I had to get past Bryce and Shelly。 They deserved
each other—let them have each other！
But in my heart I knew that just like the new grass； I wasn't strong enough yet to be walked
on。 And until I was； there was only one solution： I had to
stay away from him。 I needed to rope him out of my life。
So I closed my ears to the news of basket boys and steered clear of Bryce at school。 And
when I did happen to run into him； I simply said hello
like he was someone I barely even knew。
It was working； too！ I was growing stronger by the day。 Who cared about auctions and basket
boys？ I didn't！
Friday morning I got up early； collected what few eggs there were in the coop； watered the
front yard； which was by now definitely green； ate
breakfast； and got ready for school。
But as I was running a brush through my hair； I couldn't help thinking about Shelly Stalls。 It
was auction day。 She'd probably been up since five；
making her hair into some impossibly pouffy do。
So what？ I told myself。 So what？ But as I was throwing on my windbreaker； I eyed my money
tin and hesitated。 What if …
No！ No…no…no！
I ran to the garage； got my bike； and pushed out of the driveway。 And I was in the street and
on my way when Mrs。 Stueby flew right in my path。
“Julianna；” she called； waving her hand through the air。 “Here； dear。 Take this。 I'm so sorry
it's take