Don't Forget About Josie

Chapter 6

Told from Penelope:

It's obvious. Josie is obvious. My money is obvious. Her potential is obvious. My bad comebacks are obvious. It's obvious that these things are obvious. But Josie obviously doesn't see the obvious things in life.

That smelly southern girl is on my nerves. I don't know why, because I'm richer, prettier, smarter, have more friends--er, so why do I feel like I need to punch her in the face?

Most people are jealous of me, including Josie. But I don't know what they are so jealous about! I mean- sure I have a private jet, mansion, and a million dollar dad, but what else? In fact-I hate my life. I hate that I have to impress everyone as "Henry Miller's daughter". I hate that I have to be popular ALL the time, and that I can't embarrass myself, and that my parents are so prim and proper.

It's not fair.

All weekend I thought of the greatest and most best comebacks I would rub in Josie's face. I wrote down all the insults I would give her on Monday. What else does a spoiled only child do?

I came in to school on Monday, coming straight from the hair dresser. Tight curls flowed down the back of my pure silk mint green dress like a waterfall. Wearing my favorite pumps, I held my notecards of insults and comebacks with my newly polished finger nails. I was ready for a great day.

I stood by Josie's desk waiting for the annoying girl to arrive. I read over my notecards and choose my favorite insult. I waited, and waited, until the morning bell rang. "I guess Miss Josie Pie skipped school to help milk her cows" I whispered to the girl next to me. The girl covered her mouth with her hand, holding in the laugh. Mrs. Wilson began taking attendance.
"Gretel?"
"Here"
"Isabell?"
"Here"
"Nicole?"
"Here!"
"Penelope?"
It was FINALLY my time to shine. "Present!" I said
"And Josie?"
It was silent.
"Josie?" Mrs. Wilson looked up from her desk.
"Mrs. Wilson, I believe Josie is getting plastic surgery, to fix her ugly face." I said in a serious tone. This time, everyone bursted out laughed. "Thank you notecards" I thought in my head. I expected to get a lecture from the teacher, but she just sat there silently. I swear I saw her sneak a grin.