CHAPTER 1

Catty walked out of the hair salon with Vanessa. "So, do you like your new color?" Vanessa asked jumping. "Well, technaqly, they just bleached the back. Why didn't we just do it ourselves?" Catty laughed. "Well, it was like an early birthday party. Your birthday is in a week. At least you're going to stay and we're going to change your hair every single birthday. You know, I'm thinking of buying my own paint shop." Vanessa said. "What? Sorry, I stopped paying attention when you said we'll change my hair every

birthday!" Catty laughed. "See, that's why you HAVE to choose to stay here." Vanessa squealed.

"Yeah," Catty answered sarcastically. Catty's been thinking about changing her decision. "Vanessa, what if I some how decided to, I don't know, disappear?" Catty asked. "Well, I'll go into a deep depression because my best friend in the world would leave me." Vanessa said her voice becoming scared and alone. "Why do you ask?" Vanessa asked, her peppiness returning.

"Oh, nothing." Catty shrugged.

I don't know how to tell Vanessa. I don't think I want to forget. A daughter might need me later.

"Vanessa! Catty! Over here!"

They turned around and found Sammy running towards them. "Oh hey Sammy!" Vanessa yelled waving around her arm like a flag. Sammy came running and stopped in front of them gasping. "What happened?" Catty asked. "Where were you? You missed school." Sammy said after gaining her breath. "Since you got that ring off of you, you've been crazier about school than I have ever been." Vanessa teased. "No actually she became you!" Catty laughed. They all linked arms and started walking together

towards Catty's house.

"Hey, girls. Catty have you found this scroll I've been working on? I thought I might be able to finally translate some of them that I was never able to finish. It's just for fun." Kendra asked. "Kendra, what did I tell you? Never talk about scrolls to me." Catty laughed. "Oh, whatever. I have to go back to the book store. Do you guys want to help me out there? I'll pay you $5 an hour? Please? No one else will work." Kendra pleaded. "Kendra, you have to get actually employees." Vanessa teased. They all laughed as they got into

Kendra's car.

"Uh, girls. Looks like we've picked up some hitchhikers." Kendra joked.

They looked out the window and saw Serena carrying her cello case. "Hey, guys, where are you going?" Serena asked walking up to the open window.

"Book store come in. We can use you're help and car's are honking." Kendra hurried. Serena quickly put her cello in the trunk and jumped in the back.

"Serena have you seen Jimena?" Catty asked.

"No, I thought she'll be with you guys." Serena asked tilted her head.

"She's your best friend. She's always with you." Sammy said back.

"Yeah, but she needed to talk to you." Serena said to Sammy.

"What does she need to talk to Sammy for?" Vanessa asked.

"Serena probably doesn't know so can you guys get out? Help needed now in the book store." Kendra pressured.

"Sorry." Catty mumbled.

They jumped out of the car and walked to the door.

"Guys! Hey! I was looking for you!"