Maddie is trembling Because the lights are out in my parents bedroom it takes her a minute to realize what’s going on There are no skeletons We are not in the attic There is no elevator Maddie hops up and down Jelly she cries out you made that story up There is another reason why Maddie is my best friend Other kids might get angry Not Maddie Because a second later the two of us are laughing so hard we end up rolling around on the floor in my parents bedroom 6
Chapter Two The yellow school bus is waiting in the parking lot The driver supervises as parents stow their kids duffel bags in the bottom hatch Counselors are wandering around checking in with parents and campers I take a deep breath I’ve slept over at Maddie’s house plenty of times but this is my first time going to sleepaway camp and Maddie is not coming Her grandmaman from France is visiting this summer 7
Mom hugs me tight We’ll miss you Angelica Then she whispers into my hair It might be wise to keep your storytelling under control while you are with new friends Dad hugs me next We love you Jelly I watch as they walk back to the car Before Dad gets in he turns to give me one last wave Have a great adventure Princess The royal court won’t be the same without you he calls out Mom shakes her head She doesn’t like Dad calling me Princess She thinks it encourages gender stereotypes and snobbishness A girl with red hair and freckles is waiting to get on the bus too She looks at me then at her sandals then back at me Your dad still calls you Princess 8
