Starcrossed (Starcrossed 1)

each of us.?

Helen rubbed her leg, pretending it hurt. Even if Claire had

kicked Helen with all of her might, she still wouldn?t be strong

enough to leave a bruise.

?One for each of us? That?s uncharacteristically low drama of

you,? Helen teased. ?It?s too straightforward. I don?t buy it. But

how about this? We?ll each fall in love with the same boy, or the

wrong boy?whichever one doesn?t love us back?and then you and

I will fight each other to the death.?

?Whatever are you babbling on about?? Claire asked sweetly as

she inspected her nails, feigning incomprehension.

?God, Claire, you?re so predictable,? Helen said, laughing. ?Every

year you dust off those cards you bought in Salem that time on the

field trip and you always predict that something amazing is going

to happen. But every year the only thing that amazes me is that you

haven?t slipped into a boredom coma by winter break.?

12/395

?Why do you fight it?? Claire protested. ?You know eventually

something spectacular is going to happen to us. You and I are way

too fabulous to be ordinary.?

Helen shrugged. ?I am perfectly happy with ordinary. In fact, I

think I?d be devastated if you actually predicted right for a change.?

Claire tilted her head to one side and stared at her. Helen untucked

her hair from behind her ears to curtain off her face. She

hated to be watched.

?I know you would. I just don?t think ordinary?s ever going to

work out for you,? Claire said thoughtfully.

Helen changed the subject. They chatted about their class schedules,

running track, and whether or not they should cut bangs.

Helen wanted something new, but Claire was dead set against