1269_UgliesFreeBook

410 Scott Westerfeld
“Just like you did when Dr. Cable used to bring you by
my cell?”
Shay’s eyes narrowed, confusion clouding her face, as if
her memories of the underground prison didn’t fit in with
the rest of her pretty worldview.
“I know Dr. C was horrible to you,” she said. “The
Specials are psychos—just look at them. But that doesn’t
mean you have to spend your whole lives running away.
That’s what I’m saying. Once you turn, Specials won’t mess
with you.”
“Why not?”
“Because you won’t make trouble anymore.”
“Why not?”
“Because you’ll be happy!” Shay took a couple of deep
breaths, and her usual calm returned. She smiled, beautiful
again. “Like me.”
Maddy picked up the pills on the table in front of her.
“You won’t take these willingly?”
“No way. You said they’re not even safe.”
“I said there was a small chance something could go
wrong.”
Shay laughed. “You must think I’m nuts. And even if
those pills work, look what they’re supposed to do. From
what I can tell, ‘cured’ means being a jealous, self-important,
whiny little ugly-brain. It means thinking you’ve got all the
answers.” She crossed her arms. “In a lot of ways, you and
Dr. Cable are alike. You’re both convinced you’ve personally