At Kory's house, Tara was over doing homework.

"The dance is tomorrow," said Tara. "What are you going to wear?"

"Should we wear something dressy?" asked Kory. "I thought I would just wear a t-shirt and jeans."

"Are you kidding me?" asked Tara. "No way. You can not show up in a casual outfit. You have to wear a dress."

"Why?" asked Kory.

"It's Jump City High," said Tara. "Brion told me everything."

"If your dad doesn't know you, how does your brother?" asked Kory.

"I met him at the mall," said Tara. "He was shocked Dad cheated on his mom, but we're friends."

"Cool," said Kory. She started doing her homework. Tara grabbed the textbook away.

"Hey!" said Kory.

"You need a life," said Tara. "Anyways, so you don't have any dresses?"

"No," said Kory.

"Let's go," said Tara.

"Where?" asked Kory.

"To the mall," said Tara.

"We can't just walk out," said Kory.

"Good point," said Tara. She took out a lined piece of paper.

Dear Mrs. Anders,

We are at the mall looking for dresses. See you in a couple hours. Love ya.

Tara and Kory

"Tara, do you really think—" began Kory, but Tara cut her off.

"I'll call Brion to give us a ride."

Tara whipped out a small pink cell phone and dialed.

"Hey Brion, it's your awesome sister Tara," said Tara. "I need a ride." Tara hung up.

"Is he coming?" asked Karen.

"Yup," said Tara.

A few minutes later, Brion Markov junior arrived. He looked like Tara but taller and male.

"You're the guy from Chloe 101," said Kory, rather star struck.

"Yup," said Brion. "I'm Brion."

"Brion, this is Kory," said Tara.

"Nice to meet you all," said Brion. "Where to, Tara?"

"The mall, please," said Tara.

"You got it, little sis," said Brion. The girls got in Brion's limo and drove to the mall.

Meanwhile, Rich was over at Kate's house.

"Where the fuck is Tara?" asked Kate.

"Seriously," said Tommie. "That stupid bitch is always late."

"Isn't she your friend?" asked Rich.

"Duh," said Kate.

"Why are you talking trash about her?" asked Rich.

"Because," said Tommie.

"Oh," said Rich.

Kate's phone rang. She picked it up.

"Hello?" Pause. "Tara you mother fucking bitch, why can't you come?" Pause. "What! You're ditching me for your stupid brother?" Pause. "Well fuck you bitch!"

Kate slammed down the phone. "Can you believe that? She's ditching us for her brother!"

"Well yeah since you screamed it loud enough for the people in China to hear," said Tommie.

"I don't know what has gotten into her," said Kate. "She's starting to change. Like I was making fun of that Beecher dork, and she stood up for her! How fucked up is that?"

"Totally," said Tommie. "No one likes Beecher except for her fellow losers. Well I'm gonna have to talk to Tara about her little attitude problem."

"Oh my god, did you see Anders's outfit today?" asked Kate.

"Oh my god, yes!" said Tommie. "You just don't mix patterns. Ever. It's like illegal."

"Look," said Rich, "I have to go to football practice now."

"You are sooooooooo dedicated," said Kate.

"Bye," said Tommie.

"See you," said Rich. He walked out and closed the door.

"Maybe we should stop gossiping around him," said Kate.

"You're joking, right?" said Tommie.

"Yup," said Kate.

"Oh my god, did you see that Roth girl's hair?" said Tommie.

"Purple is so out," said Kate.

"Are they mad?" asked Kory after Tara hung up.

"Yeah but oh well," said Tara. "Let's look in here."

They went into a store called "Strawberry".

"Okay," said Tara. "Find a dress you like and I'll approve of it and then we'll buy it."

And Kory instantly saw the perfect dress.

It was green like the color of her eyes. It had a darker green thick ribbon around the waist. The skirt had green tulle. And it was a halter dress and shimmery.

But it was $200.

"Pretty, huh?" said Tara.

"It's $200," said Kory.

"Try it on," said Tara.

"It's too expensive," said Kory.

"Try it on," said Tara. "I'll hold your purse."

"Okay," said Kory doubtfully.

While Kory was in the dressing room, Tara slipped $200 into Kory's purse. Then Kory came out to show Tara.

Everyone in the store was staring. Kory was beautiful.

"Why is everyone looking at me?" asked Kory.

"Because the dress looks great," said Tara. "Go buy it."

"I told you I don't have enough money," said Kory.

"Yes, you do," said Tara. "I checked for you."

Kory looked. "Tara, you can't."

"Can't what?" asked Tara.

"Give me money," said Kory.

"It's not actually my money," said Tara. "It's Brion's money."

"Even worse," said Kory. "I barely know him!"

"You deserve it," said Tara.

Kory paused for a moment and realized Tara was not going to take the money back. "Thanks," said Kory.

"Let's buy it now," said Tara.

After Kory bought the dress, Brion dropped Kory and Tara back at Kory's. Kory hung the dress up in her closet.

Kory's sister, Mandy walked in. "Kory, you little bitch, that stupid Rich guy keeps calling you and it's really bugging me!"

"Tell him to stop," said Kory.

"I already tried that you little whore!" said Mandy. Irritated, she stormed out.

"She seems friendly," said Tara. "Are you gonna call Rich?"

"No," said Kory.

"Why?" asked Tara.

"He's a jerk," said Kory.

"I thought you were friends," said Tara.

"That's what I thought," said Kory. "He was using me to get free chocolate croissants."

"Seriously?" said Tara.

Kory nodded.

"Oh," said Tara.

Kory started crying. "You don't understand. I loved him."

"I know," said Tara. "He was your best friend since kindergarten."

"Not like that," said Kory. "I was in love with him."

Rich knew Kory was home and Mandy couldn't hide her forever. He tried calling again.

Mandy answered again. "Hello?"

"Listen, Mandy, I know Kory is home," said Rich.

"WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU WANT!" screamed Mandy. Rich dropped the phone and massaged his ears. He picked up the phone again.

"I need to talk to Kory," said Rich.

"FINE!" yelled Mandy. "KORY, ANSWER THE FUCKING PHONE!"

"Hello?" said Kory.

"We need to talk," said Rich. "Why do you hate me so much?"

"Go away," said Kory. "I don't want to talk to you."

"What did I do?" asked Rich.

"Don't give me that, you know what you did," said Kory. "I bet you and your beloved Kate are laughing about this as I speak."

"Actually, I ditched Kate so I could talk to you," said Rich. "The truth is, I lo—"

Kory hung up.

Rich sighed and looked out the window. It started to rain.

At least nature agreed with him. He felt like crying, but he didn't want to be a wuss. But before long, tear drop after tear drop after tear drop began to fall down Rich's face.