“I guess,” I replied as Jack came up next to me. Marge and I linked arms, then Jack did the same with me in the middle. I’ve been realizing how close Jack and I have been becoming, and it’s weird. Yet strangely satisfying.

Grudges are so binding, and then you feel like you can’t ever talk to that person. And it’s even more difficult when the person you’re ignoring is your best friend’s twin. Then you’re sort of obligated if you don’t want to be rude.

“Ooh, cotton candy!!” Marge screamed, darting to the first cotton candy cart she saw. Jack laughed, and so did I. “So I’m guessing cotton candy was the main reason she wanted to come here, and we were an afterthought.” I said with a chuckle. “Me maybe. But you’re too awesome to be classified as an ‘afterthought.’” He said, making quotations.

I raised an eyebrow. “Was that supposed to be sarcasm? Because it sounded strangely sincere.” I wondered aloud. “No sarcasm, just truth.” He said with a shy smile. I blushed as Marge came back. “Mm, that cotton candy was amazing!” She said with a dreamy smile.

We walked for a few more minutes before another one of Marge’s screams were heard. “The Tilt-A-Whirl! We have to do it!” She squealed.

“Um, cotton candy and spinning fast? I don’t think that’s the best combination.” I said hesitantly. “I second that.” Jack said, raising his hand. Marge rolled her eyes. “I’ll be fine. You two are no fun.” She scowled as we got in line.

“Marge? Hey!” A girl I didn’t recognize said in front of us. “Ally! Hi! Are you here alone?” Marge replied, seeming excited. A pang that felt almost like jealousy sent through me. “Yeah.” The girl replied.

“OMG, we totes have to ride together! Jack, you can be with Liz.” Marge said as she joined her friend, but first sending me a flirty wink like she was hoping something would happen with me and Jack. “Diva mode: activated.” Jack said under his breathe as he looked at Marge. “Like, totes.” I replied, getting a chuckle from him.

Soon it was our turn in line, and Marge squealed with this girl as they sat in their cart. “After you,” Jack said after opening the cart door. I ignored him and sat down, him sitting next to me and closing the door. A few minutes the old carnival ride jolted to a start, and Marge squealed again.

The cart started whipping and spinning until I lost my grip on the handle. You can guess where I was flung to; I ended up face to face with Jack, and surprisingly, we were both laughing and screaming. Then the ride slid to a stop, and Jack and I stayed that way for a second longer, both out of breathe.

He brushed a strand of my long brown hair out of my eyes, and I was so surprised that I slid back and exited out the cart door on my side. When we finally met up with Marge again, she was fake pouting as Ally walked away. As soon as she was out of earshot, Marge took an exhausted breathe.

“I am so glad that’s over. Ally is so annoying, don’t you think?” She asked us, rolling her eyes. Jack and I glanced at each other, amuse shining in his blue eyes before we cracked up laughing.

“What’s so funny?” She asked, raising an eyebrow and crossing her arms. I shrugged. “Nothing.” Jack replied. “Fine. Let’s keep going!” Marge exclaimed, dragging us both.

“Hey class! I have exciting news to those of you who wrote letter one!” Mrs. Lasagna said with a wide smile. “Letter twos have just been graded. So I’ll call up your name and come get it on your way out!” She pulled them out and read name after name.

I took a deep breathe. “Lizzie!” She announced. I grabbed my bag and threw it over one shoulder as I smiled and said thanks to Ms. L. I waited outside the classroom, the letter in my hand seeming to weigh me down. “You’re not going to open that, are you?” Marge asked as she walked up to me.

“Oh, no. I’ll wait, but that means I’m going straight home.” I replied, glancing at her. She pouted. “I’ve gone with you every day this week so far. My dad’s going to think I’m leaving, too.” I bitterly joked. I’m the kind of girl that doesn’t like to cry in public, so I took a deep breathe and turned away.

“Wait!” Marge shouted as she ran to my side and slung her arm over my shoulder. I smiled as Jack caught up. “Yep, it’s proven. My hair can make anyone smile right away.” Jack said as he ran a hand through his bleach blonde hair.

I closed my eyes and shook my head, but with a smile on my face. He took the opportunity and intertwined his hand in mine, making me open my eyes and look down at our hands. I blushed and pulled my hand away, but linked it in his arm. “I think this is more my style.” I said, motioning to our arms. He shrugged. “Suit yourself.”

I glanced at Marge, who had a smile like this was the cutest thing she’d ever seen. I rolled my eyes and let my arm fall back to my side. Jack sent me a questioning look, but I pretended not to see it as we walked on the sidewalk.

We finally arrived at the fire station, and I said bye to the “terrible twins”, feeling too anxious to wait another second as I shoved the key into the door and turned it. “Hi dad! Today was great!” I shouted as I ran by.

“Bye dad!” I said before disappearing into my room. He chuckled. I closed my bedroom door, dropped my teal backpack onto my bed hurriedly, and tried to find scissors, but decided to rip it open instead. It said:

Hi Anonymous,

I’m also anonymous. Today’s the third day of school, I’m also in ninth grade, and I consider myself to have many sides. It’s hard to tell who you are, which is weird since I know pretty much everyone and anyone. Did I see any good movies? Hmm... well I saw the Angry Birds Movie. Does that count? Talk again soon,

Anonymous #2

I laughed and gently folded the letter, setting it on the desk and flopping onto my bed. So the way I saw it, I had three clues: One, they have many sides. Two, they’re probably popular since they know “everyone and anyone.” And three, they liked animated movies.

I sighed. This was going to be nearly impossible.