The Starburst Effect

by Kelly Oram

“Girls’ toes are cute. I like when they’re painted.”

um what

She’s being shallow. She’s obsessed with fitting in with Jensen’s group, and it’s changing her as a person.

I had no idea that…that…” He closes his eyes and lets out a breath. “You’re the best person in the world.”

“You’re a miracle, Lily. That’s what Mom calls you.” The side of his mouth tips up into a soft but confident smile. “To me, you’re an ankle,” he murmurs.

I’m beginning to think he’s right. One meaningful relationship is better than a hundred fake ones.

“His friendship is the best thing that’s happened to me all year.” I’m rewarded with Noah’s brightest smile.

“You hang out with me when I’m lonely, you cheer me up when I’m sad, you stand up for me when people are being mean to me. You care about me. That is what a normal friend does. More than that. That’s what a good friend does.”

Bless his heart, my brother folds his arms across his chest and glares at Zoey with all his might. Her face falls. “I’ll put you down for a chocolate milk,” she says, subdued.