Free The Wish by Gail Carson Levine Page B

said. “But you’re much prettier.”
    I was? Really?
    She was quiet again.
    â€œIt’s funny because it’s true. My teeth are too big, and my neck is too short.”
    â€œNot like that. It’s not noticeable, except to a caricaturist—”
    â€œOr to somebody like Suzanne Russo.” And to me.
    â€œYeah,” Ardis said. “Suzanne probably thinks everybody looks like a caricature. And nobody—especially not Suzanne—will understand why you’re letting Jared show a drawing of you that’s . . .” She searched for a word. “. . . that’s not flattering.”
    I was letting him because it seemed like a good joke to share with people. But maybe I should call him tonight and tell him I changed my mind. I could give him a real photo of me to put up in his locker.
    Ardis sank into Mom’s chair. “Look, Wilma. Remember how we talked about popularity before? Well, none of—”
    Reggie started barking. The doorbell rang.
    Just when Ardis was saying something important. Who could it be, anyway?
    â€œI’ll get it,” I yelled to Maud. If I didn’t answer the door, she’d tell Mom how I made her interrupt her studying.
    Ardis said, sounding surprised, “Reggie barks at everyone, not only me.”
    I dropped the poster on the couch. “Don’t forget what you were saying before. I want to hear it.”
    I opened the door. Suzanne stood there, holding a shrink-wrapped box that Reggie started sniffing. “I didn’t know you had company,” she said before she even looked in the living room.
    She knew.
    â€œHi, Ardis,” she called.
    â€œSuzanne!” Ardis rushed at her. “What are you doing here? Wilma was showing me her videotapes, but before that we were in the kitchen. Let’s go back in there. I like it better there.”
    She was diverting Suzanne from the poster. She was protecting me. That was so nice that a lump formed in my throat.
    Suzanne glanced suspiciously into the living room but followed Ardis. Reggie came after us, still interested in Suzanne’s package.
    â€œWhat’s that?” Ardis pointed at the box.
    â€œGourmet dog treats. I came over to give them to your dog.” She handed them to me.
    â€œWhat’s a gourmet dog treat?” Ardis asked.
    â€œHow should I know?” Suzanne said. “But I’m dying to find out. Open it, Wilma.”
    I turned the box over and read out loud, “‘These elegant treats come in three delicious flavors: venison, organic filet mignon, and free-range chicken.’” I tore off the plastic wrap and lifted the cover. Inside were nine dog biscuits in three shapes—deer, cow, and chicken. I looked at the plastic wrap again. She had paid seven dollars for an excuse to come over.
    I found myself feeling sorry for her. “Thanks. Here, Reggie.” I gave him a deer, and he trotted off with it.
    â€œWhat’s happening?” Suzanne asked.
    â€œNothing,” Ardis said. “We’re just hanging out.”
    â€œThat’s cool.” She looked around the kitchen for a second.
    Then she leaned toward us and her eyes gleamed. “Did you hear that Mr. Pike sent Daphne to the principal because of her b.o.? And Mr. Winby sent her home?”
    I stopped feeling sorry. The worst part of Suzanne’s gossip was that I sort of enjoyed hearing about other people’s problems. I didn’t enjoy the enjoyment though. And I hated knowing that I’d never forget the tidbit. I could forget what six times seven equals or the name of Hamlet’s girlfriend, but I’d remember Daphne’s body odor forever.
    â€œNo, I didn’t hear—”
    â€œThanks for sharing,” Ardis said. “But Wilma and I were talking about some personal things, and you won’t mind, will you, if we all get together another time?”
    â€œI can’t stay anyway. We’re having