1269_UgliesFreeBook

UGLIES 125
She tried to smile. “Peris . . .”
“I know, you’re probably not supposed to talk about it.
But once you’re across the river, just drop a few hints about
Special-you-know-what and you’ll get invited to all the parties!
Just make sure you take me with you.” He leaned
closer. “There’s even a rumor that all the bubbly jobs go to
people who had tricky records as kids. But that’s years from
now. The main thing is to get you pretty already.”
“But, Peris,” she said, her stomach starting to hurt. “I
don’t think I’ll . . .”
“You’ll love it, Tally. Being pretty’s the best thing ever.
And I’ll enjoy it about a million times more once you’re
there with me.”
“I can’t.”
He frowned. “Can’t what?”
Tally looked up at Peris, clutching his hand. “You see,
they want me to tattle on a friend of mine. Someone I got
to know really well. After you left.”
“Tattle? Don’t tell me this is all about some ugly-trick.”
“Sort of.”
“So, tattle away. How big a deal can it be?”
Tally turned away. “It’s important, Peris. It’s more than
a trick. I made my friend a promise that I’d keep a secret
for her.”
His eyes narrowed, and for a moment he looked like
the old Peris: serious, thoughtful, even a little bit unhappy.
“Tally, you made me a promise too.”