Perfect Revenge by K. L. Denman Page A

I laugh with my friends like it was nothing. Of course, they saw the smile. Haley says, “He likes you, Liz. I can tell. He is
so
over Rachel.”
    Rachel, the pathetic wannabe.
    It’s like this. I am in the group of girls who have “it.” We naturally shine. If thegirls in our grade were an eye-shadow palette, my group would be the main color base, the glowing center. The other groups would be the smaller pockets of color, optional extras. Sometimes their colors blend with ours. Rachel’s copycat group is like a beige highlight, useful sometimes— but not necessary. Rachel so wishes she could be part of
us
, like she once was.
    She still gets to talk to us sometimes. She still has access to certain information, like if one of us wants something, she hears about it. So she
knew
about my interest in Kyle, and she had the nerve to move in on him anyway. It was just, like, so wrong of her to do that. This is why I had to do what I did.
    I turn to Haley. “They lasted for, what, five days?”
    She giggles. “If that. Once he heard about you know what, he was done with her.”
    I shrug and say, “Did I mention how nice it is that your Josh is best friends with my Kyle?”
    She nods. “You did mention it. But he’s not
your
Kyle yet, girl.”
    I blink at her. “You know it’s going to happen. You saw his smile. He wants me. And you know he’s in my science class, right?”
    She does an eye roll. “I think you might have told me, like, fifty times.”
    â€œThat is so not the point. It’s just that I think it would be perfect to get him for a lab partner. Any ideas on how I can make that happen?”
    Her brow wrinkles in thought, but then she sighs. “Sorry. The only thing I’ve got is, you ask the teacher for a switch. But then he could stick you with anyone, right? Although...”
    â€œWhat?” I ask.
    Haley arches her brows. “How are your grades in science?”
    It’s my turn to do an eye roll.
    â€œThen how about this. You tell the teacher you need a better partner, someone who’s good at the labs. Kyle is really smart.”
    â€œHe is?” I ask.
    â€œOh yeah, for sure. Didn’t you know that?” Haley blinks a few times, waiting for me to show gratitude for this information. When I merely shrug, she adds, “Josh told me that Kyle gets, like, ninety-five percent on
everything
. He studies really hard.”
    â€œAre you kidding?” I need a moment to consider this. Kyle is cute
and
he’s smart? Do I want a boyfriend who’s smarter than me? Hmmm. On the other hand...I grin at Haley and say, “It’s worth a try, right?”
    Science isn’t until last period. The day drags past—an off day with no more Kyle sightings. When the wait is finally over, I get to class a bit early. As I’m walking in, Rachel is walking out. She says, “Oh. Hey, Lizzie. How’s it going?”
    I give her my widest smile and say, “Great. How’s it going with you?”
    She smiles back. “It’s all good. I’m glad we ran into each other. I have something for you.” She pulls a folded wad of paper from her purse and holds it out.
    â€œWhat’s this?” I ask.
    â€œTake it,” she urges. “It’s a gift. Just to show there’s no hard feelings.”
    I raise my eyebrows. “Hard feelings? Why would there be hard feelings?”
    She shrugs. “No reason. Anyway, I just want to give you this. Here.”
    I have no choice but to take the paper. “Thanks,” I say, as I stuff it into my purse.
    â€œYou’re welcome,” she says. There’s something in her eyes that doesn’t match her smile, and I get a little chill.

chapter two
    The chill from Rachel melts when I spot Kyle on the other side of the lab. He’s early too. I take my seat and gaze in the general direction of the teacher. Mr. Sparks happens to