The best thing about not having to keep my age a secret from my mom was that I got to wear my best clothes and my makeup without being grounded. Mom stayed home from work, which concerned me. I didn't want this to upset her life, but it was going to upset her life…

On the school bus Bernice talked about all the people who didn't like me. I was beginning to wonder if I should put her on the list. Evidently she thought I was too cute, too cool, and was probably ...