"Scott Westerfeld - Uglies 1 - Uglies" - читать интересную книгу автора (Westerfeld Scott)

УYou mean jump?Ф Tally swallowed. Her stomach did a backflip as the elevator came to a halt.

Peris shrugged. УI do it all the time, Squint.Ф He winked. УYouТll love it.Ф

His expression made his pretty face glow even more, and Tally leaped forward to wrap her arms around him. He still felt the same, at least, maybe a bit taller and thinner. But he was warm and solid, and still Peris.

УTally!Ф

She stumbled back as the doors opened. SheТd left mud all over his white vest. УOh, no! IТmЧФ

УJust go!Ф

His distress just made Tally want to hug him again. She wanted to stay and clean Peris up, make sure he looked perfect for the party. She reached out a hand. УIЧФ

УGo!Ф

УBut weТre best friends, right?Ф

He sighed, dabbing at a brown stain. УSure, forever. In three months.Ф

She turned and ran, the doors closing behind her.

а

At first no one noticed her on the roof. They were all looking down. It was dark except for the occasional flare of a safety sparkler.

Tally found the rack of bungee jackets and pulled at one. It was clipped to the rack. Her fingers fumbled, looking for a clasp. She wished she had her interface ring to give her instructions.

Then she saw the button:PRESS IN CASE OF FIRE .

УOh, crap,Ф she said.

Her shadow jumped and jittered. Two pretties were coming toward her, carrying sparklers.

УWhoТs that? WhatТs she wearing?Ф

УHey, you! This party is white tie!Ф

УLook at her faceЕ.Ф

УOh, crap,Ф Tally repeated.

And pressed the button.

An ear-shattering siren split the air, and the bungee jacket seemed to jump from the rack into her hand. She slid into the harness, turning to face the two pretties. They leaped back as if sheТd transformed into a werewolf. One dropped the sparkler, and it extinguished itself instantly.

УFire drill,Ф Tally said, and ran toward the edge of the roof.

Once she had the jacket around her shoulders, the strap and zippers seemed to wind around her like snakes until the plastic was snug around her waist and thighs. A green light flashed on the collar, right where she couldnТt help but see it.