"I'm sure we wouldn't be in all of the same classes," she says wearily.

"You're missing my point."

"What? That you're committing career suicide?" Liz frowns. "Besides, your parents said you have to shoot a movie this summer."

"I don't want to act this summer," I remind her, trying not to whine. "I want some time to think. School would be that real break I need from Sky and Hollywood. I need this, Liz. The press tour won't bother me so much if I have school as a distraction. And then when school is over, and my press stuff is done, I would be refreshed for the new season of FA. Maybe Sky wouldn't get to me so much if I didn't have to deal with her for a while."

She rubs her temples. I think I'm giving her a migraine.

"Liz?" I say quietly. "Say something."

"Ugh ... FINE." She slams her hands down on the table, almost toppling my soda. "I think you're crazy, but I'll help you."

I jump up and give her a huge hug, practically knocking her over. We both start laughing wildly, causing the people at the booths around us to stare.

"Besides," I hear her muffled voice as I squeeze her tightly, "I'm the least of your problems. You've got to break the news to Laney and your parents first."

Oh yeah. I forgot about that part. I let go of my best friend and nervously start biting my lower lip again.

"You can do it." Liz changes her tune. "You've just got to find the right time and place to tell them."

"You mean somewhere public where they can't kill me," I comment wryly.

"You know where you have to tell them then." She grins. "At your premiere."

I look at her like she's crazy, but then I quickly realize she's right. The Off-Key premiere party will be loud, so reporters won't overhear us talking, and we'll be around people so Laney and my parents can't cause a big scene. I stare at Liz in awe. "You're brilliant, do you know that?"

"I can't believe it took you so long to realize that yourself." She slides over the garlic knot basket. "Now take a knot to celebrate your first step towards independence."

I grab the garlic-y dough out of the greasy basket and happily take a huge bite. For once, I don't worry about what Mom would think.

Four: Sleepless w Hollywood

After pizza, I call Mom and tell her I'm sleeping over at Liz's house. I am so excited that I want to get right to work on my "major downgrade," as Liz is referring to my makeunder. So far we've decided three things. I jot them down on my Sidekick:

Saturday 2/21

NOTES TO SELF ABOUT DISGUISE:

1. Rubber masks rock (Perfect example: Robin Williamsin Mrs. Doubtfire). Sadly, they won't work 4 me. All that latex and glue would B horribly uncomfortable, not 2 mention 2 hard 2 rip off if I had 2 outrun the paparazzi.