Patricia's POV:

I sat on the couch about to start reading the first book on my summer reading list. My mom had literally pushed me onto the couch with the book and told me if I got up and left again she would ground me for the whole summer. I read the back of the book first and noticed it was a romance novel. Ew. I had never fallen in love and I didn't want to. Life is better without it. I should know because my neighbor, Mrs. Tiger, Mrs. Michelle, or Mrs. Ellen, whatever her name is now fell in love once and it broke her. Now, every month she is married to someone new.

My mom came into the room to check on me.

"So, sweetheart, how's that book so far?" She asked rhetorically.

"It's a romance novel mom. Why can't I just go to Dylan's house to play video games?"

"Because Dylan is in Germany visiting his family. Also, your teacher said you need to read more."

"Mom, my teacher is a depressed cat lady who can only read about what she doesn't have, love. Now, she's making her students read about love too. We should really make her an Eharmony account." I said, meaning to be serious, but still having a wide smile on my face.

After laughing, my mom left the room. I knew she was getting a tissue to wipe her tears of joy away so I would need to hurry. I was going to get Piper. I hurried upstairs and found Piper snuggling with her boyfriend while playing the piano with one hand.

"Piper, I don't mean to interrupt your snuggling session with Jason, but I need to talk to you."

"Patricia, I'm busy right now. Jason and I aren't snuggling. Well, we kind of are, but still, we need to study for a big music test we have in four weeks."

"Piper, you know everything there is to know about music. I know you're just tutoring your bf. Now, if you don't mind, I really need to talk to you.

"Fine. Jason, continue playing Beethoven while I talk to my ignorant sister over here.

Ignoring her comment, I walked back into the hallway where we could talk in private. Piper came with a sigh.

"Okay, Piper. Mom is making me read a romance novel because Mrs. Andrews put only romance novels on the reading list. I know you like romance novels, so could you read it for me?"

"No Patricia. Mom made me swear not to pretend to be you when you need something. You'll just have to use your charm on mom."

"I tried. She just laughed and left to wipe her tears and redo her makeup. That's how I bought myself time to come talk to you. Please do it? For me?"

"No. I'm going back." She said already walking away.

Okay, so mom played the swear card ha? Well, I've got a few tricks up my sleeve as well. I'll just tell her my I'm going to Aunt Victoria's house to do some chores. Mom doesn't like talking to her so she won't ask. I am good.

"Mom, Aunt Victoria called to tell me she needs me to do a few chores. I'm gonna go. Okay, bye!" I said grabbing my house keys, sneaking out the door.

I ran towards my Aunt's house and then turned around after waiting ten minutes. My mom wasn't waiting for me when I walked passed the house again so I guessed she had something better to do. I took out my phone from my pocket and called Joy. We were supposed to Skype last night but my computer crashed and Piper was taking an online music course. The computer in the study is ancient so I wasn't about to use that. Also, my mom's laptop was being used to plan out the carnival my mom was planning for fun. That's not really true, she's trying to prove she's more fun than Selena Margaret's mom from across the street.

Joy finally answered her phone after the third try.

"Hey Joy!" I said, as enthusiastically as possible.

"Why didn't you answer your Skype last night?"

"My computer crashed. I asked my mom if I could go visit you instead, but she said I need to come to the library with her. Not the funnest thing in the world you know. Why do you talk about it like it's heaven?"

"Because it is. Fabian is always there, I get to talk to Mara, and it's right next to the mall where I usually meet Amber. I meet two of my friends, and get to flirt with my crush. Win, win, right?"

"Whatever, Joy. Wanna come meet me at the Plaza? I'm going there for fun."

"Ya, sure. I just have to get done with the third book on the reading list. It's actually really good. I have ten more pages and then I'll meet you outside of William's Ice Cream Shack. I have to pick up some ice cream for my little cousin who is coming over later."

"Okay, see ya there. By the way, if you need to barf because of that book and not come I totally get it."

"Patricia, goodbye. And stop talking about love stories like they are tuna sandwiches. God!"

"Bye."

I hung up and started my way to the Plaza. Then I noticed Jerome and Alfie talking to some dirty-blonde kid outside of Mr. Sweet's house. They were laughing away and the boy who was probably my age, was staring at them like they were crazy. I decided to go talk to them.

"Hey guys! Why aren't you with Willow, Alfie?"

"She's at a spa. I put hot rocks on some dude's head, so they kicked me out. She should be back here in a couple of hours." Alfie said.

"So, Patricia. Have to you started Mrs. Andrews' reading list. I'm sure you'll love all of the books." Jerome said with a sarcastic smile on his face.

"Very funny. I'm going to the Plaza to meet Joy, wanna come?" I asked.

"Ya sure, I'll go. This guy over here is Eddie. He's from America and he's gonna be going to our school next year. He's also staying at Anubis house." Jerome introduced.

"Well, as long as you don't prank Victor, you're good. Unless you like cleaning toilets." I said smiling, but not joking.

"Thanks for the advice. Patricia, right?" Eddie asked politely.

"Ya. Jerome just said it. You shouldn't be asking."

"Could you slow down your roll a bit. You talk way too much. I think I'm gonna call you Blabs. No, Yacker. Perfect." Eddie said, smirking.

After Jerome and Alfie laughed at the pathetic nickname that was now mine, I though of a comeback.

"Well, Slimeball, maybe I should call you a cab back to the airport. Since you're new here, I'll let you go. But make me another nickname and you will wake up only wearing an underwear. Got it?" I said feeling pretty proud of myself.

"Wow. You think that's a good comeback. I'm not scared of a girl, thank you very much." Eddie said, obviously thinking I was joking.

"No dude. Seriously don't mess with her." Alfie said putting his serious face on.

"Whatever." Eddie replied rolling his suitcases away.

I stared at him with an evil smile on my face, showing the newbie not to mess with me. But something told me, he wasn't as scared as he should be. I would have to fix that...