"Replica02 - Pursuing Amy - Kaye, Marilyn" - читать интересную книгу автора (Kaye Marilyn)

"He's on the track team," Jeanine said.

Since when does Jeanine know so much about him? Amy wondered. Quickly she tried to establish her own superior knowledge of Eric. "He's planning to go out for basketball in high school next year," she announced. "We shoot hoops a lot."

"Amy, you're such a jock," Jeanine commented. "You know, I think most boys don't like girls who are too athletic."

Amy pushed her food tray aside. She'd lost her appetite. Tasha noticed her change in mood. "What's the matter?" she asked when they left the cafeteria together.

"I think Jeanine has a crush on Eric," Amy told her.

"So what?"

Amy shrugged. "Oh, nothing." Now she had one more secret she couldn't tell Tasha.



During the last period of the day, the principal spoke over the school intercom. "I am pleased to announce that our new swimming pool will open next Monday. Swimming instruction and drown-proofing lessons will be incorporated in all physical education classes for grades seven through nine. However, before students can participate in swimming classes, they must all bring in a certificate signed by a medical doctor, stating that they are in good health."

No one else in her class was disturbed by this announcement. Amy's mood sank lower. She'd never been to a doctor in her life. She'd never been sick Ч but there was another reason why she had to avoid medical professionals. As her mother had explained to her, any sort of physical exam or routine medical tests could alert the doctor that she wasn't like other people. Amy wouldn't be able to get a certificate, and she wouldn't be taking swimming classes.

It wasn't as if she needed lessons. But how was she going to explain the fact that she wouldn't be taking classes like everyone else? For weeks all anyone had talked about was the new swimming pool. Up to now, physical education at Parkside had consisted mainly of volleyball and running around the gym. Swimming classes would be a lot more interesting. Amy knew that if she didn't participate, she'd be doing exactly what her mother had told her she should never do Ч calling attention to herself.

Her mood hadn't improved when she met Tasha after school. Tasha chattered happily as they walked home. "So, I was standing right next to Simone in phys ed when we were changing into gym clothes, and you should have seen her face when she saw my bra! She's still wearing those baby training things."

Normally Amy would have found this news interesting, but today she didn't care. Her only response was a shrug.

"Can you believe Jeanine has a thing for Eric?" Tasha continued. "I thought she had higher standards than that!"

"Mm-hmm."

Tasha frowned. "Why are you in such a crummy mood?"

Amy just shrugged again. "It's nothing."

"Amy, you're my best friend and I can tell when something's bothering you. If it's a secret, you know you can trust me not to tell anyone."

"Nothing's bothering me!" Amy instantly regretted sounding so harsh.

"Okay," Tasha murmured.

They walked the rest of the way in silence. "Your mother's home," Tasha said, noticing the car as they came around the corner into the condominium community.

"She teaches evening classes on Tuesday this term," Amy told her. Then, in an effort to make up for her earlier behavior, she said, "You want to come and get something to eat?"

"No, thanks. I told my mother I'd run errands with her."

"Listen," Amy said suddenly, "I know it seems like I'm awfully moody lately. I don't mean to take it out on you."

Tasha nodded. "I understand."