?Sorry I yelled at you earlier,? she said bashfully. She looked so
cute when she was apologizing that Helen couldn?t even pick up a
grudge, let alone carry one.
?Oh, forget it. I?ve been a flake, and I?d be angry, too, if I were
you.? Helen threw an arm over Claire?s shoulder and led her outside
after they changed.
?One thing, and then I?m going to leave you alone about it until
you come to me to talk,? Claire said as they walked past the football
field. Helen didn?t have the patience for any more questions.
?We?ve never even kissed, Gig,? she said, cutting Claire off.
?Really?? Claire practically shouted. Helen nodded and bumped
Claire playfully with her hip.
?Really, really. I almost kissed him once, but he told me to lie
down and go to sleep.?
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?No way!? Claire shouted. Helen grabbed her, clamping a hand
over her mouth.
?He?s right over there,? she said, gesturing toward him with her
chin. ?I told you I?d tell you if anything happened. I?m not trying to
keep secrets from you.?
Claire gave Helen a knowing smile.
?You?ve always kept secrets. But it?s okay. When you?re ready to
tell me you will,? she said patiently. Then she tackled Helen, trying
to wrestle her to the ground. Helen went along with it, pretending
to be overpowered by her pint-sized pal, both of them laughing
hysterically. The fun only lasted a moment.
?Get a room,? said a boy?s amused voice.
?You wish,? Claire answered back. ?Wait. How?d you get over
here so fast??
Helen rolled over onto her back, blew her tangled hair out of her