We meet Camille at the end of the driveway. She’s wearing a mum the size of a small island around her neck. It is all lit up with flashing white lights and jingles with about a hundred bells when she moves.

“Wow, Bucky did a nice job,” Julian remarks, pulling some of the long ribbons out and examining the baubles that are glued to them.

“He’s probably been planning this mum since kindergarten.” I laugh.

“He did do a good job, right?” Camille smiles down at her mum and fingers the ribbons and glittery tulle. “Wait until you see the garter I made for him! I can’t wait for the dance tomorrow night.”

“Hey, let’s not forget about the real reason we’re wearing these big flowers today.” Julian chuckles. “Let’s kick some Taylor ass tonight before we start worrying about the dance.”

We turn the corner onto Main Street, and Julian grabs my hand and squeezes it. I squeeze back.

“Speaking of, what are our chances of beating Taylor tonight?” Camille asks. “I mean, they did strike first in the prank war this year, and you know what that means.”

“Our prank was ten times better than theirs. That ought to count for something,” Julian says, laughing. “I say we spread a new superstition that whoever does the better prank wins the homecoming game.”

“I think we have a good chance,” I say. “Their defense has no depth, and their quarterback is way too jumpy. He throws the ball without taking a breath because he’s afraid he’s going to get sacked. They’re okay, but there’s no way they’re winning tonight.”

Camille looks at Julian and raises her eyebrows. “Look at Mr. Confident over here.”

“You heard the man. There’s no way they’re winning tonight,” he says, winking at me.

I glance over at the garter on Julian’s arm. I’ve glued a couple of tiny pigs to the bottom of one of the ribbons.

“How’s Frankie doing? Is she coming tonight?” Camille asks about halfway to school. She’s holding the mum away from her neck now, as if it’s already become too heavy to let hang.

“She likes her classes,” I say. “The school told her she’ll be done with the CNA program and be able to start working at Crenshaw County General in just a few months. She’s talking about moving into an apartment of her own, maybe closer to the hospital, after she gets a job. And who knows, I might go with her after graduation.” I shrug, with a slight smile. “Ms. Birdie’s really helping her out by watching Coley every day.”

“Ugh, graduation. I know it’s only October, but graduation is all I can think about! I have got to start working on all my applications after this weekend,” Camille says.