncles, and cousins on my mom’s side; my dad’s brother, Uncle Martin; his son Sam; some of our neighbors; and Billy and Brynn and their families.
    Dad went all out. He blew up giant pictures of himself and mom from their wedding and hung them up everywhere. The pictures were old and grainy, and their clothes and hair looked so ridiculous.
    Dad cooked all the same foods he and Mom served at their wedding, and he even made a special vanilla cream pie that he said resembled their wedding cake. I didn’t think so from the pictures, but Mom seemed touched by his gesture.
    After Dad served dinner, he made a toast to Mom, and then he sang a song he wrote for her. He has a horrible voice. Mom actually cried. I don’t know why. Maybe her ears hurt.
    I honestly thought the whole thing was ridiculous and embarrassing.
    When Dad was done singing, Gaga walked over to me and said, “April, why the sour look?”
    I thought the answer to that question was pretty obvious.
Saturday, October 12, 12:45 P.M .
    This morning at dance, after we finished practicing our dances for the pep rally and the halftime show, Ms. Baumann gave out the T-shirts we’re going to be wearing for homecoming. They’re supercute red fitted shirts with the school logo on them, and she said we should all wear them with denim shorts.
    â€œYou can wear a padded bra with this one,” Mady whispered in my ear.
    I smiled at her. I’m definitely going to.
5:44 P.M .
Sitting on my bed
Billy just left
    When I got home from dance, I invited Billy over. I haven’t seen him for a while because I’ve been so busy with dance, but Mom was making homemade pizzas for lunch, and I know he lovespizza. When he walked into the kitchen, May and June were putting toppings on their pizzas. When they saw Billy, they got super excited.
    â€œYou can be my pizza decorator,” said May.
    â€œYeah, you can be mine too,” said June.
    My sisters love Billy. Anyway, there were three small pizzas, and Billy spelled out May with pepperoni on one and June with black olives on another. Then he looked at me. “Can I be your pizza decorator too?” he