1269_UgliesFreeBook

92 Scott Westerfeld
“But how do people live out there, Shay? Like the
Rusties? Burning trees for heat and burying their junk
everywhere? It’s wrong to live in nature, unless you want to
live like an animal.”
Shay shook her head and sighed. “That’s just schooltalk,
Tally. They’ve still got technology. And they’re not like
the Rusties, burning trees and stuff. But they don’t put a
wall up between themselves and nature.”
“And everyone’s ugly.”
“Which means no one’s ugly.”
Tally managed to laugh. “Which means no one’s pretty,
you mean.”
They sat in silence. Tally watched the fireworks, feeling
a thousand times worse than she had before Shay had
appeared at the window.
Finally, Shay said the words Tally had been thinking.
“I’m going to lose you, aren’t I?”
“You’re the one who’s running away.”
Shay brought her fists down onto her knees. “It’s all my
fault. I should’ve told you earlier. If you’d had more time to
get used to the idea, maybe . . .”
“Shay, I never would have gotten used to the idea. I
don’t want to be ugly all my life. I want those perfect eyes
and lips, and for everyone to look at me and gasp. And for
everyone who sees me to think Who’s that? and want to get
to know me, and listen to what I say.”
“I’d rather have something to say.”