If I hadn't learned anything that day, Inez Stubbs wouldn't have won the Miss Teenage Hairspray pageant. I had finally learned about Penny, and how deep she goes. She can tell how cold a person's heart is if she can just spend five minutes with them. Seaweed was truly lucky.

We had gotten back so late that she had collapsed on the guest bed, clothes and all. I think it might have been all the champagne that she had the night before.

I woke up with my head buzzing, but I couldn't exactly remember everything that happened. I know that I had at least two bottles of champagne, but that never has any effect on me. I didn't stay up very late, only about until eleven. Sugar can sometimes make me dizzy the next morning if I have it too late.

As I thought of all the possible reasons, I cooked breakfast for two. I had let go of my mother's maids (to whom she treated poorly) and gradually learned to cook myself. I was self-sufficient.

Penny came down thirty minutes later, complaining about a horrible headache she had acquired. She did not look well, but I kept my silence throughout breakfast. She changed and fixed her hair before coming down, claiming her headache was now gone.

"They generally leave after you eat a good meal," I found myself saying in the parlor, sipping coffee. "Anyway, when did Tracy leave, Penny?"

"She left shortly after you called," Penny answered, fiddling with the curled ponytail; she wasn't sucking a lollipop. "She said she had gotten a job in Hollywood. Seaweed left six months ago, and he's only written twice. He says that he's really busy, though. I imagine that he is."

An awkward silence ensued. Penny very occasionally sipped on her coffee, but mostly twirled her hair around again and again. She apparently had something to say; her mouth repeatedly opened and closed. "So, what are you doing right now? I mean, for work."

"Oh, I'm working for a dance company. I might move to New York soon. It all depends on if I get a part on Broadway. If not, then I will soon become a coach." I felt bad about the moving part, as Penny would be all alone.

"How do you make money?" Penny asked.

"Well, I do dance recitals, which costs. So, all of us get some sort of money.""And then you get some money from your parent's bank account," Penny reasoned with a laugh. "So you're all set."

"I consider that money dirty money. It all came from a horrible cause." I finished my cup of coffee. "Oh, that reminds me; I have a rehearsal today at 11:30."

Penny checked her watch, her face screwing up in disgust. "It's 10:30. You might want to get dressed."

I set down my coffee mug on the table and ran up stairs. I heard Penny come up a little quieter, and I called through the door as I rushed to change my clothes, "What do you need Penny?"

"Is Corny going to be there?" she asked, and I could hear her sucking noises from outside; she was sucking a lollipop.

"If today is Saturday," I called back through the door.

"Well, you're in luck. Put a robe on and I can help you pick out a dress." Penny started to turn the door.

"I'll just wear the one you told me to wear yesterday." I was getting angry. "I'll also wear the shoes."

"Alright," she seemed a little uncomfortable, though, I could hear her retreating.

I finally managed to get the dress on, and my feet seemed perfect for the shoes for today. Yesterday, they fit, but they didn't seem like a dream.

My hair was returned to its normal state. By that time, I was finally ready to leave.

"I'm going to come with you, Amber," Penny finalized. "I want to see Corny again and see how well he's doing. I might also be able to give you some hints."

"Okay." My mind was in a fog. I wondered how much Corny would notice me. Or would he just talk with Penny the entire time? Of course, not the entire time. He would have to teach the class.

My thoughts traveled with me to the dance studio. I was pulled back by Penny.

"Keep your cool. Don't let me get in the way. And for heaven's sake, remember to be yourself."

"Right, that sounds a lot easier than actually doing it."

"What happens around Corny?" Penny seemed genuinely worried.

"I get all giggly and hyper."

"Oh, well, just transfer your energy to dancing."

I walked into the studio shyly, and immediately saw Corny Collins. "Go on," Penny's voice echoed in my head. I shuffled forward and faced Corny.

"Do you remember Penny, Mr. Collins?" I asked, not daring to look in his eyes.

"First of all, you've known me long enough to not use Mr. Collins. Second of all, how could I not forget bubbly Penny? How's Seaweed?" I sneaked a peek at his eyes. He was staring at me straight in the eye.

I stared then at Penny. Her eyes were rimmed with tears; she couldn't face the truth with Corny.