The It Girl by Katy Birchall Read Free Book Online Page A

gaze down in awe. The notepad was littered with animation sketches. “You drew these? They’re good.”
    â€œThanks. I’m thinking of doing my own graphic novel some day. I approve of point four. Personally I’ve always thought Batman the best creation of all time.” He pulled his notebook away from my gaze.
    â€œPlease, Batman? He’s amazing, but Marvel has SO manycooler heroes. Look at Spider-Man, for example.”
    He raised an eyebrow. “I’m not going to take that seriously from someone who has learning to hip-hop dance higher on their list than saving someone’s life.”
    â€œWho said these were in order of importance?” Before he spotted point 3, I put a protective arm round my notebook and changed the subject. “Who would your superhero be?”
    â€œSorry?”
    â€œIn your comic?”
    â€œI’m waiting for inspiration.” He grinned. “But me probably.”
    â€œHow original.”
    â€œI’d have to come up with a superpower.” He looked thoughtful. “What would yours be?”
    â€œIt would be cool to control things with my mind, like Jean Grey in X-Men,” I replied. “Before she was taken over by the Phoenix Force and became evil, obviously.”
    â€œObviously,” Connor agreed.
    â€œAlso,” I added, noticing him straighten up to try and peer over my arm that was hiding what I’d written, “controlling things with my mind would mean I could make you STOP LOOKING AT MY LIST!”
    Mr. Kenton grunted and shifted in his seat. I narrowed my eyes at Connor and continued.
    7. Get over fear of pigeons.
    Ugh, the flapping. Plus it is becoming increasingly difficult to live in London with this phobia.
    8. Invent something useful for mankind.
    So that I can be thought of as charitable and helpful at the same time. Like the clever person who invented that spray balsamic vinegar so that it doesn’t spill all over your plate and ruin your salad.
    â€œWhat about a pigeon-deflecting helmet?”
    â€œExcuse me?”
    Connor was leaning back in his chair with a pen in his mouth. “That covers points seven and eight.”
    â€œNo, it doesn’t. Putting on a deflecting helmet wouldn’t cure my fear of pigeons. It would just keep them away from me.” I sighed. “Don’t assume I didn’t already think about that one.”
    9. Have name engraved on a trophy.
    Unlikely to be for a sporting event so may have to think outside the box for this one. Do they give out trophies to people who hand out rice in Africa? (Note to self: research this.)
    10. Train Dog to high five.
    It took him ten months to learn that his name was Dog. This is probably the most ambitious life goal on this list.
    When detention finally ended, I stowed my list away safely into my bag and filed out of the classroom with everyone else toward the main school doors, ready for freedom.
    â€œHey! Spidey!” Connor was suddenly at my side. “Did you finish your list? When does the world get to witness the hip-hop dancing? I’m gripped with anticipation.”
    I snorted. “Uh. Never? Forget the list; it is PERSONAL.”
    â€œAll right, all right.” He grinned as he opened the exit door for me, and I marched past him. “Don’t get your Spidey senses in a twist.”
    â€œOkay,” I grumbled at him, stomping down the steps. “Just because I admire the superior skills of Spider-Man does not mean that—”
    â€œThat you know anything about comics? Don’t sweat it.”
    â€œHey!” I held out my arm to stop him in his tracks as we walked out of the gates. “Do not insult my comic knowledge. I could take you on in a Marvel or DC face-off any time.”
    â€œIf you say so.” He smiled broadly.
    â€œGood,” I said huffily, and continued through the gates on to the road. “See you tomorrow then.”
    â€œHey, Anna. Just so