To Have and to Hold Read Free Page B

from baby-sitting,” Madison said. “I can’t afford a real gift.”
    “There’s a major sale at the Far Hills Shoppes next weekend,” Aimee said.
    “But I’m leaving for Texas before then,” Madison said.
    “Why don’t you make something?” Fiona suggested.
    “Like what?” Madison asked.
    “Make one of your cool collages,” Fiona said. “Write something on it, like a poem. You’re good at that.”
    “That’s a killer idea!” Aimee cheered. She danced around a little more and picked up another one of the blooms from the lawn. “You could put flowers in your collage, too!”
    Madison thought about the suggestion. And the longer she thought, the more she liked it. A collage was a perfect way to tell Dad and Stephanie her feelings about them, the wedding, and the future.
    “Lunch is served!” Mom announced, reappearing outside the house. She carried a tray of sandwiches, and some chips and juice. Phin trotted out behind her, a rawhide doggy bone in his jaws.
    Aimee, Fiona, and Madison gathered to eat together under a maple tree in the backyard. After eating the sandwiches, they nibbled on some of Mom’s oatmeal-cookie crisps. Then they finished the planting and hosed down their handiwork. Transplanted flowers needed an extra-good soaking, Mom said.
    It was nearly six o’clock by the time Aimee and Fiona left. The sun was still shining, and no one seemed tired. It had been a productive—and supportive—afternoon for Madison and her friends.
    After saying goodbye, Madison headed inside to wash up. She wanted to check her e-mail, too. Sure enough, the mailbox was blinking. Her keypal had written back.
From: Bigwheels
    To: MadFinn
    Subject: Re: The Countdown Has Begun
    Date: Fri 12 July 4:36 PM
    Sorry I wasn’t home when u wrote b4, I wish we could have chatted online! I was babysitting my stupid brother and sister who r driving me bananas. Mom thinks I should watch them all summer long. Can u believe that? But she sez she’ll pay me. That’s cool.
    Is ur Dad’s wedding really in one week??? R u really traveling all the way to Texas? I know u said ur having 2nd thoughts but it sounds exciting 2 me. Don’t forget 2 bring ur laptop so u can write to me the whole time ur there, ok?
    I was thinking u should get a long dress in a pale color like sherbet or something. Does that sound weird? I saw one in the Boop-Dee-Doop catalog that I loved. You could wear it with their platforms--the ones with the crossover straps by the toe.
    All ur emails about weddings make me wish that I were in love too. I wish I was still talking 2 Reggie. He’s away now for the whole summer. I’ve never really been in love. Have u seen Hart lately? What did he say when u told him you were going to a wedding?
    GTG. My sister is pulling on me to go play in the sprinklers. Please WBS. Isn’t tomorrow that big pool party u told me about? HAGT!!!
    Yours till the swim suits,
    Bigwheels aka Vicki
    Madison hit SAVE so she could reread Bigwheels’s e-mail again later.
    Then she ducked into her closet to plan an outfit for Drew’s pool party.

Chapter 3
    M ADISON TUGGED AT HER blue cargo Capri pants. She’d loved them in the store and hanging in her closet, but now she wasn’t sure if they made her waist look too pudgy.
    “Maddie! Aimee and Fiona are waiting downstairs!” Mom called up to Madison’s bedroom.
    Drat !
    The pants would have to stay, Madison thought with panic, as she threw other piles of unfolded clothing and rejected outfits back into the closet. She quickly decided on a pale yellow top to match the pants and yanked it on over her one-piece bathing suit. Then Madison shoved a towel and flip-flops into her bag, along with the latest copy of Star Beat magazine. She was dying to show Aimee and Fiona the cover article about the twenty-five hottest teen stars in Hollywood.
    Phin followed Madison downstairs.
    “Call you later, okay, Mom?” Madison said as she whisked past her mother and leaned over to kiss Phin