Here's a theory of mine: Life is just one big surprise.

    I guess I should tell you about Dawn next since I've sort of introduced you to her already. Our California girl is the alternate officer of the BSC. If anyone can't make a club meeting, Dawn steps in and takes over her duties. This means she has to know how to do everyone's jobs, which isn't easy. But Dawn is dependable. We can always count on her.

    Dawn is also an individual. She tends to go her own way, and not worry much about what other people think. I don't mean she's uncaring. I just mean that she believes what she wants to believe, does the things she wants to do, dresses the way she wants to dress, and so on without being swayed by other people's opinions. If kids don't agree with Dawn, she doesn't care (much). She's a very strong person. I really admire her.

    Dawn has lo-o-o-o-ong blonde hair. It's about the color of corn silk. Her eyes are blue. When she lived in California she sported a nice tan, but that has faded, thanks to our Connecticut winters. Remember I said that I'm a junk-food addict? Well, Dawn is a health-food addict. She lives on fruits, vegetables, and stuff like tofu and rice. No red meat or sugar for her. I could live without meat, I think, but it's the sugar thing I don't understand. How does Dawn live without Twinkies and Three Musketeers bars?

    Okay, if s time for me to tell you about my best friend. She's Stacey McGill, the treasurer of the BSC. Stacey (who's an only child) lives in Stoneybrook (duh), but she's a New York City girl at heart. That's where she grew up. And her dad still lives there. Like Dawn, Stacey and her mom settled here after the McGills got a divorce. But Stace is much more like me than like Dawn.