“Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Coleman,” she said cheerfully. “I still can’t get used to not having you next door. It’s just not right!” Mom beamed at Leah. “I know—it’s like old times, having you pop in. Do you want a cookie before you go to the mall? I made peanut butter —your favorite.” “Mmmm!” Leah grabbed two cookies and threw her arms around Mom. “You’re the best—and not just because of your cookies!” “I can hardly wait till I can drive,” I sighed as we settled into Leah’s car. “Just six more months till I get my permit!” Leah and I wandered around the mall for a couple of hours. We talked and window-shopped and tried on makeup. Then we stopped on the second-floor food court for fries and sodas. “I really love your hair, Izzy,” Leah said. “Short suits you—why didn’t we ever figure this out before?” I beamed. “I know! I never knew I had any curl until I chopped off all that weight. But what do you think—should I try some highlights?”
