“Harper, it’s so nice to see you here,” said Mrs. Elliott. “I wish I had a makeup kit for you, but we did a special order. You know, if you have time in your schedule, I’m going to be having an introduction to drama class, and you should join us!”

“I’d love to!” I said, and I meant it. At least I’d get to be part of drama during the school day and it wouldn’t interfere with dance rehearsals! The makeup started in earnest. Courtney was making Drew into a zombie. Ariel was doing her own makeup to look glamorous and even more fabulous than she always does. Zora turn herself into . . . I wasn’t sure, but it was very colorful!

“Harper, do you want to do my makeup?” Frankie asked. “I was going to try to turn myself into a robot, but I’m not good with makeup.”

“How about I do something super-high-tech-looking?” I offered. After Frankie nodded, I had a great time finding silvery colors and metallic shimmers. I put silver and metallic blue on her eyes and a shimmery, sparkly powder all over her face, and then did her lips in a deep blue metallic-flecked matte lipstick. I loved to play with makeup at home, so this was really fun.

“Oh, wow—everyone look at Frankie!” Ariel pointed at us.

“I love this so much, and I don’t even like makeup!” Frankie smiled. Everybody complimented each other on their makeup jobs and was appropriately scared of Drew’s zombie look.

“AUHHHGGHH, I’m coming for you, Harper!” Drew lurched across the room toward me like a zombie, and I squealed and ran away. (Okay, I didn’t run away too fast. Hee-hee.)

“If you need any help with the dances, let me know,” I said.

“You focus on bringing home a win at nationals,” Zora said. “Or at least a souvenir.”

“I remember they do have great pizza,” Drew said. “You think you could fit a pizza in your suitcase?”

“Could be messy.” I laughed.

“Make us proud!” Zora said, dramatically fake-sniffing. “Our little Harper, all grown-up, going off to the big city. To crush her enemies and destroy them!”

“Beep boop,” I replied.

CHAPTER

6

Psst . . .”

I heard the hiss, but I wasn’t sure where it was coming from. Vanessa, a few chaperone parents, and the whole Squad were at the airport, seated at the gate for our New York City flight. We were facing one another in the two rows next to the window.

“Psst . . .”

There it was again. Everyone seated on either sides of me was either plugged into their music, busy chatting, or, like Lily right next to me, testing out their new neck pillows.

“Harper!” someone said in a loud whisper. “Over here!”

I looked across and saw Riley staring at me with wide eyes. She was pointing her finger away from the window and miming something I couldn’t make out.

I scrunched up my face. “Huh?”

She rolled her eyes, then grabbed her phone and started tapping on the screen. My phone buzzed right away. A text from Riley.