Hate.

It's a strong word. Not one to be taken lightly. Mary Anne says the only thing in the world she hates is hate itself. I say I hate Kristy Thomas. Cokie Mason hates everything and everyone.

It is utterly amazing that Mary Anne, Cokie and I are all friends. Not best friends, really - Cokie and Mary Anne are too different to ever really love each other, but we are friends nonetheless. We are bound by our mutual dislike of Her, as well as some other things: we're all juniors, we share some classes, we like to talk silly about boys at lunch. Once in a while Cokie and Mary Anne will stare down Logan Bruno until he looks, just to mess with him. That's always good for a laugh. He turns beet red.

It was a Thursday morning, the last day of school before winter break. School would not be school today, it would only be a half-day, taken up greatly by an assembly. Drama was putting on a short play, the choir was singing, the band was playing . . . all to wish us happy holidays and send us on our way. Normally, I would allow Cokie to talk me into skipping assembly for breakfast, but Ashley Wyeth had a solo in the choir, and I had promised her I'd be there. Ashley and I aren't particularly close, but she doesn't have many friends, and leans on me for support when she has things like pieces being shown or a solo.

Only problem? Kristy was lead in the short play. Yeah, she's a sports nut, but she's all about softball, and in the off-season, she needs attention. Cokie, Mary Anne and I sat through the play - a modernized version of A Christmas Carol, how original - yawning. Then we watched the band play with slightly more interest. The choir came on stage and Ashley nailed her solo. Then the vice-principal came on stage to give out awards. Nothing important.

And then -

"Our final award for the day, before I send you all off until next year," Mr. Voss chuckled at his own lame joke, "is for all-around good citizenship. The person receiving this award is well known throughout the school and community for volunteer projects, fund raisers, and rally's."

Oh, no.

"She is a member of the Debate club, Young Republicans, Future Leaders of America, and Drama, as well as a star of SHS's championship softball–"

I tuned him out with a groan. Cokie covered her ears and shouted "La-la-la-la-la not listening!" While Mary Anne ducked in her seat and turned red. A few people in our section laughed. Mr. Voss continued.

"–Kristy Thomas!" he shouted, to thunderous applause, peppered with a few boos from Cokie and me. Kristy was smiling brightly as she accepted her plaque, but as she scanned the crowd, she met my eyes and her smile faltered. I gave her the finger. Her eyes turned dark for a moment, but as quickly as they did the smile came back, and she was looking elsewhere.

The crowd began to quiet, but Cokie continued to boo. Kristy stepped up to the mic and cleared her throat. "Thank you. Could we have a little decorum, please, Ms. Mason?"

Cokie choked on a boo, sputtering with laughter. "She thinks she's a teacher!" she giggled, slapping my arm.

"Thank you." Kristy said again. "I appreciate that the rest of you can be mature and civilized. Ms. Mason lets jealousy get the best of her."

Cokie immediately stopped laughing. Mary Anne's eyes widened. I'm sure mine did, too. I expected Cokie to shout back at Kristy.

But she didn't.

She just sat there.

Kristy gave a small, corny, boring speech. Everyone applauded her wildly. We were dismissed, and students ran from the auditorium as if their lives depended on it. Two weeks of freedom called.

Cokie sat in her seat.

Mary Anne and I sat with her.

After ten minutes, the room was nearly empty. Finally, Mary Anne put her hand on Cokie's arm. "Are you okay?" she asked gently, though obviously, Cokie was not.

Cokie sighed. Or maybe she hissed. I can't be sure. "No." She said, shaking a little. "I am not. I've had just about enough of Kristin Amanda Thomas."

"Haven't we all?" I muttered, shaking my head. "What a bitch."

"I'm going to kill her." Cokie said matter of factly. She looked at me, then Mary Anne. "And you're going to help me."