Freaked Out Read Online Free Page A

out the muffins. All of them breathed in the heavenly smell of homemade cocoa with real milk and the aroma of warm cinnamon muffins.
    â€œYou’re blushing, Charlotte!” Katani said when Mrs. Montoya went back to the counter. “I’ll bet Nick talked about you when he was sharing his adventures at Lake Rescue with his mom.”
    â€œI am not, Katani. It’s the heat from the cocoa,” Charlotte insisted. When she looked up and saw Katani’s smirky smile, she realized her friend was teasing. Charlotte threw a napkin at her. Meanwhile, Maeve licked away the foam spilling over the top of her drink. “So, what are we wearing to the party? It’s a Hawaiian theme.”
    â€œThe invitation didn’t say costumes,” Isabel pointed out. “I don’t know what I’m wearing yet.”
    â€œWhat party?” Avery said with a puzzled look on her face.
    A moment of dead silence came over the other four girls. You could have heard a hot chocolate bubble pop.
    â€œDidn’t you get…um…your invitation from Julie Faber?” Charlotte stammered, looking desperately around the table for help. But the other BSG just stared at Charlotte.
    â€œJulie gave them out at lunch yesterday. Didn’t she give you one?” Charlotte continued, wishing that the room would swallow her up. “Maybe she couldn’t find you after school.” Charlotte felt Avery had to be invited. She just had to be.
    â€œI saw Julie after school yesterday at the basketball tryouts meeting. She didn’t mention anything about a party or an invitation.” Avery looked around blankly at her friends.
    Maeve looked at Charlotte, then Katani and Isabel. “Maybe we could ask Julie…. She might have forgotten about it. Maybe…Maybe…”
    â€œYeah, well, maybe I’m not invited,” Avery said. “Whatever. I’m really busy anyway. Plus, you know me; I’m not really the ‘party girl’ type.” Avery chugged her cocoa and stood up. “I’ve got to go check my math homework over and hand in my revised book report to Ms. Rodriguez before school starts.”
    The other girls fell silent as Avery gathered her things. No one knew what to say. Avery gave a tiny wave as she left the table.
    Isabel’s heart went out to Avery. “What are we going to do?”
    â€œWe’re not going to the party,” Katani announced. “That’s an easy decision.”
    â€œRight,” agreed Isabel, Charlotte, and Maeve.
    â€œI didn’t want to go that bad anyway,” Katani huffed, putting her nose in the air. “Julie Faber is a snob not to have invited Avery. Besides, remember our rule: Beacon Street Girls forever!”
    The BSG clicked their hot chocolate mugs in solidarity. The sound seemed loud in the silence that had surrounded them. Each took a big sip of the sweet liquid and studied their cups.
    â€œDo we really have to skip it?” Maeve asked in a meek voice. “It’s going to be the party of the year. You know how Julie’s parents always go all out. Hey, they’re probably bringing in sand from Hawaii to make a huge beach in the rec room.”
    â€œMaeve!” all the BSG shouted.
    â€œYou know the BSG have to stick together,” Charlotte scolded Maeve, but her expression softened when she saw the disappointment on Maeve’s face. Her romantic friend just loved parties. For some reason, in that moment, Charlotte realized that it wasn’t just about the fun. Friendly and energetic Maeve could shine at a party where she couldn’t shine in school.
    â€œI know, I know.” Maeve hung her head. “But given last year’s extravaganza it’s going to be such a great party.”
    â€œThey’ll probably fly in real orchid leis for all the girls,” Katani said wistfully. “You know, like that crazy TV show about the sweet sixteen parties.”
    â€œI