“I also like the way you gave a compliment, then a criticism, when you were discussing our songs, Allie,” said Reagan. “I think we should have that as a policy for the band. What do you think, girls? Sound good?”

Kasey was nodding. “Totally. I think it will make our songs better if we can be more honest with one another. I’m looking at you, Sierra Perez!”

Sierra laughed and blushed. “What? I don’t want to hurt people’s feelings! Plus, I pretty much love everything.”

Tessa rolled her eyes. “We know! And everyone!”

“Oh, Sierra!” I said. “They feel the same way as Tamiko and I do?”

“About our little social butterfly?” said Reagan, slinging an arm affectionately around Sierra’s neck.

“That’s what we call her too!” I said.

Sierra was laughing; she didn’t mind. “I’m a people person!”

“That, you are!” agreed Kasey.

Sierra and I smiled at each other. I was happy for her that she had this other group of nice girls who “got” her like Tamiko and I did. I was surprised I didn’t feel jealous, but I figured it was because they weren’t territorial about Sierra at all and were so welcoming to me.

“Ready to hit it again, girls?” said Reagan.

I decided it would be a good time for me to depart and let them get their work done. I stood up. Besides, since my mom was still working at Molly’s, I had to take the bus home, and I didn’t want it to get too late.

“This has been so fun and awesome. Thank you so much for letting me sit in on your session. I loved it.” I felt so relaxed and comfortable that I almost hated for it to end, but I didn’t want to overstay on my first time with them.

They protested and would let me go only when I promised to come back again in a week to check their lyrics progress.

Kasey helped me gather my things, and as she handed me my notebook, a piece of paper fluttered out. “Oops!” she said, bending to pick it up. Then she glanced at it as she handed it to me. “Hey! What’s this?” she said. She started to read out loud,

“One is the sun—burning fiercely,

Pulling all to her side.

One is the moon—always moving,

Riding a new tide.

One is fiery gold, electric, loyal, and wild.

The other is cool, silver, bold, and styled.”

I felt my cheeks grow warm as she read. “Oh, haha. It’s just a poem I’ve been working on,” I said, trying to blow it off. “I’ve been playing around with it, but I got stuck on a word and never finished it.”

Reagan smiled as she read it over Kasey’s shoulder. “Pulling all to her side,” she repeated. “Gee, I wonder who that could be—SIERRA!”