the party

Julia wrapped the statue and put a nice purple bow on it. She went to bed.

Nothing out of the usual happened in the morning. Julia fixed herself up the best she could, wearing a nice dark red dress that was loose enough not to show any fat rolls. She knew no matter how ice she made herself up, Brittany would find some faults with her. She fixed her hair and make-up.

Brittany's mom drove them to the party. It was at a country club. "So, looking forward to this?" Julia asked.

"No," said her mom. She was taken aback by how fast she said that. "But um, we must you know, act like we are having fun."

"Do you like Brittany?"

"No, she's a spoiled ungrateful brat!" spat out her mom.

Julia was surprised. Usually her mom was very diplomatic and lived by the phrase "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything."

"Let's just try to enjoy ourselves."

Brittany looked down at the gift in her hand and raised an eyebrow.

The party was outdoors under a large tent. There was a four layer cake at least three feet high, an ice sculpture of a horse's head, a large buffet spread, and a table full of presents. Brittany wore a knee length silk pink skirt and white silk blouse. She looked gorgeous as usual. She was chatting up some of her friends. Julia walked over to the gift table and put her gift right up front.

Julia tried to be a wall-flower, which was hard since the tent had no walls. Brittany finally spotted Julia and made her way over to her. "Hello, Julia, thanks for coming. You know, the country club has a lot of exercise programs and activities for you to get in shape. Oh, that's right, you can't afford it!"

Julia glared at Brittany who smiled, twirled and walked off.

Later, it was time to open the presents. As luck would have it, Brittany opened Julia's first.

"Hmph, well, this looks cheap, but cute."

"Brittany!" said her mom. "Be nice!"

Brittany picked up another gift.

"That's from me!" said Brittany's friend Chloe.

Brittany opened it to find a collection of silk scarves. "Scarves, what am I a gypsy. What a stupid gift."

Chloe's mouth dropped open, and her lip quivered.

"Brittany!" scolded her mom again. "Tell Chloe you're sorry! It's a lovely gift Chloe."

"I'm not sorry!" said Brittany. She looked nervous and confused.

Julia smiled. This was great!