Three Black Swans Read Online Free Page B

adults present. Either Missy had contrived to get rid of supervision, or Rick and his crew were so trusted that advisors didn’t feel the need to be here. They might change their minds now. Claire whispered to her cousin, “What happened to Annabel Griffin?”
    “I forgot about her.” Missy squeezed Claire’s hand. It gave Claire the oddest sensation that Missy was the older one. She was guided onto a stool, and a tiny mike was fastened to her sweater. She could not suppress a shudder.
    “And roll,” called out one of the crew.
    Rick smiled at the cameras. “Good morning, friends.”
    Claire could not smile. She could barely stay attached to the stool. A series of memories passed through her, like the flipping of old snapshots. Mom refusing to let her dress like Missy anymore (“Baby-girl outfits are fine for Missy, but you need something tailored, Claire; something mature.”). Mom insisting she could not wear her hair the same as Missy (“That looks sweet on Missy, but you need something more sophisticated.”)or participate in the same activities (“Don’t copy Missy. Don’t be a sheep in a flock. Strive to be different.”). She remembered herself laughing. “Mom, I’m not copying Missy. All girls my age have long hair. I’m just part of the crowd.”
    “Is that the best thing, dear?” her mom had asked.
    “Mom, it’s hair. It does not predict my future as a clone of society.”
    A clone, thought Claire.
    Hideous deep panic crawled into her heart.
    When Missy began to talk, Claire was startled. Announcements were over already?
    “Hi, everybody,” said Missy, beaming at the cameras. “I’m Missy Vianello. I’m a sophomore here. And I have the most wonderful, amazing, beautiful thing to share. My identical twin just surfaced. We just found each other! Can you believe it? I have a long-lost identical twin. And this,” said Missy, touching Claire’s shoulder, “this is my twin, Claire.”
    A sob formed in her throat. Claire choked it back. She pressed her lips together and then her jaw. It was like squeezing a tube of toothpaste. Tears spurted out the top. “We shouldn’t have done this,” she said to Missy. Her voice sounded like gravel. “I shouldn’t have agreed.”
    Missy ignored her. “Claire’s going to attend school with me today,” she said, perky as a cheerleader, “and this seemed like a good way to let everybody know who she is and why she’s here.”
    Claire felt as if her bones had cracked. She tried to find something to hold on to, but for once it couldn’t be Missy.
    Missy was a stranger. What does she know and didn’t tell me? thought Claire. We’ve always shared everything.
    And then she thought, Or have we?
    Claire could not control her tears.
    Missy was shaken. “I guess this wasn’t such a great idea after all. Rick, just cut our segment, okay?”
    Rick was pale. “This is live, Missy. We can’t cut anything. But we welcome you, Claire, and we’re thrilled for you both, and this has definitely introduced you to the entire high school. It’s seven-fifty-five, people. Have a nice day.”
    The passing bell rang immediately. It sounded more like an air-raid siren than the pleasant musical chord at Claire’s school. A camera kid handed her a box of cheap tissues. She mopped up her face.
    Claire’s mother liked to repeat everything three times. “I’m busy, busy, busy,” she would say. I’m okay, okay, okay, Claire told herself. I am not Missy’s twin. I know all the family stories. My parents tried for years to have a baby, and when I was born at last, I was strong and healthy and Mom was thrilled, thrilled, thrilled. Missy was premature and had to stay in the hospital for weeks and weeks. Uncle Matt and Aunt Kitty hovered over her teensy little crib night after night, full of fear and prayer. We are not twins.
    “That was something!” said Rick. “Thanks for letting me be part of it. I’m happy for both of you. I have to run. My first class is all the