1269_UgliesFreeBook

118 Scott Westerfeld
Maybe most people just didn’t want to know. Tally had
been taught all about the Rusties and early history, but at
school they never said a single thing about people living
outside the cities right now, people like David. Until she’d
met Shay, Tally had never thought about it either.
But she couldn’t dismiss the whole thing the way her
father had.
And she had made Shay a solemn promise. Even if she
was just an ugly, a promise was a promise. “Guys, I’m going
to have to think about this.”
For a moment, an awkward silence filled the room.
She’d said something they hadn’t expected.
Then Ellie laughed and patted her hand. “Well, of
course you do, Tally.”
Sol nodded, back in command. “We know you’ll do the
right thing.”
“Sure. But in the meantime,” Tally said, “maybe I could
come home with you?”
Her parents shared another look of surprise.
“I mean, it’s really weird being here now. Everyone
knows that I . . . I’m not scheduled for classes anymore, so
it would just be like coming home for autumn break, but a
little early.”
Sol recovered first, and patted her shoulder. “Now,
Tally, don’t you think it would be even stranger for you out
in Crumblyville? I mean, there’s no other kids out there this
time of year.”