/  Her second home? I guess I should explain that. Even though she lives inStoneybrook,Connecticut , now, Dawn is aCalifornia girl

at heart. She loves the sun and the ocean, and is into health food in a major way. She even looks like someone out of aCalifornia beach movie. If you've already guessed that she's blonde, blue-eyed, and has the kind of dazzling smile you see in toothpaste commercials — you're right! Besides being my stepsister, Dawn is my "other" best friend. (Kristy Thomas is also my best friend.) There was definitely some jealousy involved when Dawn and I became stepsisters. Kristy seemed hurt that Dawn and I were spending so much time together, and I had to reassure her that it wouldn't affect our friendship.

I just realized I haven't told you who I am, so here's a capsule biography, as my English teacher would say. My name is Mary Anne Spier. I am thirteen years old and an eighth-grader atStoneybrookMiddle School . I don't have a yard of wheat-colored hair like Dawn. Instead, I have brown hair, brown eyes, and think of myself as kind of ordinary. Oh, yes, one more thing. I have a fantastic gray kitten named Tigger.

"Have you said good-bye toLogan ?" Dawn asked in a low voice.

"I called him last night."

I knew it would be hard to say good-bye toLogan , so I had decided to get it over with

quickly. Logan Bruno is my boyfriend, but I still have a little trouble getting used to the idea.Logan is the cutest boy I have ever seen. He looks just like Cam Geary, my favorite TV star, and he comes fromLouisville,Kentucky . He has this smooth southern accent and a voice that makes me think of warm molasses.Logan is an associate member of the BSC, which means he doesn't come to meetings, but he fills in occasionally when all the regular members are busy. (Our other associate member is Shannon Kilbourne, a friend of Kristy's.)