I'd almost forgotten that she'd invited nie. "Sure," I said. "I'm looking forward to it." I was, too. It would be nice to spend some time hanging out with Mary Anne. At least there was no awkwardness between us.

    But I can't say it was like old times either. It was strange to have dinner at Mary Anne's temporary house, which is next door to Claudia's. For one thing, it's weird to be back on Bradford Court with her, on the street where we both grew up. Also, this house just felt unfamiliar. It's oddly empty, since Mary Anne's family lost so much in the fire. And there are all these boxes around, things they salvaged from the fire but haven't unpacked. The boxes will probably sit there until Mary Anne's family moves into the new house they're creating out of their old barn. The smell of smoke still clings to the boxes. At dinner, Mary Anne's stepmother, Sharon, looked tired and sad, and her dad seemed preoccupied.

    After we ate, Mary Anne and I hung out in her room for a little while. We talked about school and about the situation with Stacey and Claudia, but I had a feeling there was something else on her mind. Finally, it came out.

    "So, who's Logan's partner for that biography project?" she asked, trying to sound casual.

    "Rachel," I answered.

    Mary Anne nodded.

    "Does that bother you?" "Why should it?" She raised her eyebrows. "He's a free agent now. He can hang out with anybody he chooses." "He didn't choose," I reminded her. "Ted did." "Oh, right. Anyway, I really don't mind. I know you probably think I'm having second thoughts about breaking up with Logan, but I'm not. It's just weird. Not to talk to him, I mean. We used to talk all the time. Now we probably wouldn't have anything to say to each other anyway. But it still feels weird. And it's strange knowing he'll be talking to somebody else." She didn't have to add that the "somebody else" was a girl we never really liked. I knew it must be hard for her. We talked a little longer and then Watson came by to pick me up.