1269_UgliesFreeBook

UGLIES 83
“It’s not programming, it’s just a natural reaction. And
more important than that, it’s fair. In the old days it was all
random—some people kind of pretty, most people ugly all
their lives. Now everyone’s ugly . . . until they’re pretty. No
losers.”
Shay was silent for a while, then said, “There are losers,
Tally.”
Tally shivered. Everyone knew about uglies-for-life, the
few people for whom the operation wouldn’t work. You
didn’t see them around much. They were allowed in public,
but most of them preferred to hide. Who wouldn’t?
Uglies might look goofy, but at least they were young. Old
uglies were really unbelievable.
“Is that it? Are you worried about the operation not
working? That’s silly, Shay. You’re no freak. In two weeks
you’ll be as pretty as anyone else.”
“I don’t want to be pretty.”
Tally sighed. This again.
“I’m sick of this city,” Shay continued. “I’m sick of the
rules and boundaries. The last thing I want is to become
some empty-headed new pretty, having one big party all day.”
“Come on, Shay. They do all the same stuff we do: bungee
jump, fly, play with fireworks. Only they don’t have to sneak
around.”
“They don’t have the imagination to sneak around.”
“Look, Skinny, I’m with you,” Tally said sharply. “Doing
tricks is great! Okay? Breaking the rules is fun! But eventually