1269_UgliesFreeBook

20 Scott Westerfeld
and Tally leaped forward to wrap her arms around him. He
still felt the same, at least, maybe a bit taller and thinner. But
he was warm and solid, and still Peris.
“Tally!”
She stumbled back as the doors opened. She’d left mud
all over his white vest. “Oh, no! I’m—”
“Just go!”
His distress just made Tally want to hug him again. She
wanted to stay and clean Peris up, make sure he looked
perfect for the party. She reached out a hand. “I—”
“Go!”
“But we’re best friends, right?”
He sighed, dabbing at a brown stain. “Sure, forever. In
three months.”
She turned and ran, the doors closing behind her.
At first no one noticed her on the roof. They were all looking
down. It was dark except for the occasional flare of a
safety sparkler.
Tally found the rack of bungee jackets and pulled at
one. It was clipped to the rack. Her fingers fumbled, looking
for a clasp. She wished she had her interface ring to give
her instructions.
Then she saw the button: PRESS IN CASE OF FIRE.
“Oh, crap,” she said.
Her shadow jumped and jittered. Two pretties were
coming toward her, carrying sparklers.