Thea at Sixteen by Susan Beth Pfeffer Page B

over the lipstick to Gina, and then grabbed it back. “It still has its price on it,” she explained. She unpeeled the sticker, and gave the lipstick to Gina.
    â€œIt is red,” Gina said, twisting it open. “What do you think, Kip?”
    â€œIt’s lovely,” he said. “Do you want to put some on?”
    â€œCan I?” Gina asked.
    â€œI don’t see why not,” Kip said.
    â€œI wish I had a mirror,” Gina said. “So I could put it on better.”
    â€œI have one,” Claire said, and she whipped a mirror out of her pocketbook. She handed it to Gina, until it became obvious Gina couldn’t manage both the lipstick and the mirror. Claire took the mirror back then, and held it so Gina could see her reflection.
    Gina carefully applied the lipstick. It was appallingly red, and it made Gina look all the paler. “How do I look?” Gina asked. “Older?”
    â€œMuch older,” Kip said. “Thank you, Sybil.”
    â€œWhy are you thanking her?” Claire asked. “Do you intend to wear it, Kip?”
    Kip and Gina both laughed. Thea could see then how much they looked alike, what Gina would have grown up to look like if things had been better.
    â€œDani wears makeup,” Gina said. “Lots of it.”
    â€œI know,” Claire said. “She wears it really well, too. Some girls just cover their faces with it, and they don’t know what they’re doing, but Dani wears just the right amount and colors. I wish I could do that, but Nicky and Megs say I’m too young. Next year they say.”
    â€œYou don’t need makeup,” Kip said. “Neither does Gina. You’re both natural beauties.”
    â€œMen,” Claire said to Gina. “They think that’s a compliment.” She and Gina shared a smile.
    â€œUh, Claire, now that Kip’s here, maybe you and Sybil should get going,” Thea declared. “We don’t want to tire Gina out with too much company.”
    â€œWould you like us to stay a little longer, Gina?” Claire asked.
    â€œThanks, Claire, but Thea’s right,” Kip said. “Natural beauties shouldn’t get overstimulated.”
    â€œAll right,” Claire said with a sigh. “Come on, Sybil. We’re being kicked out.”
    â€œI know,” Sybil said. “I hope you like the lipstick, Gina.”
    â€œI love it,” Gina said. “Thank you, Sybil. Thank you, Claire.”
    â€œYou’re welcome,” Claire said. She gathered her things and got up to leave. “Oh, Kip,” she said. “Nicky and Megs were both saying how much they’d like to meet you, too. Why don’t you come over for supper one day this week?”
    â€œThank you,” Kip said. “Are you sure?”
    â€œOf course I’m sure,” Claire said. “Today’s Monday. How’s Wednesday?”
    â€œOh, please go, Kip,” Gina said. “Then you can tell me all about their house.”
    Kip smiled. “Fine,” he said. “I’ll see you on Wednesday then.”
    â€œGreat,” Claire said. “Come on, Sybil. Let’s give these people some peace and quiet.”
    â€œI’m coming,” Sybil said, and she followed Claire out.
    â€œThat was wonderful,” Gina said. “Thank you, Thea.”
    â€œYou’re welcome,” Thea said. “They wanted to meet you, too.”
    â€œClaire is so beautiful,” Gina said. “Isn’t she, Kip?”
    Kip nodded. “She’s the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen,” he replied.
    Thea was used to hearing that about Claire, but it annoyed her anyway. “Sybil’s beautiful, too,” she said. “Or she will be when she gets older.” She turned suddenly to face Gina, with her mouth blood red and no chance at growing older, and wished she were anywhere but there.
    Kip looked stricken also, and Thea realized how painful it