Forever by Judy Blume Read Free Book Online Page A

has to do with breaking your cherry.”
    â€œOh, Erica!”
    She laughed. “But I’m willing to bet your mother talks him
     into letting you go.”
    â€œGod . . . I hope so.”
    â€œI’d love to go away with Artie.”
    â€œI take it things have improved between the two of you.”
    â€œThat depends on what you mean by improved. ”
    â€œYou know what I mean.”
    â€œThey haven’t improved that way . . . but at
     least we’re getting honest with each other . . . and you
     can’t have a decent relationship without honesty.”
    â€œThat’s just what we were talking about the other night . . .
     Michael said practically the same thing.”
    â€œIt’s true.”
    â€œYes . . . but you said you were going to do
     something drastic if nothing happened after the play.”
    â€œI did . . . when he took me home from the party and
     kissed me goodnight on the cheek I came right out and asked him, Artie, are you queer? ”
    â€œYou didn’t!”
    â€œWant to bet . . .”
    â€œWhat’d he say?”
    â€œHe said, I don’t know, Erica, but
     I’m trying to find out. ”
    â€œJesus . . .”
    â€œSo I asked him, Artie . . . how
     can you find out when all weever do is play
     games . . . Monopoly, bingo, chess, backgammon . . .
     they’re coming out of my ears. ”
    â€œAnd?”
    â€œHe said, I’m scared to try, Erica. Now that’s being honest, wouldn’t you say?”
    â€œDefinitely.”
    â€œSo I told him not to worry . . . that I’ll
     help him find out and he said he’d really appreciate that. So next weekend, while
     you’re in Vermont . . .”
    â€œIf I get to go,” I said.
    â€œIf you get to go . . . Artie and I will be trying to
     get at the truth.”

    After school I walked over to the library. “It’s
     okay,” my mother said, before I could ask. “The stores are open late tonight
     and when I passed the Sports Center at lunchtime I noticed
     this terrific looking ski jacket in your size . . . reduced ten
     dollars.”
    â€œI really can go?”
    â€œWhy else would you need a ski jacket?” Mom asked.
    â€œOh Mom!” I hugged her as hard as I could. “You’re
     the greatest . . . you’re the best mother that ever was!”
    â€œRemember that the next time we disagree.”
    Later that night, when Mom and I came home from shopping, I modeled my new
     ski clothes for Jamie and Dad. My jacket is yellow, red and blue and I bought navy ski
     pants and a hat to match out of my savings.
    â€œAt least it’s bright enough for them to find you ifyou’re buried in an avalanche,” my father said.
    â€œHow can I get buried in an avalanche with Michael watching out for
     me?”
    â€œThey don’t have avalanches in Vermont, anyway,” Jamie
     said. “I wish I could go too.”
    â€œNot this time,” I told her.
    â€œI’d do all the cooking.”
    â€œSorry, Jamie.”
    â€œMichael loves my cooking.”
    â€œNo way.”
    â€œDrats!”
    When Michael called I told him it was all set. “I even got ski
     clothes.”
    â€œYou didn’t have to go out and buy anything. Sharon was going
     to lend you a parka and warm-ups.”
    â€œWell . . . now she won’t have to . .
     .”
    â€œYeah . . . but you’ll still have to rent your
     boots and skis.”
    â€œI know . . . don’t worry about it . .
     .”
    â€œYour lift ticket’s on me, though.”
    â€œOkay, if you insist . . . and Michael . .
     .”
    â€œYeah?”
    â€œI can’t wait until Friday.”
    â€œThat makes two of us.”
    Before I went to sleep my father came into my room