Into the Garden (Wildflowers 5)

"That's the truth," Star said. Misty laughed and we were all silent for a long moment.

"I can't help it. It still feels like we're all back at Doctor Marlowe's," Misty said. "I keep expecting one of us to start talking about her family problems."

"Well, let's make another rule right now. ... no references to that stuff unless we all decide it's okay, okay?"

"What will we talk about?" Misty asked

"There are lots of other things going on besides our miserable family lives," Jade insisted. "For starters, anyone seeing anyone?"

She gazed around the table.

"I'm not. Not yet," Star added cryptically.

"What's that supposed to mean, 'not yet'?" Jade followed, her perfectly trimmed eyebrows dipping toward each other.

"Well, I was over at Lily Porter's house the other day and I saw a picture of her cousin Larry. He's in the army and he sent her this picture of himself all dressed up in his uniform, standing by a tank. He's over in Germany, but he's coming back soon."

"So?" Jade said.

"So, I thought he was fine, and she told me as far as she knows, he's not involved with anyone back here. She's going to introduce me as soon as he's home. She said she'll have a party or something."

"Right, a

nd he'll just topple over the moment he sets eyes on you," Jade said.

Star's eyes grew small for a moment and then she smiled.

"Well, maybe I'll borrow one of your expensive outfits and dazzle him like you dazzle every man that sees you." Jade laughed.

"Sure. Choose anything you want. I have magic clothes, guaranteed to win you the man you love."

"What about you? Someone set your heart on fire these days?" Star challenged.

Misty and I were like observers at a verbal tennis match. Our heads turned from one to the other.

"No. My mother took me to an afternoon party over at the Nelson's two days ago just so I could meet their son Sanford, who just got home from his European studies in Paris. He's deli-and very intelligent, but he's got the personality of a nose wart. Talk about being conceited. The only reason that boy looks into a girl's eyes is to see his own reflection."

We all laughed. How I wished I had some stories, some experiences to relate, but all I could do was listen and be envious.

"Are we really going to form a club?" Misty asked when we all grew quiet.

"Club sounds juvenile," Jade said. "Let's just call it something else."

"What?" Star asked.

"I don't know. Someone come up with something. I can't think of everything."

"Amazed to hear you admit it," Star muttered.

We were all quiet, thinking

"Why don't we just call ourselves sisters," I suggested. They turned to me.

"I don't mean real sisters, but..."

"I like it," Jade said. "The OWP's, Sisters of Misfortune." She glanced at Star.

"Now what?" Misty asked. "Can I get some Tshirts made up for us?"