"And yesterday, he followed us to the beach and approached me when Stuart went to get me something to drink."
"Did Stuart see him, learn who he was?" Jade asked quickly.
"Not then. I told him later."
"You told him? Why?" Star asked.
"Because he found the picture under a magazine. I had hidden it quickly and poorly when he arrived to take me to lunch and the beach. He was shocked, and wanted to know who would take it and why."
"What else did you tell him?" Jade asked. They all looked like they were holding their breaths.
I described my fabrications and they listened, Jade nodding. Then I told them about his phone call last night and what I had said to my father to get him to stop asking for Geraldine.
"That's good. You did the right thing," she said. "You were smart. I guess we're all getting to be good liars Look at the good teachers we've had for parents."
"But what do I do now?" I asked.
No one spoke.
"He'll call again and again, and he will come here," I said.
"She's right," Misty moaned and sat. "What are we going to do?"
"We're in trouble," Jade agreed. "I knew we shouldn't have buried her. I knew it."
"Well, what do you suggest now, we dig her up?" Star quipped.
"Maybe."
"Are you crazy?" Star nearly screamed at her. "Besides, you were the one who pointed out that Cat would end up in some foster home."
"That's better than prison," Jade mumbled. 'We'll all be arrested," Misty muttered. "Take it easy, Misty," Star told her.
"What do I tell Stuart about Geraldine after today? He'll wonder why she isn't home," I pointed out.
They were all quiet a moment and then Misty looked up quickly.
"Maybe you should break up with him," she said. "What?"
"That's it. That will solve everything. Just get into an argument and throw him out. Then you don't have to worry about what he knows and what he doesn't."
"I don't want to do that. How would you like me to tell you to get rid of Chris now?"
"I don't have to worry about him discovering any secrets," she replied.
"That's not fair, Misty," Star said.
"Well, what is she supposed to do? What are we sup- posed to do?" she cried, her eyes wild. "Maybe I should go ask my father for advice or you should ask yours, Jade. Or you should ask your granny, Star."
"Calm down," Jade said. "Give us all a chance to think."
"Stuart's coming here today," I said. "He wants to stay over tonight?'
"That's just great," Misty said with a frown.
"Well, why did you have a party here and invite the boys and get me a date?" I shouted back at her.
She stared at me. Then she looked at Jade.