Chapter 1
Avari had only known Vanellope for three months.
Three months wasn’t a very long time.
But somehow, it felt like Vanellope had been part of her life for much longer.
They had met at school near the beginning of the year. At first, they barely talked. Then they started sitting together at lunch. Soon they were texting each other after school, laughing about silly things and sharing secrets.
Before Avari knew it, Vanellope had become her best friend.
They were both thirteen, and Avari had started noticing something she hadn’t expected.
She liked Vanellope.
Not just as a friend.
She liked the way Vanellope made her laugh. She liked how Vanellope always noticed when she was having a bad day. She liked how easy it was to talk to her.
But there was one problem.
They had only known each other for three months.
Was it too soon to tell her?
Avari didn’t know.
And she was terrified that if she said something, she might lose the friendship they’d built.
So she kept her feelings to herself.
At least for now.
