The girl with the studded collar nodded. “I’ll bet he’d even be willing to help out with decorations,” she added. “After all, he is one of the top interior designers.”
“He redid my aunt’s place last year,” put in the bald-headed boy. “It looks killer.”
Well, Olivia thought, at least that explains the inside of Ivy’s house. “But a ball for the whole school is a lot of people,” she pointed out.
“Don’t be so dramatic, Ivy,” the girl with the studded collar said. “It’s not the whole school. It’s just the kids in our community from middle and high school. A hundred people, tops.”
Olivia suddenly understood why she hadn’t seen any posters at school: this was an exclusive all-Goth affair. How intense! she thought excitedly. Maybe that’s why they’re being so secretive.
“Since you came up with the theme and it’s your house, Ivy, I think it’s only fair that you be head of decorations,” Melissa said.
“I still have to ask my dad,” Olivia muttered, while thinking, Head of decorations! How cool is that?
“All in favor, say aye,” Melissa commanded.
Everyone said, “Aye,” even the Beasts.
“Great!” shouted Olivia. Wait, her sister wouldn’t be so excited. She rolled her eyes. “I mean, great,” she said sarcastically.
Olivia was still walking on air when she and Sophia emerged from the FoodMart after the meeting. Halfway across the parking lot, Sophia spun around to face her.
“That wasn’t like you,” she said in a quiet, firm voice.
Olivia’s heart sank. Sophia’s seen through the switch! she thought.
“That idea,” Sophia went on slowly. “The way you spoke up. Really, the fact that you came at all.” Her lips curled into a smile. “Thank you so much, Ivy!” She started talking really fast. “It is such a seriously big deal to be on the planning committee for the All Hallows’ Ball at all, and my best friend”—she grabbed Olivia’s hand proudly—“my best friend, came up with the theme, is hosting it at her house, and is going to be head of decorations! And guess who she is going to appoint head of photography? This is deadly!” Sophia concluded, throwing her arms around Olivia in a huge hug.
Olivia couldn’t help smiling and leaping around with her, at least a little bit.
“Enough!” Sophia cried, throwing her scarf over her shoulder. “I must go home and study algebra. But I will talk to you later.” She gave a little wave and took off in the dimming autumn light.
Olivia knew she should hurry home, too. She’d promised to be home by seven; her father was grilling veggies on the new barbecue for dinner. But she decided it was okay if she paused for just a second. After all, she had made it through the meeting. Not only that, but she had really contributed. Her parents would be proud of her if they knew. She felt like she was really going to love Franklin Grove. That is, as long as Ivy didn’t kill her.
As she stopped off in a restaurant’s bathroom to change clothes, Olivia prayed that her sister had had a good date with Brendan. Actually, she hoped Ivy was more overjoyed than she’d ever been in her entire life, because, if not, she probably wasn’t going to handle Olivia’s news very well. After all, not only was Ivy—the official Antiperky—going to have to plan the All Hallows’ Ball, she had to convince her father to host it, too!
Chapter 7
Ivy kicked off her boots, fell back on her bed, and grabbed one of her black cat pillows to her chest.
As her head swam, her heart went under.
What did he mean when he said he was scared to death? she wondered.
I can’t believe I spilled my drink! But at least I didn’t have to answer his question about whether I have a sister.
Was it an accident when his hand brushed against mine on the escalator?
He said we’d keep a running tally in air hockey. Does that mean he’s going to ask me out again?
I never want to forget the look on his face when he said good-bye.
The phone rang, making Ivy jump. It rang again.
Maybe it’s Brendan! She rolled over and picked it up. “Hello?”
“Greetings, Madam Head of Decorations,” Sophia declared dramatically.
Ivy had completely forgotten about Olivia and the meeting. She sat up with a jolt. “Hi, Soph. What’s up?”