Khloe hopped over to my bed, sitting beside me and peering at my face. “I think you’re in, like, shock. Do you need me to use what I learned when I played a nurse in one of the school plays? I think I’m supposed to apply a cold washcloth to your forehead.” She frowned. “Or is it a warm washcloth? Argh.”
I laughed. “No washcloth necessary, Khlo. Thank you. I’m just taking it all in. That’s what I was doing with Brielle. I needed to know everything about how she got here, from the moment she decided, to why she didn’t tell me, and how she was feeling about being here now.”
Khloe rubbed a clear tube of Urban Decay gloss over her lips. “I want to hear everything, but why didn’t she tell you? Are all of your old friends from Union going to sneak-apply to Canterwood and surprise you?”
I grinned. “ ‘Sneak-apply.’ I like it. No, I think Ana’s staying exactly where she is. As far as I know at this moment, anyway. You never know, obviously! Maybe my whole ex-class will end up here next year.”
I sat up, folding my legs under my body. “There’s so much to tell that I want to share with Lexa and Clare, too. But I’ll retell the story to them. I was the most curious, too, about why Brielle didn’t tell me. I mean, is there something about ‘sneak-applying’ that’s popular? First Taylor. Then Bri.”
“Exactly.” Khloe bobbed her head.
“Brielle said she didn’t tell me because she wanted it to be a giant surprise. She said there were days when she almost slipped and spilled it by accident and times when she almost picked up the phone and called. She said, though, that the idea of seeing my face when she told me that she wasn’t going back to Union after Family Day was too good to blow.”
“You were so caught off guard by her coming with Becca and your parents,” Khloe said. “It was enough to keep your attention off even the tiniest suspicion that Brielle was staying. You were also running around like crazy showing things to your parents and sister, so you probably wouldn’t have noticed if Brielle had dropped off a suitcase in Clare’s room.”
“Speaking of,” I said. “Do you know how Clare is with the new roommate thing? I know she liked having the room to herself.”
“I talked to her when we found out about Brielle,” Khloe said. “Clare said she was just starting to get lonely in the room by herself. She’s past it being Riley’s space and was hoping she’d get a roomie, but she didn’t expect it to happen until the new semester started. She’s so excited that the person she got is a friend of yours.”
I let out a breath. “Whew. I’m so glad. I think Clare and Brielle will be good for each other. Bri’s a lot like you in the personality department, and I think she’ll be a very . . . entertaining roomie for Clare.”
We laughed.
“ ‘Entertaining’? Hmmm?” Khloe gave me an ooh this is news to me face. “Is that how you describe me?”
“Along with superstar rider, Oscar-winner-in-training, and the best roommate a girl could hope for.” I gave Khloe a giant smile.
She returned mine with one of her own.
“I’m going to totally quote you and put that in the signature of my e-mails,” Khloe said.
I told her more about my talk with Bri. Khloe, always a good listener, nodded and hmmmed along with every sentence.
“So, I’ve got to tell Lex and Clare. I want to do it without Bri being around. It would be too weird. You want to trail ride tomorrow?” I wiggled my eyebrows.
“Oh my God, yes,” Khloe said, putting a hand across her forehead. “I’d go crazy if I didn’t ride. I’m reading like a madwoman for English class, trying to get caught up on the parts of our book where I fell behind. It’s a great book—it really is. But I need a break. I went from chaperoning my parents, which was so much work, to homework on the weekend.”
KK pouted. “I haven’t even been able to open my latest issue of Celebs! yet. That’s how serious I’ve been about getting caught up in English.”
“Whoa,” I said. “You mean, you don’t know if Jeni won All Starz? You can’t tell me if Kris Kristopher is cheating on his girlfriend or if that was just a rumor?”
Khloe fake-sniffed. “I don’t know anything. Not one thing about my world. My universe. I’m completely in the dark. I feel—”she took a dramatic pause—“Lauren, I feel like I don’t know who I am right now.”
“Oh, KK. Maybe you should reward yourself. After you finish reading a chapter for English, read five pages of Celebs! or something like that.”
Khloe’s woeful face broke into a grin. “This is why you’re the genius in this dorm room! Eeeek! That’s a fab idea, LT.”
“Go get back to work,” I said. “I’ve got homework too. I’m going to BBM everyone about the ride tomorrow, then start my work.”
Khloe went back to her bed, rested on her stomach, and swung her feet back and forth behind her like a little kid.
I opened BBM and went to the group I’d created for Lexa, Clare, Cole, Khloe, and me.
Lauren:
Hey, guys! Sure u’ve all heard that it IS true—my Union friend Brielle is a CC student now & is Clare’s roomie. I want 2 give u all the 411, so any1 up 4 a trail ride 2mrw @ noon?
My friends started typing seconds after I sent the message.
Lexa:
TOTALLY! I can’t wait 2 hear everything!
Cole:
Count me in! I want in on all the good gossip!
Clare:
Absolutely! Brielle’s here, in my—our—room unpacking. She’s SO nice, LT!
Lauren:
Clare—so glad u like her! I knew u would. U guys r going 2 get along rlly well.
C u all 2mrw! Meet KK and me outside of the main entrance.
I put my phone on my bedside table. I wished I could trail ride with Drew, too, but this wasn’t really his kind of ride. He didn’t need to hear me go on and on about my whole history with Brielle. Maybe we could hang out together later in the day.
I got up, walked over to my desk, and pulled my books from my leather Fossil bag. The Canterwood teachers were piling on the homework to prepare us for end-of-semester exams. The semester had gone by so fast—it was already mid-November, and soon we’d all be heading home for Thanksgiving break and then Christmas break.
Thanksgiving break sounded amazing, but thinking about Christmas made me a little sad. I was going to be separated from Whisper for weeks. We hadn’t been apart since I’d gotten her. I wanted to share Christmas—peppermints, songs, lights, everything—with my horse. But I didn’t think Mom and Dad would go for trailering Whisper to Union and boarding her at Briar Creek over break. Still . . . I wrote it down on my blue notepad to ask them just in case they said yes.
I had one more BBM to send, then it was work time.
Lauren:
Ana-Banana, talk abt surprise!! If ANYONE else from Union is coming to CC u r under BFF law 2 tell me now. I almost fell over when B told me she was staying!!!! Now I’ve got Bri & Taylor even tho they’re fighting. Bri told me about the voice-mail mistake—oof. Hopefully, I’ll get them 2 make up soon. Just wanted 2 say I hope u don’t feel alone @ Yates. U’ve got Jeremy and u always have B and me even though we may not be right there. BBM me when u can, girly. Xoxo
I sent the message, plugged in my phone to charge, and mentally prepared myself for the mound of homework I had to get through today and tomorrow.
I put my math, science, English, French II, and history textbooks in a neat stack at the end of my desk. I flicked on my halogen lamp, and it cast a bright light over my desk. My cup of pen and pencils, notebooks, iPod dock, laptop, and framed photo of Ana, Brielle, and me on our horses at Briar Creek.
I got lost staring at the photo. When I finally pulled myself out of memories and looked at the clock, I hurriedly opened my history book and selected a blue Gelly Roll pen for taking notes. Things were definitely going to change around here. But I wasn’t losing friends—I was gaining them, and the thought of Brielle being just down the hall made me smile.
PARFAIT WAKE-UP CALL
THE NEXT MORNING I ROLLED over in bed when my phone vibrated. Blinking and trying to clear my hazy vision, I saw the notification for a new BBM.
Drew:
Morning! Hope this doesn’t wake u. Wanted 2 say hi & say I heard abt ur friend from home enrolling. That’s cool, L! I can’t wait 2 meet her. I’ll b @ the stable ltr, so mayb I’ll run in2 u. Hopefully.
I smiled at his message, pressing my face into my pillow. That was a nice thing to wake up to. I scrolled down, and there was a message from Ana. She’d sent it about an hour ago. Nine a.m.
Ana:
Laur, hey! Unless some1 I don’t know has applied 2 CC, that’s all of the Yates ppl u’re getting! I swear! I’m staying here. With Jeremy. Not that I don’t already miss B and still miss u. I hope B’s transition is smooth . . . keep me posted. U & I will have 2 Skype sometime soon & catch up. Plus, I wanna c ur face! Miss u and love u! ~Ana
Ana’s message made me smile too. I really had the best group of friends. I was beyond lucky, and I never wanted to take any of them for granted.
I rolled over onto my back, still snuggled under my covers. I opened Chatter and read through my friends’ status updates.
BrielleisaBeauty: Unpacking in my new room @ CC & getting 2 know the awesome @CutieClare. I it here already!
TFrost: On my way 2 the pool 2 swim laps. I try out 4 the swim team 2mrw after class.
I read a few more updates from my old friends at Yates and people who were in my classes at Canterwood. I started typing my own Chatter update.
LaurBelle: Total surprise that 1 of my BFFs from home, @BrielleisaBeauty, is a CC student now! So happy 2 have her here! Welcome, B! xxx
I started to put down my phone when it buzzed.
Becca:
On a scale from 1 to 10, how shocked r u abt Brielle?
Happy to see my sister’s name, I immediately BBMed her back.
Lauren:
UM, 12!! U were SO good—u didn’t give away anything. Neither did Mom or Dad. Sneaks.
Becca:
LOL. It was 4 a good cause. Bri rlly wanted it 2 b a surprise. I got that. How’s she adjusting?
That was like my big sis. Always checking on me and what was going on in my life to make sure I was okay.
Lauren:
So far, so good! Clare rlly likes her as a roommate. I haven’t talked 2 B yet today, but I’ll message her in a bit. All of my friends r looking 4ward 2 getting 2 know her.
Becca:
Yay! That’s awesome! Brielle’s the kind of girl who could fit in anywhere. Give her a week & ppl will totes 4get she was ever the New Girl.
Lauren:
U r so right. Hey, what r u doing 2day?
Becca:
Hmwk—blah. Then mtg Grant 2 go 2 the movies.
Lauren:
I’m doing hmwk too. Then trail riding with Lexa, Cole, Khlo, & Clare. Have fun w/Grant. *kissy noises*
Becca:
And NOW it’s time to say good-bye! ;) TTYL. Love u!
Lauren:
LOL. Love u, Becs!
I got up and showered, and Khloe was back at her desk working. I needed to do homework too but realized I should BBM Brielle. I wanted to hear about her first night and let her know a group of us were going trail riding. I wanted her to know we weren’t leaving her out—I wanted some time with my other friends to tell them more about Bri.
“YES!”
“Ahh!” I half yelled, jumping.
I whipped around to look at Khloe. Her brown eyes were wide, and she had an oops look on her face.
“I’m so sorry!” she said.
“You scared me,” I said, putting a hand over my heart. “I assume it’s good since you screamed ‘Yes!’ ”
Khloe nodded so hard I worried that her neck would crack. “I can read five pages of Celebs! now!”
“Hey! Way to go!” I said. “Despite the near heart attack you almost gave me, I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks, LT!” Khloe flashed me a smile before reaching down on the floor next to her bed and snatching up the latest issue of our favorite gossip magazine. She buried her nose so deep in the magazine that it almost touched the pages. Smiling to myself, I clicked on Bri’s name.
Lauren:
Hey! How was ur 1st nite at here, CCA girl?
Brielle was probably still sleeping. She was a night owl and always hated getting up early for school. Maybe Clare’s up-with-the-sun lifestyle would rub off on her.
I waited a few minutes, reading the news on my mobile browser, when my phone vibrated.
Brielle:
Totes amaze!!! Clare is the coolest. We had so much fun watching TV & she even helped me unpack.
Lauren:
YAY! I knew u 2 would get along. Clare’s awesome. Were u surprised @ where u were when u woke up?
Brielle:
4 a second I was like—I’m still dreaming that I got accepted to CC. Then I realized it was real. LT, I was so excited that *I* got up @ 8!
Lauren:
OMG. Have u ever gotten up that early voluntarily?? LOL.
Brielle:
Never. I didn’t WANT to stay in bed. I was 2 excited & there’s a lot I have 2 do before starting classes 2mrw.
Lauren:
Speaking of stuff 2 do, I wanted 2 let u know that some of us, including Clare, r going on a trail ride this afternoon. I’d invite u, but since I got my alone time w u yest, I’d like some time w these guys 2 tell them more abt u and stuff. Is that OK? I didn’t want u 2 feel left out!
Brielle:
Oh, no way—of course I don’t mind! I totally get it. Only say AMAZING things abt me, tho, LT. I couldn’t trail ride even if I wanted 2 2day. 2 much 2 do.
Lauren:
Yeah, I’ve got 2 get thru a pile of hmwk before tonite. It’ll be so nice 2 have u 2 study w! I still can’t believe ur here!
Brielle:
I think I pulled off the most awesome surprise in r friendship history. *dances*
Lauren:
U did, hands down. BBM or call me if u need anything @ ALL, OK? There r no silly questions. I had sooo many. I want u 2 ask me if u don’t talk 2 Clare.
Brielle:
*serious face* Promise I will. Thx, LaurBell. Have a good ride and say hi to Zane!
Lauren:
I will!! Xx
Now I was done with my phone. I wanted to e-mail Kim later this week and thank her for selling Zane to Bri. Everyone at Briar Creek knew how in love Bri was with the albino. It had been a while since I’d talked to Kim, anyway. I’d see her soon, though, during break.
I padded down the hallway, leaving Khloe to work, and went into the common room. I made a cup of green tea with lemongrass and ate a couple of scones.
I took the tea back to my room and set the cup at my desk. I settled into my chair and set my alarm clock for eleven thirty. I didn’t want to get so caught up in studying that I missed trail riding.
I cracked open my fifty-pound history text and started scanning the section about the French Revolution. Uncapping my sparkly blue pen, I started taking notes. I was the Princess of Notes. Anytime anyone missed class, they always asked to borrow my notes. As I read, I couldn’t stop thinking that Brielle was one floor above me. Smiling to myself, I wondered if Bri would be using my glittery notes later.
SIDE OF RIDING WITH YOUR GOSSIP?
WHEN MY ALARM WENT OFF, I’d been staring at it on and off for the past twenty minutes. I clicked it off. Spinning around in my chair, I faced Khloe. She was scribbling something in her leopard-print notebook.
“Hey, you want to get ready and head to the stable?” I asked.
Khloe looked at the clock. “Oh, thank God! I was two seconds away from dying, LT. You have no idea. Five pages of Celebs! was a killer. It just made me want to read more. I just got into the scandal about Reefer and Oliver and then—bam. Page six.”
I pouted. “Aww. That’s really, really awful, Khlo. But you got work done, right?”
A sheepish look came ove
r Khloe’s face. “I got a lot of work done. I have one paragraph left to read.”
“So the system works!”
Khloe closed her textbook. “It does. I was just being a brat.” She winked at me. “Although maybe I’ll increase my mag page allotment to six instead of five.”
I shook my head, getting up and going to my closet for my riding clothes.
“Weather check?” I asked Khloe.
She grabbed her iPad and scanned it. “High thirties. Low humidity. My hair thanks Mother Nature.”
“Thanks.”
I pulled down a pair of tights to go under my breeches, a tank top, and a thermal shirt for layering and topped it off with a cable-knit Ralph Lauren Polo sweater. I reached into our mutual sock bin and found thick wool socks for my paddock boots.
Khloe and I were out the door in minutes.
“Brrrr!” I grumbled. “Cold sucks!” I adjusted my scarf.
“Totally. It’s not even December and it’s already this freezing. I bet we’re going to have a white Christmas. The worst part, though?”
“What?” I asked as we made our way down the sidewalk to the stable. The sun blazed bright in the sky but provided no warmth.
“The worst part about winter, though there is an upside, is that you have to wear clothes, on top of clothes, on top of clothes, plus a coat, and you’re so bundled up you almost have to squeeze through doorways.”
That image made me laugh. “That’s so true. What’s the upside?”
“The accessories, of course!” Khloe shook her head at me as if she didn’t know who I was. “Tartan scarves, knit scarves, beanie hats, trapper hats that are shaped like animals, Hello Kitty earmuffs, fuzzy boots. All things you can’t wear anytime but now.”
“Hmm.” I tilted my head toward her. “You do have a point. I love the trapper hats that look like animals. I just ordered one from Shana Logic that looks like a unicorn! And I got a black beanie with sequins that’s très chic.”
“Well done, ma chérie!”
The campus was more deserted than I’d ever seen it. Everyone was probably holed up in their rooms or in front of fires in the common room.
Famous Page 2
