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Show Fair Forever 48 want to host a party any more than I want to go to school. What would we all do, anyway? Stand around like strangers and talk about my new heart? Or pretend not to. "We don't have to have the party here," she explains. "We could go somewhere fun. How about that pizza and game place?" "Thatplace is for little kids!" I cringe, but she doesn't pay attention. _ Mom pauses, then says, "Turning fourteen is a big deal. I think you should celebrate." - " . "It's just another birthday," I mumble. I step to the table and search for the sports pages. "Don't you want to get together with all of your friends?" I'm trying not to listen. I'm hoping she'll forget the party. She thinks a hioment. "Well, it doesn't have to be right away." Her voice is resigned. . . , "When did we start taking the paper?" I ask. , "We haven't. I bought a copy yesterday to catch up on things." I notice blue circles drawn around ads in the classifieds. Some are circled twice. Mom is probably scouting places for a party. "Thanks anyway, but I'll skip the party, Mom. I don't remember any of my friends having a party when they turned fourteen." Her answer comes quickly. "Clark had a party." ' . Like that was supposed to be a good reason. I'm growing annoyed. "Clark's only twelve," I say. "He's in class with the rest of us because he's so smart. Anyway, he had, to beg everyone to come. I only went because you made me." - * , "I just thought a party would be fun," she says, sulking. |