What If... All the Rumors Were True by Liz Ruckdeschel Page A

books I have to carry? It’ll just tear again. I think I need a new bag.” Joan frowned. “I’ll pay for part of it myself,” Haley offered. “With my summer babysitting money.”
    That clinched it. “I guess…,” Joan said, finally worn down. “I’ll run you over to the mall after supper tonight.”
    Which was how they ended up roaming through stores that evening, in spite of Joan’s complaints.
    â€œI’ve had that backpack for three years, Mom. And I’ll probably have this bag for three more. This is not an extravagant purchase,” Haley rationalized. She was all for her mother’s social justice and environmental awareness, but sometimes a bag was just a bag—something you needed to carry your stuff in. Or was it?
    Joan went off to look for a new business suit—work clothes used to win cases against corporate polluters being exempt from her anticonsumerist stance—while Haley browsed the accessories aisles. She saw several bags she liked, but she had only enough money for one. It was so hard to decide. There was a snappy white patent leather purse with a hip late-sixties vibe, perfect for an artsy, individual type like Irene Chen. Then there was a versatile black satchel, a timeless classic that would fit well in Coco De Clerq’s wardrobe. The peach suede purse looked girlish and safe, like something Annie Armstrong would wear. And finally, Haley was tempted by a red-trimmed canvas tote, which was sporty and fun and reminded her of Sasha. Haley looked at the bags over and over. The school year was still young, and she wasn’t quite sure what kind of bag she’d need. Which one would suit her junior-year persona?

    What will it be? The bag Haley chooses now will determine her path for this, the most important of school years. Should Haley assert her artsy individuality? Have her buy the white patent leather bag and send her to try out for the play on "ACTING COACH" . Maybe you think the canvas tote would be best. If so, go to the soccer game "FANCY FOOTWORK" . To stick with the academic, college-bound set, it’s the peach suede purse and the debate team all the way "IT’S DEBATABLE" . Or maybe you think Haley should opt for the elegant black satchel, in which case, CASTING CALL .
    You are what you eat? Maybe. You are what you wear? For sure—at least while you’re wearing it. Or carrying it, as the case may be.

OPEN MIKE

    Unlike at karaoke night, tone-deaf people are not welcome to take the stage at an open mike.
    â€œI should not even be here,” Reese Highland said as the gang trooped into Drip, the local coffeehouse, for Wednesday-afternoon Open Mike. “I’ve booked up my life with every possible activity, and even my homework has homework.”
    â€œTell me about it,” Haley groaned. “SAT prep is killing me. It’s those endless practice tests, on top of soccer and everything.”
    â€œAt least you don’t have to round up a pack of clueless freshman klutzes and try to turn them into a passable cheerleading squad,” Cecily Watson complained. “Have you seen this year’s newbies? They’re about as graceful as a herd of Clydesdales.”
    Eager to see Sasha debut her new songs at Open Mike, they all settled at tables in front of the stage and ordered coffees. Haley found herself in a crew with Cecily, now captain of the cheerleading squad; Cecily’s boyfriend, football star Drew Napolitano; Sasha’s rocker boy, Johnny Lane; and Reese. Still, the whole excursion had sounded like more fun than it was turning out to be. Everybody was so stressed about preparing for college that they couldn’t seem to relax.
    â€œThose girls are wearing me out,” Cecily said. “I’m losing my pep. My pep, people! Though it would help if we had something to cheer about.” She cast a sidelong glance at Drew.
    â€œHey, I’m doing what I can,”