Lauren shrugs. "Wait till the bill comes in to tell her. That's what I do."

"I can't do that," I say, surprised. I put the bag back on the pedestal and stare at it longingly.

"Don't think. Just buy," Ava tells me and takes the bag off the pedestal again and pushes it into my arms. "You work hard. You make money."

"But my mom," I start to say again.

"Forget your mom," Ava insists. She looks at me intently. "This is a great bag and you deserve it, especially with your show going off the air. Buy the bag to cheer yourself up."

Maybe I do deserve a pick-me-up. I look at the bag again. No. I can't do it. Mom will freak. She can make a purchase like this, but if I did it, she'd wig out. "Maybe I'll talk to my mom and if she says it's okay I'll get it then," I say a tad sadly.

Lauren pouts. Ava sighs and shakes her head. "Don't you ever just do what you want to do? I mean, without asking anyone for permission?"

Um. No?

I stare at the bag again and play with one of the zippers. Hmm ... maybe Ava's right. Everyone is always making my decisions for me. I should be able to buy a bag without having to call a meeting. And Mom did say to get whatever I want. The money goes to charity. Besides which, I love this bag. "Okay," I say defiantly. I hand my credit card to the Cinch girl and feel a surge of adrenaline shoot through my body.

The girls squeal in approval. Their loot winds up costing three times more than mine, but neither flinches. When we get back to the table, my Sidekick begins buzzing and I see the message is from Nadine.

FUTUREPREZ: Great news! We got U in2 the Vanity Fair Oscars party! U + 1. Guess we need 2 find U a dress. Congrats! (P.S. Don't forget 2 study 4 my SAT quiz on Monday.)

Oh my God. I got in to the Vanity Fair party! I've never gotten in before and I've always wanted to go. I may have been annoyed with Nadine before, but all is forgiven now. I want to scream, but I don't think it would be appropriate. "I got into the Vanity Fair Oscars party," I tell Lauren and Ava excitedly.

Lauren squeals so loudly that I hear dogs bark next door. "Us too! We have to go dress shopping together."

"Girls, let's celebrate!" Ava lifts her champagne glass to toast. Lauren grabs hers too. I quickly reach for my seltzer and cranberry.

"Hey, girls, smile," a photographer says.

I turn and grin broadly. Today that's not a problem.

Saturday, January 10

NOTE TO SELF:

Date w/A -- tonight @ 8 PM. Tell A great news!

Sunday -- SAT tutor @ 9AM, photo shoot 4 Fever @ 12 PM

Monday, Tuesday -- call time @ 6 AM

*Tues. night. Gina's movie premiere! Red carpet @ 7 PM