SVH04-Power Play Read Online Free

her, and she didn't really like them, soooo--they're mine. Aren't they great?"
    "Yeah, great." Elizabeth started up the stairs, then paused. "Don't you think it's kind of odd for Lila to be so generous all of a sudden?"
    "Don't get all upset, sister dear. There's nothing wrong in accepting a few gifts from a good friend."
    "Maybe not. Well, I have a history paper to finish." She started up the stairs again.
    "By the way, Liz," Jessica said casually, "something rather interesting is going to happen tomorrow."
    "What are you up to now, Jess?" "Nothing--nothing at all, but I suggest you be at the track right after school."
    Elizabeth dashed up to her locker the next afternoon just as Todd Wilkins, her boyfriend, strolled up to his.
    "Hurry, Todd. I don't want to be late."
    "Hurry? Late? School's out. Time to relax." He grabbed her by the waist and pulled her into his arms. "And I have the perfect way to relax you."
    Elizabeth melted against him, happily allowing his lips to caress hers.
    "Liz," Todd murmured, "let's go for a walk right now. I want to be alone with you."
    "Oh, Todd, I can't," she said, remembering Jessica's comment about "something interesting" happening. "I think I've got trouble. Big trouble."
    Slipping a finger under her chin, Todd lifted Elizabeth's face to his and saw that there was worry in her eyes. She needed cheering up, he decided.
    "Don't tell me. Let me gaze into zee future." -he curved his hands around an imaginary crystal ball. "Ziss beeg trouble starts with a I and look almost as bee-yoo-tiful as you."
    "Be serious, you idiot. And don't start in on
    my sister. Jessica is only part of the problem." A long sigh. "OK, Jessica is the problem. I don't have time to explain, but we've got to get over to the track--now! She tugged him along the hall and through the big center doors out onto the lawn.
    "Just give me a clue!" Todd panted, running to keep up with her. "What's Jessica up to that has you so worried?"
    "I don't know. That's what has me so worried. Hurry, Todd!"
    "I'm hurrying, I'm hurrying! Hey, what's all that noise coming from the track?"
    They broke into a sprint, reaching the track just in time to see a sweating, gasping Robin Wilson stumble past.
    "What in the world--?" Elizabeth gasped.
    The stands were partly filled with students, some cheering, but most just curiously watching Robin lumber her way around the track.
    "Way to go, Robin!"
    "Don't fall down, Wilson. You'll dent the track!"
    Elizabeth whirled around at this remark, intending to shut up the jerk who'd made it--and spotted Bruce Patman lounging against his black Porsche, a sneer on his good-looking face.
    "Be quiet, you moron!" she snapped. She turned back to Todd. "I am just about ready to
    commit murder!" she said. Then she made her way over to Lila and Cara. "How could you two do this to Robin--to anyone?"
    "Hi, Liz, welcome to the Olympics for chubbos!" a familiar voice shouted from behind.
    This sent Lila, Cara, Bruce, and others who were close enough to hear into fits of wild laughter.
    "Jessica Wakefield, this is unbelievable!" Elizabeth fumed. Jessica was sitting off to the side, busily ignoring Bruce's presence, for she had recently broken up with him. Bruce's incredible egotism had almost turned Jessica into his servant. When she'd caught him with another girl, Jessica had unleashed her matchless fury.
    She didn't answer Elizabeth.
    "Don't you think dear Robin looks tres chic in her gray sweat shorts and tank top?" Lila contributed. "So perfect for that round body, 'est-ce pas?" The group laughed again.
    Elizabeth was furious. "You three are--are-- w ell, you know what you are!" She stomped off toward the totally exhausted Robin, who was leaning against a fence.
    Elizabeth had gone only a few steps when Jessica's voice reached her. "Maybe if she ran round the track about a hundred and thirty-seven times a day for the next five years, she might lose some of that fat!"
    Elizabeth reached Robin just as PBA's newest pledge