The Story

   This is an original and complete story by me, Jade Miller. The characters featured in The Life of Jessica Wendell are not modeled after real people in any way. I have not written this story to be spiteful--bullies are real and can be terrible--but to show others that no one is safe from bullies.  People naturally want to retaliate against a bully!  But wanting to retaliate does not solve the problem and is not Christian.  However, with God's help, victims of bullying can learn to forgive.  Perhaps, through our example of forgiveness, being kind to our enemies can change them.

Remember, "The Life of Jessica Wendell" isn't the book I'm publishing. It's just a fun story I'm making up as I go along.

Chapter 1

"Jessie? Where are you? Time to get ready for school!" I hear my mom shout. I groan and burrow into my covers. At the moment, school is NOT something I am excited about. Ever since sixth grade, I've been tormented by a clique of popular girls who think that they're SO amazing. 

After a few minutes of moping about school, I get up and get dressed. I inspect my wardrobe with a critical eye. It immediately strikes me that none of my clothes look ANYthing like the Junior Miss America(s) (That's what I call the clique).

One time, my friend Kira told me that she went to the mall and saw an outfit that the Juniors had worn. On further inspection, she discovered that the blouse ALONE cost $40! For Pete's sake, that's more money than I can get baby sitting for a whole month! Since the Juniors all have rich parents, they can get whatever they want. Goodness, their parents could buy them a house if they were to ask nicely! 

I quickly throw on an acceptable pair of shorts and a t-shirt and thunder downstairs. "Mom?" I ask once I've poured myself some cereal, "Can we please go shopping for clothes?" She looks at me strangely, "Why? Have you suddenly outgrown the ones you own?" I shake my head, "No, I haven't, but some of the girls at school have lots of cool clothes from brand name stores, and I would like some, too." Mom sighs. "You know very well that our household doesn't splurge money for clothes from Ralph Lauren when Wal-Mart works just fine." I fall silent and finish my breakfast.

Kira is at the bus stop when I come walking down the street. "What's up?" she says, "You look down." "I need a new wardrobe!" I burst out. She seems to understand me. "Jessie, how many times do I have to tell you that that every person in the clique has more money than both of our families combined? Your clothes are just fine, and I like them just the way they are," she tells me. "I know, but--" I start. "But nothing! I don't see the point in getting super expensive clothes if all they do is look fancy," she replies, and switches subjects, "Mrs. Anders asked me if I wanted to lead the committee for our annual giant fundraiser. You can be my vice- president." "Sure," I mumble, not really listening. 

The bus pulls up, and the two of us get on, as well as some other kids from my street. "Hi, guys!" says Chelsea who is one of our friends. "Hiya," I reply. "Do you want to be on the giant fundraiser committee?" Kira asks. "Maybe," Chelsea replies, "If I can make time with my soccer, swimming, cross country, and tap dance." I giggle. Chelsea is verrry busy these days with all sorts of athletics. "Did you finish your writing homework?" I ask. Kira nods. "Of course! Writing about Harriet Tubman is a breeze." "Lucky you," Chelsea whines," I got Deborah Sampson. I don't even know who she is!" Kira's eyes widen, like she has been punched. "You don't know her?! She's one of the bravest women of the Revolutionary War! She disguised--"  "Yes, yes, yes. You don't need to give us a speech about her, " I interrupt, "Chelsea, we can help you study, if you want." "That would save me soooo much!" Chelsea exclaims. 

Once we reach school, I see a limousine in the parking lot. "That can only mean one thing," I cringe, "The Clique--" "is here," Chelsea and Kira finish. Veronica, the first girl out has the straightest, shiniest brown hair in all of New York. She wears a pressed pale blue miniskirt with a light pink blouse and brown Gucci sunglasses. Next is Serina, a tall, slim Asian with perfectly black hair. Her outfit is just as sophisticated. After Serina, Angela, a blond girl with slightly wavy hair emerges, wearing a red tank top and olive green shorts.  Angela has such a large purse, I'm willing to bet that she can fit every single one of her textbooks in it. The last girl is Vanessa, and she has red shoulder length hair and is wearing skinny jeans and a body hugging blouse that makes her look like a supermodel. 

"Serina," Veronica says, "I have the feeling that we're being watched." "Same," Serina, Angela and Vanessa confirm. All of their eyes slide in my direction. I immediately avert my eyes and pretend that Kira's backpack is aMAZing. I can feel Veronica's eyes burning into my neck. "Angela, is that girl hiding, or what?" Vanessa snickers. "Cut her some slack Vanessa," Angela jokes, laughing. Veronica leads the Clique in my general direction. Oh, snap. I think. Veronica passes me, giving me a sharp bump. "Welcome back, Loser," Vanessa smirks.

                                                                                                                                                                  

Chapter 2

"Welcome back, Missus Annoying," I mutter as I regain my balance. 

To avoid further arguments, the three of us head to our classroom. 

Once Chelsea, Kira and I get into class, we see the JMAs sitting in their usual seats in the back of the room.  

Once, some poor kid sat on a chair in front of Veronica.  Let's just say that that was a lesson to everyone: NEVER sit in the forbidden spot unless you would like to be tormented for the whole school day. My friends and I make sure to sit on the other side of the room.  

"When do you think I can help you with Deborah Sampson?" Kira asks Chelsea. 

"After school tomorrow at the public library would work," Chelsea says after a moment of thought, "but we'll have to make it quick. I have tap dance at 5:00." 

Kira nods just as Ms. Anders calls the class to attention.  "This Friday, your biography report is due."  I hear Chelsea groan behind me.  


"We are also starting our gigantic fund raiser. This year, Kira Rickwell will be the leader," Ms. Anders says.  

I look back and see Veronica's shocked face. That's probably the first time I've seen her lose her poise. 

She raises her hand,"What about following tradition, you know, of picking the leader?" 

It's obvious that she's hinting on switching leaders. I send a mental message to Ms. Anders: Don't give in, don't give in! 

 Mr. Anders raises her eyebrow, "There was no tradition as far as I am concerned. I think that we should... have a new leader, to give someone else a chance." Okay, I think, one point for her. "Let's begin on our math, then.  Here's a fraction review..."


At 10:00 we have P.E., so we all head over to the gym. Coach Bertwick is awesome! He lets us play all sorts of stuff.  "Today, I'll let you have a treat: we're playing dodge ball!" 

Everyone cheers, since dodge ball is our class' favorite game.  He divides us into teams.  Chelsea and I are on the same team with a bunch of other kids, mostly boys.  We line up on either side of the gym, and Coach blows the whistle.  Somehow, all of the JMAs end up on the same team, and I'm willing to bet that they'll start picking on Chelsea and me.  A kid named Darrell on our team is the first to reach a ball, so he chucks it at the other side. The balls start flying everywhere, and I end up out.  I look ahead and see Angela snickering.  

"Sic 'em, Chelsea!" I whisper before going out.  

Sure enough, Chelsea wings the ball as fast as a machine gun, and it hits Angela squarely on the arm. 

"Head shot!" Angela squeals, which catches Coach's attention. 

"Sweet mother of Pearl, don't you know your head from your elbow?" I exclaim to myself. 

"Sorry, Angela, but you're out," Coach confirms.  

That's what I like about him: He hasn't come down with "We-love-the-JMAs-itis" yet, unlike most of the teachers.  Man, you should see our Spanish teacher, Mr. Cole.  You'd think that the JMAs were some kind of god, the way he loves them!  


I dash back into the game once Angela, protesting, walks to the side of the gym.  Promptly, Serina throws the ball in my direction.  

A boy behind me braces to catch it, but I say, "No, I've got this." 

The ball lands firmly in my hand.  Serina stomps off to the sidelines to join Angela.  

"Sheesh," I tell Chelsea between dodges, "You'd think they were toddlers, the way they're making such a fuss!" 

Chelsea's only reply is to nod; she's too busy catching and chucking dodge balls.  A ball flies in my general direction, thrown by a certain diva who is angry that her friends are out. 

"Revenge is sweet, you loser!" Veronica shouts. (To be continued.)

                                                                                                                                                                  

Chapter 3 

I stare at the ball as it comes closer and closer. At the last second, I duck. The ball whistles past my ear and hits the wall with a thud. I look at Veronica, annoyed by her insults. 

Coach Bertwick blows the whistle. "Time to line up!" and leads us to the door. 

Kira jogs over to Chelsea and me. "Sheesh! Those JMAs are a pain in the rear end!" she says.

"That's their specialty," I reply, "and I'm ready to stop them. 

"Chelsea nods in agreement, "They really need some lessons in manners."

"Then I propose operation obliterate JMA!" Kira announced quietly. Chelsea and I stare at her blankly. "Obliterate is a verb meaning 'to destroy or get rid of'," she explains.

"We'll come up with an English version of that later," I tell her, "Do you guys want to come over after school today?"

"Sure," Chelsea and Kira say at the same time.

Ms. Anders comes by the gym and brings us back to class.

"Since your research on female heroes is due on Friday, I'll let six of you go to the library," Ms. Anders says once we get to class, "Who would like to go?"

Several people raise their hands, and Ms. Anders chooses me, Kira, Vanessa, Angela, and two boys. Ms. Anders gives each of us a hall pass, and we head to the school library. 

As we walk down the hall, Angela and Vanessa start talking and giggling. I overhear their conversation. 

"Who are you asking to the Autumn Dance?" Vanessa asks.

"Either Derick Weirtz or Andrew Morris," Angela whispers, "but Derick is cuter."

I look at Kira and pretend to barf. Seriously! Do these girls have anything to talk about besides boys?! As if in response, Vanessa starts babbling about the newest perfume line at Calvin Klein and what kinds of skin irritants they might have, blah, blah, blah. I practically jump through the library door in an effort to escape the nonsensical talk.

Kira and I take two computers next to each other.

"I thought you were done already," I point out to Kira.

"I still have some touch up to do on my Power Point presentation," she replies.

"I'm just now starting on that!" I exclaim. Kira shrugs and opens up her perfectly animated and set up presentation, and I can only gawk.

"Ms. Kramer!" Angela shouts, "Jessica is copying off of Kira's Power Point!" 

I roll my eyes, "No, I'm just admiring her awesome job."   

When Ms. Kramer, the librarian, looks at me skeptically, Kira confirms my honesty with a vigorous nod. Angela glares at me, probably mad for another foiled attempt at getting me in trouble.

After I've finished the outline of my Power Point, Kira and I walk back to class.  

"Do you know how far Chelsea is on her paper?" Kira asks.

"I think she needs one more peer review. She still needs to write a final draft after that, plus do her Power Point," I say, somewhat awestruck about how many extracurricular activities she can juggle. 

 Kira giggles, "Then we'd better get hopping."    (To be continued.)

                                                                                                                                                                  

 

Chapter 4

After school, Kira, Chelsea, and I stand out on the sidewalk to catch the bus. Behind us, the JMAs stride towards Veronica's limo. 

"That's the life, eh?" a girl next to me says to her friend, gesturing to the limousine speeding off. 

'Boy, is it!' I think to myself.

When the limo is out of sight, the bus pulls up and snaps me out of my daydream. The three of us get on, and Kira opens a book. 

"Whatcha reading?" I ask her. 

She holds up the Three Musketeers. Chelsea glances at one of the pages.

"How do you even pronounce that guy's name?" she exclaims, "Is it Di Artagnan?"

Kira laughs, "No, silly! It's French so you say it like Dartanian, even though it's spelled D'artagnan." 

The three of us talk frequently about the recent happenings around school. 

"Did you hear that Ruby Janice Wood got a sprained ankle today?" Chelsea asks, "She got it when she fell down during P.E."  

Kira makes a sympathetic sound with her tongue.

I can't help but think of Veronica's face when she threw the ball at me. 

"Do you think that Veronica hates me?" I ask, half to myself.

"Duh, of course she does!" Chelsea replies, "No offense or anything."

"No," I muse, "as in that all-consuming "I-want-to-kill-her" kind of hate. Not the "She's annoying" kind.

"Perhaps," Kira murmurs, "she's just jealous of you."

"WHAT?" I practically yell, "What do I have that is better than her? She's the one with the uber-rich parents, not me! Plus, you can't disregard her astronomic popularity at school!"

"I think that she's jealous because you've got the real friends," Kira points out. 

I'm about to interrupt her when she continues, "Think about it. She only has Serina, Angela, and Vanessa because they sorta follow her around. They probably only like her so that they can be high up in  the pecking order. I'm also willing to bet that she's only popular because everyone fears her." 

Wow, that's really something to think about. If Veronica stopped coming to school, I don't think anyone would miss her. Come to think of it, I've even seen her bossing around the other JMAs, so why would they genuinely like her?

The bus stops at the end of my street, and the three of us get off. 

"Speaking of the stinkers," Chelsea interjects, "what are we going to call our mission?" 

"Let's not talk about that now. Why don't we go in and get a snack?" I say since my stomach is growling.

At about 5:00, Chelsea and Kira have to go home since Chelsea has soccer practice, and I have teen Bible study at church. Once they leave, I realize that we never came up with a mission name, but oh, well, that can slide.

While eating dinner, Mom and I talk about our plans for the weekend. 

"Jessie," she starts, "I signed you up for an overnight at Camp Sweetwood. You probably remember going there for two weeks over the summer, and now they have a fall program. You'll stay at Sweetwood from Friday at 5:30 p.m. until Saturday 2:00 p.m. It could also be an opportunity to make new friends. What do you think?"

"Sounds fun," I say in between bites of a turkey sandwich, "So what do I have to bring?"

Mom gives me more information about the camp, then we get in the car and head to church.

                                                                                                                                                                 

Chapter 5

Once at church, I walk into the 7th grade small group room. Since I'm a bit early, I sit down next to a girl named Michelle and review my memory verse for the week. This room is set up somewhat like a classroom, but the desks are arranged in a horseshoe shape so everyone can see each other's faces. The walls are painted with Christian graphics and Bible verses in big swirly letters. 

Our group leader, Laura Sandberg, walks into the room, and everyone greets her. 


"Hello," she says to us once we've settled down, "I hope you all had a good first day of school."


There are a few murmurs and facial reactions, but I'm thinking, 'Sorry, but I didn't.'


" Please turn to today's Bible verse, Matthew 5:43-44," Laura says.

There is the faint sound of pages flipping, and once everyone finds it, Laura chooses a girl named Samantha to read the verse.

" You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you," Samantha reads.  "As human beings," Laura begins, "isn't it so easy to want to take revenge on someone who has hurt you?" She lets that sink in, and I can't help but be reminded of how mean the JMAs have been.

"What do you feel when someone insults or embarrasses you?" she continues, "Do you feel like forgiving them, or does your anger consume you?" 

A girl with glasses whose name is Shelly raises her hand, "Once, some people took my glasses and hid them for me the whole day. I was so angry that I felt like punching them as hard as I could. Right then, I didn't really have an inclination to pray for those bullies."


Laura nods, "Does anyone else want to share their opinion?" 

I reply, "When people hurt me, it makes me extremely upset, and I start thinking of how I can hurt them back."


"Your reactions are human," Laura continues, "but as we all know, humans aren't perfect. God wants us not only to forgive others, but pray for them. Isn't that hard?" There are nods all over the room, and I can totally relate to them.

"The Bible also tells us that if we don't forgive others, the Lord won't forgive us," Laura says, "and since God's forgiveness means more than anything to us, shouldn't we forgive others?" 


"But we aren't perfect," someone named Grace points out, "so how can we be kind to people who deliberately hurt us?"

"You're right, we CAN'T do everything that God has asked of us, so we should always pray to God and ask for help," Laura replies, "Speaking of praying, why don't we take a few minutes to pray for God's help with those who are hurting us?"


Everyone bows their head, and I do the same. 'Dear God,' I think, 'right now I'm having real trouble with Veronica, Serina, Vanessa, and Angela. They seem really determined to ruin my school life, and right now, they seem successful.  Please help me forgive them. I'm still very hurt by their actions, and they've never apologized, but will you please change their hearts? I don't want us to be best friends, but it would help if they weren't mean, either. Help me to stay emotionally strong, God. Amen."

Laura brings us back to reality by saying, "Now that you've asked for God's help, why don't we do something to get our minds off of our troubles? Everyone, pull on your jackets. We're going for a walk outside."  

                                                                                                                                                                 

Chapter  6

Once we all pull on our jackets, Laura leads us outside to the forest behind our church.  She gives  flashlights to a few people, and we walk into the woods. 

The only sound is from the leaves crunching underfoot as our group follows Laura down a trail. "Right now, I'm sure some of you are dealing with social issues," she begins. 

I almost yell, "Naw, really?", but I keep quiet. 


"It's a very common thing to hate those who are mean to you, but as Christians, God wants us to pray for them," she continues.  "Right now, let's take the opportunity to pray together for those who hurt you.  I don't want you to take this prayer lightly.  This prayer should be asking blessings upon those people, not curses. I'll begin.   

"Dear God, I  have this group of young ladies with me tonight, and I just want to ask you to support them.  I know that many, if not all, are facing bullies and brats in several places, and they may not have the emotional strength to deal with insults.  Each of them will ask you for help in their lives, and I hope that they will receive the courage to pray for those mean people.  Selene, why don't you start."


"At school, there is a girl in my class who doesn't like anyone," Selene says, "and she just might be lonely. She lashes out when anyone tries to be nice to her, and won't accept any birthday invitations.  I think that she is hurt inside, and she doesn't know how to deal with it.  May she find someone who understands her, and may that person become her friend."


Laura nods in approval, and calls on Samantha.


"God, I know this isn't a bad thing," Samantha prays, "but I'm short.  People don't always view my height in a polite way, and they make bad jokes about it.  There's a kid named Zander who just won't quit teasing me.  He and some of his friends keep on laughing about my height. Once, they even put my books on a really high shelf, just so I couldn't get the books down.  These boys may be mocking my height just because that's the kind of person they are, but may they please change and realize that the exterior isn't all there is to a person."


Marissa is next and she almost whispers, "My house is by a mansion, and a girl lives there whose name is Janine.  She teases me because my house is small, and my dad is out of a job.  I know that my parents are hard working and loving, but Janine doesn't really care.  Just because I can't afford to buy really cute clothes, she consistently calls me a "hobo" and "street kid", and doesn't show any signs of letting up.  I have two requests: That Janine would view me as an equal, and that my family will get some spare cash."


A few more girls share their prayers, then it's my turn. "There are four girls at school," I begin, "who are rich, popular, and everything a girl could want.  They seem to have everything going for them, and for some reason, hate my guts. I don't know what I've done to make them hate me so much, but may they realize that I'm not a bad person.  I don't want them as my friends, but may they at least respect me."


After two more girls go, Laura closes the prayer, and loops us back towards the church. "This week's challenge is to continue to pray for those who are unkind to you, and to actually mean it.  Remember that God will take care of your problem one way or another."

                                                                                                                                                                  

 Chapter 7

Once we are done with our small group, I walk towards my mom's car and think about all  that transpired in the woods, especially what I learned about forgiving my enemies and my prayer about the JMAs.  

On the car ride home, I also can't help wondering about Camp Sweetwood.  I've gone there once for a summer camp, but I've never been there in the fall.  I bet that we'll do trail riding again! Camp Sweetwood also offers kayaking, hiking, birdwatching, survival classes, and sports so I'm sure I won't be bored. Plus, I'm sure my friend Leslie will be there. The two of us have known each other since second grade, when we first met in the Elk Cabin. 

Once at home, I get ready for bed and try to fall asleep, but the question of whether or not I can truly forgive the JMAs when I see them again, especially when they resume their rotten behavior towards me, makes me toss and turn.  In the morning, my alarm wakes me up, and I feel like I've gotten just five minutes of sleep.

I race through breakfast and am ready for school in about half an hour. As I walk to the bus stop, I take time to take in the nice weather and make a mental note to get outside after school to ride my bike. 

Kira gets to the bus stop a few minutes after me, and I tell her about Camp Sweetwood. 

"I wish I could go," she half whines, "but I have a piano recital Saturday morning."

I also tell her about last night's Bible study at church and that I've decided that we shouldn't try to take revenge on the JMAs.  She seems confused, but the thing I like about Kira is that she just goes with the flow. Personally, I don't think she really wants to waste any time on plotting against Veronica anyhow.

Kira and I meet Chelsea on the bus, and I relate the same information to her. 

"It's fine by me," Chelsea shrugs, "but I was kind of looking forward to sticking toads in their lockers."

"That does send me an interesting mental image," I concede. 

I can tell Kira sees a funny picture in her mind also, because she starts smiling. I, on the other hand, start laughing. I just can't resist the thought of the JMAs all shrieking in unison, disgusted at our little lumpy friends. 

"Yeah, but we still aren't doing it," Kira reminds us, and I agree. 

The big black limo is already in the parking lot when we reach school, and I do my best to walk to class without smacking Veronica's smug face. 

"Wonder what's got her so happy," Chelsea whispers. 

Once we get to Ms. Anders' room, Veronica, Serina, Angela, and Vanessa walk to the front of the class. 

"We have some special news," Serina begins.

"Wow, could've guessed that much," I respond mentally.

"My family is hosting a fund-raiser party at our house," Veronica smiles, "and all of you are invited to come. We will be serving a dinner buffet for $5 each person, catered graciously by Biaggi's."

Great, just another way for Veronica to show what a "wonderful" and "generous" person she is. However, the JMAs aren't done yet.

"Also," Angela continues, "each of our families has donated several clothing items, household utensils, and decorations to be auctioned off. All proceeds will go to a swimming pool for our school."

"This is a formal event, so please dress accordingly," Vanessa finishes, and the four of them march back to their desks.

It's all I can do to keep myself from rolling my eyes at the way they bounce around the rest of the school day. I hear several people panting over their "amazing philanthropic ideas" and "kind and compassionate motive". Goodness gracious, familiar with Veronica's desire to be the center of attention, I can see through her ploy: To get even more of the staff members to adore her.

                                                                                                                                                                  

Chapter 8

The week drags on and on, and I am jumping out of my shoes with excitement.  I yank my duffel bag out of my closet Friday afternoon. "I'm going to Sweeeeetwoooooood!" I sing as I dance around my room, pulling clothes out of drawers, and folding them into the bag. Checking the packing list that was e-mailed to my mom, I throw in some bug spray, a poncho, sunglasses, and a hat. 

My German Shepherd puppy, Comanche, pops his head into my room. I run over to him. "I'm going to Sweeeeeeetwooooood!" I shout to him, gathering him in my arms. He squirms and jumps out of my grasp. I think I scared him...

Once everything is packed, I jump into my mom's car, and we begin the 45 minute drive to Camp Sweetwood.

I flip my cell phone open and send an IM to Leslie.

JustJess: U there?

LesstheBest: 4ever n ever, buddy.

JustJess: Will u b @ camp this weekend?

LesstheBest: Yep. Hope we're in same cabin!

JustJess: ditto. Can't wait 2 c u again!

LesstheBest: We get to do trail riding, hiking, volleyball, swimming, oh mama, it'll b great!

JustJess: All without your annoying little brother.

LesstheBest: Haven't forgotten about him, have ya? He's still hyper as ever, but mom's hoping to keep him sane for the weekend. I think the Horsts are taking him to Waterland.

JustJess: That's a relief. C u in 40 mins.

LesstheBest: U too. Bye.

I end the conversation with Leslie and lay my head back in my chair. My cell phone vibrates, and I think it's Leslie with one more thing to say. The screen says that there's a text from an unknown contact. Great,just what I need. I open the message and it says:

You'll really wish that your mom didn't sign you up for Sweetwood. It's Veronica, and you're going down so hard it'll be a disaster. :)

I immediately add the number into my contacts to make sure I know the number.  What's the saying, keep your friends close but your enemies closer?  I reply,

No I won't. If I'm going down, I'm dragging you with me. Don't you DARE touch a hair on my head or you'll get kicked out.

Verronicahhh: They would NEVER kick out the daughter of their top sponsor, little chickadee.

JustJess: Ya wanna bet? BTW, this is one mad chickadee ur talkin 2.

Verronicahhh: At least I've got the money TO bet with.

JustJess: You will so wish you didn't say that.

I close the IM chat and block Veronica before the argument escalates any further.  I suddenly remember what Laura told us during small groups.  I bow my head and pray that Veronica was lying about going to Camp Sweetwood. 

Once our car pulls up in front of the check- in lodge, I jump out of the car and grab my duffel and sleeping bag.  Leslie is sitting on one of the couches with her mom.  She notices me, and we bound over to each other.  

"I'm in Whippoorwill cabin," she says to me, "and I hope you are, also!"

I nod vigorously, "Me, too."

I look through the crowd, and sure enough, there's snobgirl.  She gives me an evil little grin.  Leslie looks in the same direction and asks, "Who's she?"

"A snob from school," I sigh, "Just try to ignore her."

Finally, my mom and I are at the front of the line.  She signs me in. The lady at the desk begins, "You are in Cabin..."

Whippoorwill, whippoorwill, whippoorwill, I think.

"Whippoorwill," the lady finishes. 

"Yes!" Leslie and I squeal.  

 The two of us bound out of the check-in lodge after saying goodbye to our moms, and trot towards the cabins.  I pull out our schedule.

"Hey!" I exclaim, "We're going on a birdwatching hike first!" 

Leslie smiles in response.  

We push open the door of our cabin. There are five bunks lined up against one wall.  The doors to the two bathrooms are right across the room.  Since we're the first ones there, we set our stuff on two top bunks next to  each other.  I start unfolding my sleeping bag and smooth it across the mattress. 

"It's good to be here," Leslie sighs in content.  I echo her sigh and flop down on the bunk, elated to be back at Sweetwood. 

                                                                                                                                                                 

Chapter 9

Leslie and I smile as we stare up at the ceiling. 

"Tell me more about the snob queen," Leslie says.

"You probably remember that I complained to you about bullies last year," I begin. When she nods, I continue, "She's the leader of the JMAs. She texted me while I was in the car." 

I open my cell phone and go to "recent conversations". Leslie starts glaring at the screen. 

"I really wouldn't want to see you with laser vision," I snicker.

She smiles innocently at me, "Don't worry, Veronica's the only one I'll roast." 

A few more girls walk into the cabin and start unpacking.

The noise level escalates in the cabin as more girls walk in and start chatting. Eventually, Leslie and I decide to leave. We pull our tennis shoes on and walk outside. 

"We're supposed to meet our guide at the Bird House," Leslie says as we jog down the path leading away from the cabins.  We head towards a small house with light blue paint. A carefully decorated sign up front says, "Welcome to the world of Aves".

Since we don't need to go in for another ten minutes, Leslie and I sit in the grass and lean back to back.  I pull three thick and long pieces of grass out of the ground and start braiding them together. Leslie does the same and we tie the ends.  Every year, we make grass bracelets for each other. I really don't know why, it's just kind of a friendship tradition.  

We join a group of girls walking into the Bird House and sit down inside. Just like the last time we were here, the house is one large room that has various shelves of gadgets for birdwatching.  Most of the wall is covered in posters.  Ben, the birdwatching guide, is sitting on one of the chairs positioned around the room and everyone else sits down. 

"Welcome back to Sweetwood!" he starts. "I remember all of you from last year's summer, and I'm glad that you're back. For today's hike, each of you will need a pair of binoculars. Caroline, Tess, Andrea, Katrina, and Natasha can each get a bird caller. Remember, they're the gadgets with different bird calls downloaded onto a card.  Leslie, Sandie, Marina, and April can get a pocket guide. Let's go!"

Our group walks out of the bird house and up the trail behind it.  The air is cool and crisp and I am already enjoying myself.  Ben starts telling us about the birds that live around here. 

"Right there!" he says, referring to a song that sounds like Phoebe, phoebe, phoebe! "That's a phoebe bird. As you might have guessed, this little one is named after its call so you should be able to remember it."

We catch sight of a little bird flitting through the trees that has a grayish body and a brown body and head.  For a minute, I can pretend that Veronica doesn't exist because I am too busy looking at the birds.

                                                                                                                                                                  

 Chapter 10

Once the birdwatching hike is over, we head to the mess hall. Leslie holds the door open for me, and we walk inside. The food hasn't been set out on the buffet table yet, so Leslie and I sit down at the Whippoorwill table. A girl I remember from last year, Marina, sits by us and strikes up a conversation.

"How's your school year been so far?" she asks. 

I shrug vaguely while Leslie answers, "It has been okay. It's only the first week of school, and I'm already bored with math." 

I cock my eyebrow, "What, they're making you review fractions?"

"Worse," Leslie replies. "We're talking multiplication tables. I can't believe my school! At least a third of the kids in 7th grade don't understand the concept of cubing a number."

"That's cold," Marina says with sympathy. "Aren't there any advanced classes you can take?"

"Nope," Leslie sighs. "Apparently I'm not qualified to take them. The principal still has to decide if I qualify to take 8th grade level."

Veronica strides over to our table. "Hey there, chickadees," she sneers. 

"Um, it's the Whippoorwills," Marina corrects, completely missing Veronica's point. 

"Hey there, doorknob," I greet back. To Marina, I say, "Trust me, she doesn't mean it like that."

"Are you even supposed to be over here?" Leslie questions. 

"I'm just here to greet Jessica to Sweetwood, where the losers get weeded out," she says over her shoulder.

"If that were true, you'd have been long gone," Leslie calls back.

"Lay off," I shrug, "Veronica won't let up. Ever."

                                                                                                                                                                 

 Chapter 11

Leslie shrugs, and says, "If you say so."

"Anyway," Marina says, frowning in Veronica's direction, "I hope they're serving spaghetti tonight. They have the best sauce."

"And the best meatballs," I put in, "The cook makes awesome meatballs."

Some of the counselors walk out of the kitchen and set a bunch of platters down on the buffet table. Most of the kids in the Mess Hall spring up from the tables, but Ben holds up a hand. "I figured this would happen, so meals will work the same way they do during summer camp. I will dismiss each table one at a time, based on how clean the cabins are. Some of the other counselors walked through the cabins while you were at your first activity and ranked each cabin from cleanest to dirtiest. So, our first cabin to eat is...  Redwood Cabin."

Veronica and the rest of her cabin stand up. I groan. Of course, the Redwood Cabin is the most luxurious one. It's even got a jacuzzi in the bathroom! All this pampering doesn't come without a price, and only the girls from rich snooty families get in. Their parents have enough money to buy all sorts of extra organizers and baskets for the Redwoods, so their cabin is practically sparkling all the time. 

"Next up," Ben continues, snapping me out of my envy session, "is... Whippoorwill Cabin."

"Yes!" some of the girls smile to themselves. Marina, Leslie, and I jump up from our table. While I get in line, Veronica walks over to me.

"Wow, I'm surprised," she smirks, "I thought that a bunch of slobs like you would have a dirtier room."

"I'd think that a bunch of--" Leslie starts, but I elbow her. I shake my head. By now,Veronica has bounced back to her own table and starts eating with her friends. Marina comes up behind us, and the three of us walk back to our table together.

                                                                                                                                                                  

Chapter 12

Leslie chews thoughtfully on a carrot. "Again, why are you preventing me from punching Veronica's brains out?"

I finish chewing on my salad and reply "One, because the brains that she have are so measly that it isn't worth it, and two, because that would cause serious issues. Like, her father suing you or the camp for a bazillion bucks."

Leslie scowls at her spaghetti. 

"We have the night hike at 8:30," Marina says, breaking up the conversation. "I hear Summer tells really good ghost stories."

"So not my style," Leslie frowns. "I don't like being scared at night."

"Meh, tomato tomahto," I shrug, "They don't scare me too much and I know they aren't real anyhow."

The three of us go back to eating our meal. Once we're done, Leslie checks her watch. "About one more hour until we have to meet Summer at the HQ building. Whaddya want to do?"

"We can play a board game with the rest of our cabin," Marina suggests, "That's an after dinner routine." 

I agree, and we walk back to the cabin with the rest of our table. 

Once we're back to our cabin, we decide to vote for a game. "I'll tally up the scores," I say. 

"Your choices are Monopoly, Clue, Yahtzee, Apples to Apples, or Scene It," I announce, reading down the shelf of games. 

The winner is Monopoly so a few of us set it up on the center table. Everyone sits in a circle around the game. 

"Now, who wants to be banker?" I ask. Leslie, Rose, Haley, and Brianna raise their hands. They do rock paper scissors for the role, and Rose wins. 

Everyone picks their pieces, and the game begins.

                                                                                                                                                                  

Chapter 13

We all take turns moving our Monopoly pieces.  Suddenly, my cell phone buzzes right after my turn.  I open up the screen.  I feel my face darken.  Somehow, Veronica got past my cell phone security block.  "Umm..." I mutter, "I have to go to the bathroom."

I dash into one of the bathrooms and read the message:

Verronicahhh: Haha. Got through your block. Luckeh for me, Kylia knows lots about hacking.

JustJess:What's your problem?

Verronicahhh: I might ask the same thing of you.

JustJess: *clears throat* I'm not the one being a total stalker, am I?

Verronicaah: Just watch out for the night hike, chickadee.

JustJess: Chew on THIS-  

Verronicahhh: Why am I warning you? Never mind. See you at the night hike. ;)

JustJess: Go away.

I roll my eyes and walk back out of the bathroom. When I sit back down, Leslie whispers to me, "You're really bad at faking. It was Veronica, wasn't it?"

I nod quietly, and get back to the board game.

After a while of playing Monopoly, we count our money. Out of all of us, Marina has the most money so she's the winner. 

Everyone sprays on their bug spray, and we walk outside for the night hike. There are two other cabins on this hike with us- Redwood and Bison.  Now, Veronica's threat is becoming more apparent- she's going to do something during the night hike. I stare at the back of her head. When she meets my gaze, she gives me an evil grin.

As Ben leads us out into the woods, I make sure to stay extra close to Marina and Leslie. The only problem with this plan is that Veronica is right behind me. When we get to an especially dark area, I feel arms grab me and push  me into the bushes. 

"What the hay are you doing?" I say, and try to elbow Veronica as she and two other Redwood girls drag me through the bushes. 

She clamps a hand over me. Smooth, I think to myself, just smooth.

                                                                 

Chapter 14

I glare at Veronica when she and her girls dump me in a clearing. 

"You know, you really aren't good at this James Bond stuff," I say coldly, gesturing to the trail of crushed branches she has left behind. 

When I don't get a respond, I continue, "So, what point are you trying  to get across? That you have a bunch of other snooty girls that you can push around? 'Cause if that's what you're trying to tell me, then I'll just go back to the group since I know that already."

"This is your fault," Veronica hisses at me. 

I cock an eyebrow, "MY fault? How so? I don't go gallivanting off with a bunch of toadies to drag random girls out into the bushes at," I check my watch, "say, 8:45?"

Veronica stops talking, seemingly surprised. A few seconds of silence pass between the four of us, when one of the other Redwood girls speaks up, "Because you're the one who steals all the boys from her!" 

"WHAT?" I practically screech, "You hauled me all the way out here to discuss her love life?"

Veronica narrows her eyes at me, "Plus, you always have your own little group of goody-two-shoes girls that you hang out with."

I am completely confused as she lists all of my "offenses" that I've apparently committed.

"Okay, let's start with stealing boys," I interrupt, "Personally, I don't care about the billions of boys you chase after.  I would rather stick a needle in my arm than go on a date."

"They seem to like you well enough," Veronica retorts, "Haven't you noticed the looks half the boys have been shooting you? The way Eric offered to catch a ball that Angela threw at you? Are you totally blind?"

I blink. For one, Eric is just a guy who participates in dodge ball, and it really wasn't a big deal that he wanted to catch the ball for me. 

"You're just reading too far into everything." I shrug, "If you really want Eric that badly, he's all yours. I really don't have a clue what you're talking about."

Veronica heaves a sigh almost like she's sad. "Corrine, May, you can go."

Now the two of us are alone. 

"You owe me an explanation," I say to Veronica.

                                                                                                                                                                  

Chapter 15

There is a really long and awkward silence between Veronica and me. During this period, all sorts of thoughts swirl around in my mind. I think of slapping Veronica in her pretty make up doused face, but that's not what Laura was talking to us about last Wednesday. 

Plan B is to give Veronica  a good tongue lashing.  I'm pretty sure she's never had one in that fancy spoiled household of hers. Come to think about it, maybe that's not such a good idea, either.

I repeat Matthew 5:43-44 in my head over and over again. You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. At the moment, that's easier said than done.

Veronica breaks the silence, "What's your problem?" After all that contemplation, is that the best thing she'll say to me?  

You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ I think.

"Boy snatcher," she adds.  But I tell you, love your enemies "Goody two shoes."  and pray for those "Nerd." who persecute you. 

By now, she's really grating on my nerves. Before I can think, it's like a dam explodes. "You know what? I'm not the one with problems, you spoiled, bratty, devilish rich kid!" I spit out. Veronica looks back at me with big innocent eyes. Ha-ha, you're not fooling me. "And what's the deal with this boy snatcher thing? Know why none of the boys are chasing you? It's cause you're such a snot that no one wants to be your friend! You just brag about everything you have and step on other people to reach the top! Here's a fact of life, you prima donna- in the long run, your cash, diamond jewelry, designer clothes, and your mansion won't get you anywhere! I don't even think your maid will be of any help either!" 

I stop to catch my breath. Oh goodness, I've really overdone it, haven't I? I just totally disregarded everything Laura told us on Wednesday. So much for loving enemies. I'm over the deep end. That rant has really sealed my doom. 

The only sound is some crickets down by the creek. Veronica is staring at me with big eyes, and I think she's still trying to work the "Oh, I'm so helpless! Why did you hurt me so badly?" look, but regardless of my state of hysteria, it's not doing anything to my blood pressure.

I would think she would scream right back at me, shout, even throw something at me. Instead, she does what I would least expect of her- Veronica, the high and mighty queen of seventh grade, bursts out crying. 

All I can think about is, Did I really have to do that?   

                                                                                                                                                                  

 Chapter 16

I sit in silence as Veronica starts to calm down. She mumbles it so quietly I can barely hear her- "I'm sorry." 

"Are you?" I ask. 

"I realize I've been annoying," she concedes, "but you don't understand what's been going on. Serina, Angela, Vanessa, and I have had a rocky relationship. Each one of us wants to be the most popular girl in school."

Here we go again, I think.

"I've never really had true and sincere friends that won't tell my secrets to make me look bad," Veronica continues, "but you've had great friends ever since elementary school. It's only this year that Serina, Angela, and Vanessa have started trying to dethrone me."

I cock an eyebrow, "Oh, really? Cause you four seemed pretty chummy just a few days ago when you welcomed me back to school by HATING me!"

"That's what it seems, but none of us really like each other as much as it seems. I guess the only reason why they like me is because I'm popular, and by hanging out with me, it makes them popular, too," Veronica shrugs, "Once one of them become queen of middle school, I'll be dumped quicker than you can blink."

I ponder this. So it's true-- Veronica really doesn't have real friends. I wonder what that's like- never knowing whether your girls will hug you or stab you. Maybe popularity isn't so awesome all the time.

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but why is it that you have perfect friends and I don't?" Veronica says timidly.

Well, I've just seen the most popular girl in seventh grade have a nervous breakdown, I think, I think I'm prepared for anything. I reply, "We don't have a perfect friendship. I really don't think there's such a thing. And when we fight, we don't get other people involved. Our arguments always blow over and we're closer afterwards."

"But why doesn't anyone like me?" Veronica almost shouts.

"I'm sure there are people in our school who like you," I quickly say, "but it's just a matter of finding them. Also, there are two kinds of popular girls. There are the ones who climb on others to get to the top and push down those who might steal their place, and there are the ones who are nice to others and are at the top simply because people are drawn to them. I'm not accusing you of anything, but you might want to think which kind you are. The second type is the one to aim for."

Veronica sits in silence and replies, "Thanks." She turns to leave.

"Oh, and Veronica?" I ask, "I really hope we've come to terms now. I won't bother you and you won't bother me, okay?"

I sense her hesitation before she says, "Deal."

If she'd said that a few hours ago, I might not have believed her. But I think that maybe she'll become a nicer person. Maybe even let go of her popular girl mask. 

As my mom always told me when I was little and got impatient, "Let's wait and see." I don't think I'll have to wait long for Veronica to change for the better. 

Now, those designer clothes don't seem like a big deal to make me feel more grown up. I think I've done a little growing up just now, and so has Veronica. 

THE END

p.s. To all my readers, thank you for reading this story. I hope you enjoyed Jessica's adventure! But trust me, this isn't the end of my blog stories! Not by a long shot... :)