* * * * *
Claudia proceeded down the hallway, waiting for a piano or an anvil to drop out of the sky on top of her head, like she'd seen in old cartoons. She definitely thought the day was cursed and was reminded of Garfield's sentiments, "Do it to me now, Monday, get it over with." At least she could look forward to a good time at the Valentine Dance.
Due to an amazing stroke of good fortune, Caera and Claudia had each received a package in the mail the day before from their maternal grandfather and had torn into it eagerly, thinking of all the wonderful surprises he'd sent in the past. Inside were two beautiful dresses that were no doubt intended to be for Easter but which they were going to wear that evening, anyway. Just thinking about them brightened the day's prospects.
Claudia and Caera were nearing their lockers (one was located right next to the other) when they noticed that Ana was already there waiting for them.
"Hi guys." She waved as they approached. "How are you feeling about the dance tonight? Are you looking forward to it?"
"Yeah, you bet. Brian likes to be in the center of things, so at least I know my evening won't be dull."
"That'd be about right," Claudia laughed, "but what about me? I betcha Corey Richardson will forsake me for his beloved snack table all evening. I hope you have a good time, Ana, going with Justin Porter."
"Me too, guys, but.. I have a feeling I'm gonna get grilled by his sister, Amy, about the treasure every five minutes."
"Oh well, we're committed." Claudia laughed when she saw her sister and Ana pretending to be loonies from the funny farm and worked her locker combination to get her books for the morning.