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clearance rack at the mall.
    I hadn’t really thought about clothes before, but after ransacking my closet it was clear there was nothing in there Logan worthy to wear tomorrow night.
    “Would you stop?” I push her off. “I’m not afraid of them.” I watch as Michelle, Lexy and Emily glide in and turn their noses up at the meager offerings. “If they hate everything so much maybe they should jump off Devil’s peak.” A part of me can’t believe I said that out loud. I keep forgetting that comments like that bring up the pain of Chloe’s death. It’s embarrassing how many times I’ve emotionally slit Brielle’s wrists with my tongue and let her bleed with grief. “Sorry.” I whisper as the three of them head in our direction.
    “No offense taken.” Brielle pretends to interest herself in an ugly striped sweater.
    “So Michelle,” Emily ups the volume of her ultra annoying voice for our benefit. “You give Logan back his sweater yet?”
    I look up. It’s like hearing his name inspires some kind of kneejerk reaction in me. And why would she have his sweater? Probably bullshit.
    “I haven’t seen him yet. After all, he just left it at my house last night.” They break out into a round of howls. The sound of their voices erodes the peace and quiet of the store, fills my ears with its chaffing rhythm. I can tell by their serene expressions that making me miserable offers them a unique brand of nirvana.
    Emily boldly makes her way over. Her short dark curls frame her face like a picture I once saw of a mermaid in the book of fairytales my father used to read to me at bedtime. I used to wish I could be like that girl, jump into the water and swim with the fishes, live in that magical underwater world.
    “I guess I owe you an apology.” She blinks her watery blue eyes.
    I’m so stupefied by the notion—struck without words. Emily Morgan, the evil mermaid, eating crow? Doubtful.
    “I guess you didn’t steal everything from Chloe.” Emily walks in a small circle as Lexy replaces her in the line up.
    “How does it feel to be sleeping in the same room that Logan did Chloe? Has he done you there too? You know, it being familiar stomping grounds and all. He is known for being sort of insatiable in that department, isn’t that right Michelle?”
    “I don’t kiss and tell, Lex.” A slow spreading grin widens across Michelle’s face.
    It’s like I see her for the first time, her dark honeyed skin, eyes black as midnight, her lips naturally pulled into a snarl whether the occasion warrants it or not. Her hair falls down in glossy burnt umber waves, well past her shoulders. It’s a wicked beauty she holds. I can see guys lining up around the block to take a ride if she threw out the offer. I’m not buying that Logan is one of them.           
      “Let’s go.” I whisper to Bree.
    “Not so fast.” Michelle steps out in front of me. “Logan says you’re having a party tomorrow night? Mind if we come?” She clogs up the air with her sarcastic drivel.
    “Really? Logan told you that?” I don’t believe a word coming from her mouth. I’m sure she vomits lies in her sleep.
    “Yup. He says it’s going to be really exciting, what with all the movies and popcorn. Oh wait he didn’t mention the popcorn, but I’m sure you’ll provide. Can I bring anything?” Michelle digs into me with a look of satisfaction.
    “Oh I know!” Emily interjects. “We can all go to the library first and check out books. Then we can snuggle up on the couch together and read them round robin style.” They explode with laughter.
    “Oh wait!” Emily continues. “We can do personality makeovers!” She’s laughing so hard, tears streak down the side of her face, bleaching out her foundation with their white lightning tracks.
    Brielle grabs me by the elbow and rushes me out the door. The security alarm goes off. Looking down she holds out the ugly striped sweater before tossing it back into the store,