Chapter 1: And So it Begins...
"Roooooooooooooooooooooar!" Judy screeched as she stormed up the stairs. "You can't make me go back to school!"
"You have really got to stop saying that," Stink said casually. "You're going to be an eleventh grader and I'm positive no one says that. No one in my grade even says that anymore."
"You shut up!" Judy seethed.
"Judy, be nice to your brother! He's going to be in ninth grade this year and I expect you to show him around," Judy's mom said.
Judy stomped all the way to her room and flopped onto her bed. School would start in a week. They were even supposed to go school supplies shopping this afternoon! The smell of new supplies was enough to make Judy go insane. She closed her eyes. The chirping of the birds, the lack of things to die, the laziness of summer - she was going to miss it all. She was approaching junior year, the busiest of them all. Colleges, colleges, colleges! College applications, college acceptances, college rejections. It was all so much stress. There was a sudden knock on the door. She heard the door open and figured it was Rocky coming to visit her after he finished his soccer practice. Rocky was the only person who could cheer her up when she was in such an awful mood.
"Hey!" came a voice at the door. It was not Rocky.
"Go away!" Judy yelled and threw a pillow to the origin of the voice.
"Ow! What the heck was that for!?" the voice said, clearly hurt. "I just dropped by to see if you wanted to hang. You don't have to be so snooty!"
Judy turned. Of course, it was Frank. She glowered her eyes at him. "Who on earth would want to hang out with you?" She got up anyway. "Certainly not me. But since I guess I don't have any plans..."
"Thanks Judes!" Frank said smiling. "My house? Or we could go to Screamin' Mimis. I heard they came out with new flavors. Do you wanna watch Rocky at soccer practice? Should we call up Amy?"
"Amy's busy with her Journalism club. Let's just go to yours," Judy said. "Race you!" The two of them sprinted out of the house and down the street to Frank's.
Frank was puffing and panting by the time they were in his house. Judy laughed at him. "Imagine if you tried out for the soccer team. How funny would that be?"
"I was thinking about it," Frank muttered.
Judy nearly spit out the soda she was drinking. "You what!?"
"My mom said it was either that or Marching Band!" He replied quickly. "And there was absolutely no way I was going to do Marching Band."
"Frank Pearl. Soccer? You're going to have to get in shape. I mean, look at you! You're worn out after running a mere block!" Judy scoffed. "I'm not saying I want to, but as your best friend, I feel obligated to help you...so I'll be your personal coach."
"But...there's only a few weeks till tryouts!"
"And in those few weeks, I suggest you work hard. Harder than you've ever worked before. I expect nothing from you except for your sweat," Judy said shaking her fist. "Look at me in the eye."
Frank blushed. He couldn't help his feelings for Judy. They were there ever since they met and even though he tried plenty times to control it, his love for her was indomitable. "Yeah I think I'll try. Okay. Sure." He turned away from her and coughed awkwardly. "So, I guess we should um start now then?"
Judy smiled. "Aww, Frank. You know me too well." She slapped him on the back."So...soccer requirements are 2 miles in 15 minutes, 60 sit-ups in half a minute, and to stay in the pull-up position for a minute. Oh Frank, we're going to have such a swell time. So let's start with the 2 miles. I'll time you. Don't stop no matter what. Even if it feels like you're going to pass out, just keep going. It doesn't matter if it's heckuva lot over 15 minutes. You'll improve with time."
"You're really good at giving pep talks Judy. That's why I lo - I mean I like you," Frank said, giving Judy a brace-filled toothy grin.
"Oh, shut up," Judy said rolling her eyes. "Just go and run already. I'll be here, like I never moved when you're back." She nudged Frank, and off Frank ran.
This gave Judy some time to think again. Which was not good for Judy. All she could think about was school. The thought of tests and teachers made her want to cry. And to make matters worse, Stinker was going to be in high school as well. She hated to admit this, but he was a lot more popular than she. Ever since he had his growth spurt at the beginning of last year, every girl began to coo at him. He was perfect in almost every way imaginable. He was a genius and though it upsetted her to say it, he was actually quite fit. The 6 inches he grew also increased his skill in most sports. Judy sighed. She glanced at her iPhone that she was timing Frank with. 7 minutes and 24 seconds. This would be a long 2 miles for both Frank and Judy. Roar, she silently thought. She checked her iPhone again. This time, however, she didn't turn it on.
Her reflection stopped her. Her dirty brown, untamed, snaggly hair was halfway down her back. It almost looked as if it had potential to look gorgeous. Her face was smooth but covered in dirt from when she and Stink were having a mud throwing contest earlier. Her eyelashes were long and full but light colored, so they were hardly noticed. Judy Moody, are you thinking about your appearance? She asked herself. She laughed aloud to herself. What was she doing? Of course she didn't care about her appearance! Not Judy Moody.
Frank ran into Judy and knocked the iPhone out of her hand. Panting, he apologized and Judy scrambled to it to check the time. "20 minutes. Not bad. You're off to a great start!"
"Am I dead yet?" Frank asked.
"No, but get yourself some water," Judy laughed. "What should we do ne-"
"NO!" Frank yelled. "No more. This is...I just... I don't think do this, Judy." He looked at her sadly. For some reason, this made Judy feel unhappy as well.
"Fine. Rocky should be done by now with practice so we can hang out with him," Judy said, trying to cheer up Frank.
"Why? I'm not fun enough? You need Rocky to have some real fun?" Frank snorted.
"That's not what I meant!" Judy cried. "Are you coming then or what?"
Frank shrugged and followed after Judy to the park, where Rocky was having a captain's practice. "Look at them! I'll never be one of them!" Frank said, pointing at all the players.
Rocky jogged over to them. "So. What brings you here?"
"Obviously to come get you! You up for some swimming in the lake?" Judy asked him excitedly.
"Aw, you should've asked first. I've already made plans with the guys," Rocky said regretfully. "Can you do later this afternoon?"
"Can't. Promised my mom to go shopping."
"Judy Moody...shopping? That's a good one."
"I meant for school supplies. Although I hope I'll get a new pair of high tops. There are these purple and blue checkered ones that I've been wanting for forever."
"You are never going to get a boyfriend," Rocky laughed.
"Whatever"
"So how about tomorrow? I'm having a party an end of summer at my place and you should totally come."
"WHY DON'T ANY OF YOU ASK ME?" Frank shouted furiously.
"Frank! You should totally come too!" Rocky answered.
"Well, I can't. I have other plans," Frank said.
"Your loss, man," Rocky shrugged as Frank crossed his arms. They both didn't notice that Judy had scurried away. Their constant fighting and arguing made Judy unbearably upset. Any more drama involving her would make her go insane.
