Foreword: It is lunch time, and Shelei and Deanna are having yet another argument - this time, about each other’s hair. Once order is restored (for the most part), Jayla tells them all about her birthday party plans for the coming weekend. Later in the day, Jayla catches Shelei and Deanna having a rather peculiar interaction in the girls’ washroom. When Jayla gets home later, she gets a phone call from one of her friends asking her what she may want for her birthday.

*lunch*
Jayla: *walking into the cafetorium with her friends* Dudes, I'm hungry! I could eat ALL the Kraft Dinner in the world right now!
Linyear: *giggles* That DOES sound goooooood.
Jayla: I don't think I have any for lunch today though… saaaaad. *frowns*
Linyear: Awww! *frowns too - but only briefly* Well, I got spaghetti! I'll go heat it up! *hurries off to the microwave*
Jayla: Okay!
Shelei: Table! *dashes over to a table - as she does, her hat falls off her head*
Jayla: *giggles* Wait up! *hurries behind Shelei - picks up her hat off the floor as she does*
Ducki: Yadda yadda! *waddles happily after them*
Deanna: *dragging her webbed feet behind them all, screwing up her beak at the sight of Shelei's hair*
Jayla & Shelei & Ducki & Deanna: *sit down*
Jayla: Your hat. *hands it to Shelei*
Shelei: Thanks, Jay. *pops it back onto her head*
Deanna: *looking at Shelei with disgust* Thank God you put that damn hat back on your head. I couldn't stand looking at your hair for another second - HORRENDOUS and HIDEOUS!!
Jayla: *frowns*
Shelei: Ain't nothin’ wrong with my hair. *snaps back*
Deanna: EVERYTHING is wrong with it. Change hairdressers or something!!
Shelei: I'M the one who dyes and spikes my hair every morning. Duh. *getting into her lunch bag*
Deanna: *gets her lunch out too* Why do you like looking like a guy? A WEIRD guy?? You're SUPPOSED to be a girl! *pauses* I think…
Shelei: I AM a girl. And YOU'RE one to talk. *curtly, nodding at Deanna's hair*
Deanna: You BETTER not be saying that MY hair looks worse than YOURS!! *picks up her extra-lean chicken and chickpea sub*
Shelei: You have pigtails, like a lil’ four-year-old! Least I put effort into MY hair. S'like you can't be bothered! *bites into her bologna and ketchup sandwich*
Jayla: *anxiously shifting her eyes back and forth between them both*
Ducki: I hope Mr. Broos eats lots of cookies today! *whimsically*
Deanna: Oh, HELL no. *to Shelei* You are NOT talking trash again about my pigtails!!
Shelei: You're, like, one of the few people in this cafetorium that WEARS pigtails. *waves her hand* Look around.
Deanna: Shut up!! *scowls* MY hair is SO much better than yours, it ain't even funny!!
Shelei: No wayph! *as she's chewing a bite of her sandwich*
Deanna: Ewwwww! *recoils back, repulsed* Shut your mouth when you're chewing, you porcupine FREAK! *yells*
Shelei: DUCK-BILLED FREAK!! *yells even louder - her chewed-up food on full display*
Ducki: Oh no!
Jayla: *about to open her own mouth to say something*
Linyear: SHUT UP!!! *screams*
Shelei & Deanna: *shut up - turn towards Linyear with wide, startled eyes*
Linyear: *returning with her warmed-up lunch* I can hear your traps flappin’ all the way from the microwave! So shut up already! *plops down beside Jayla, grabs her fork and twirls her spaghetti, leans in and takes a bite…* Mmmm… *looking satisfied*
Jayla: Go Linyear!
Ducki: Weeeeeeee! *claps*
Jayla: *exhales as the sudden calmness permeates the air* … For real though. Arguing over hair?? *looking at both Shelei and Deanna* You guys gotta calm down already! Both of you have nice hair, if I do say so myself!
Deanna: You're too kind, Jayla. *gives Shelei a nasty glare*
Linyear: *looks up and smiles at Jayla* Thank goodness you're around, Jayla. You are DEFINITELY the voice of reason in this friend group!
Jayla: *giggles* I'll take that as a compliment!
Shelei: By the way, Jay. *nods at her* Been meanin’ to ask. What kinda hair dye do YOU use in your hair? You can’t dye it everyday like that, do you?
Jayla: Nope! *smiles* That would take FOREVER! This is actually my aunt's specialty hair dye! *runs her fingers through her ponytail* It's super permanent. I'm pretty sure it's the most permanent hair dye available to buy. She created it with her Chemist Power when she was like, 15 I think. Ended up making a fortune from it! Then she was able to start her own hairdressing business as soon as she graduated high school!
Shelei: … Wait. *her face pales* Is your aunt Chanel Starlight…??
Jayla: Yes! *surprised* That's where my middle name comes from! You know her?
Shelei: I know her DYE. That stuff's EXPENSIVE.
Jayla: Oh yeah! *giggles* Probably ‘cause of how permanent it is. She did the dye job on mine AND all my siblings' hair when we were really young, and always touches up the roots when we go in.
Shelei: How much does THAT cost?
Jayla: Oh, she gives us haircuts for free, and the touch-ups are free too! It's our “year-long Christmas present” from her, so she says!
Shelei: U-uhh… *making a rather shocked face, her upper lip twitching*
Jayla: Hmm? *tilts her head, looking at Shelei curiously* What's THAT look for?
Deanna: You look like an idiot, Shelei.
Ducki: Like MEEEEE!
Deanna: Ducki, you're not - *pauses* … never mind. *sighs*
Linyear: Isn't he, though? *to Deanna* If you're saying what I think you're saying.
Jayla: If you want, *to Shelei* I can see if my Aunt Chanel can give you some free samples…?
Shelei: *her face relaxes* Nah. I'd get bored havin’ the same hair color everyday.
Deanna: Wow, way to be rude and turn down Jayla's kind offer. *rolls her eyes*
Jayla: It's okay, Deanna! *kindly* I get it.
Shelei: Dude, I'm just amazed she gets it for free. I don't need it. *to Deanna, then turns back to Jayla* No offense, though - the pink DOES work on you, Jay!
Jayla: *grins happily* Thanks!
Linyear: Oh yeah, Jayla! You should tell everyone what you have planned for your birthday party this weekend! Especially since you-know-who isn't here right now.
Jayla: *eyes light up* Right! How could I forget??
Deanna: “You-know-who”? *her eyebrow raised*
Shelei: “He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named"!
Jayla: *giggles at Shelei*
Ducki: He eat poo?
Deanna: Ducki, that's disgusting. But really though, who?
Linyear: Piggo. *with distaste*
Deanna: Oh, right. Ew. *makes a repulsed face* Glad he ain’t invited.
Shelei: Yeah, so, what ARE we doin’ for Jay’s b-day?
Deanna: *gives Shelei a dirty look* ~I wish YOU weren't invited either…!~
Ducki: Are we gonna eat CAKE?!
Jayla: *laughs* Definitely! But yeah, this is what we are gonna do… *leans in a bit* First, we are gonna meet at my house on Saturday. I live at 153 Starwalk Street, by the way. Then my parents are gonna drive us all to the Perennial Pool for a swim!
Deanna: *brightens up* Ooh!
Ducki: BLAHOOOOOO! *flaps his wings in excitement* I'm gonna bring my unicorn floatie!
Shelei: *her face pales again* Uh… it's a pool party?
Jayla: Yup! At least for the first couple hours.
Shelei: Oh drat.
Jayla: What?
Shelei: *stiffens* I mean, uh, I, just realized I might be busy then. Dependin’ on what time it is.
Jayla: Oh no! *frowns* The swim starts at 1 pm.
Shelei: Shit. Totally busy then.
Deanna: *narrows her eyes suspiciously at Shelei*
Jayla: Aww, that sucks! *disappointed* We could do the evening swim instead if you want -
Shelei: No, no, go ahead. *hastily* I assume you guys are comin’ back to your place afterwards? I'll meet ya there.
Jayla: Oh, okay! Great! *relieved* Yeah, we should be back at my house around 3:30ish. You can come over then!
Linyear: You good with that, Shelei?
Shelei: Yup. *nods once* Course.
Jayla: Okay! We will meet back at my house at 3:30 and then - we eat FOOD! Pizza, and of course, KRAFT DINNER!! *grinning*
Deanna: Interesting combo.
Jayla: *laughs* I know!
Deanna: I might be able to bring my spinach dip and some lightly salted tortilla chips to share with everyone, if that interests you?
Jayla: Ooh! Yeah, if you want! I'll try some!
Ducki: Is there gonna be rooty beery??
Jayla: Yes, actually! My favorite pop!
Ducki: MINE TOOOOOOOO!
Shelei: I'll bring some actual beer.
Jayla: *whips her head Shelei's way* Hmm?! *eyes WIDE*
Shelei: Kidding, kidding!
Deanna: That's a pretty twisted joke, Shelei. *unimpressed*
Shelei: Uhhh… *making another odd face*
Deanna: What NOW?!
Shelei: Nothin’. *grunts*
Deanna: Freak… *mutters, audibly enough to be heard*
Jayla: ANYWAYS! *getting everyone back on track* Then we'll do presents, probably some party games, and then the girls are allowed to stay over for a sleepover! *excitedly*
Ducki: WEEEEE - *pauses* Awww, CWAP! Me no girl!
Deanna: No, you are most certainly not.
Jayla: Sorry, boys aren’t allowed to stay for the sleepover!
Shelei: Hmm... *hesitating* … I don’t think I can stay for a sleepover either, actually.
Jayla: *frowns* Nooooo! Dang, you’re a busy gal!
Shelei: Quite. *choosing not to elaborate*
Deanna: Really? *her eyebrow raised* So you’re ONLY gonna be at Jayla’s birthday party for like, what, a couple hours?? What a GREAT friend you are!
Shelei: Dude, it ain’t MY fault I typically have weekend night plans!
Deanna: How is it NOT?? And what could POSSIBLY be more important than Jayla’s 13th birthday party?!
Jayla: Deanna, please! It’s okay. *insistently* Maybe Shelei can sleep over another time!
Deanna: *exhales* Fine. Just as well anyway, less time for me to have to be around that freak of nature.
Jayla: *sighs*
Shelei: Weeknights are better for me, by the way. *to Jayla*
Jayla: *smiles, feeling better* Sure! *pauses* Oh, I wanted to watch Pirates of the Caribbean during the sleepover, could we squeeze it in before you go?
Shelei: Heh. I’m sure I could make time for THAT. *grins*
Jayla: Yay! *bounces with happiness*
Ducki: *thrusts his wings up* HALLELUJAH TO TA LORD!
Shelei: Captain Jack Sparrow. *corrects him*
Ducki: Same ting!
Shelei: Actually… yeah. Go Ducki! Never thought I'd say that...
Jayla: *laughs* OH yeah! Whoop-whoop!
Linyear: *giggles*
Ducki: *thrusts his whole body back, wings still up* PRAISE BE UNTO HIM!
Shelei: And rum!
Linyear: *looking at Shelei strangely* Uhhh…
Deanna: Ducki, why are you so religious??
Xerann & Christima & Piggo: *walk into the cafetorium… looking for Jayla and the rest… spot them, head over and sit beside them*
Xerann: Yo!
Jayla: There you guys are! *waves* Where were ya?
Xerann: Piggo thought he lost somethin’ when we were all outside during gym class earlier, so we were helping him look.
Piggo: Turns out I just left it in my locker! *chortles, snorts*
Jayla: Oh!
Ducki: Wowee! Some people really ARE stupid!
Piggo: What?
Linyear & Deanna: *... desperately holding back their laughter…*
Jayla: *smirks at them*
Shelei: … Kaga! *gags on her sandwich, masking her own laughter*
Jayla & Shelei & Linyear & Ducki & Deanna & Xerann & Christima & Piggo: *talk and hang out for the rest of lunch*

BOOP BOOP BOOP

*last period, in the girls’ washroom*
Jayla: *goes into the washroom… she looks to her left*
Shelei & Deanna: *standing along the wall together, talking rather adamantly but in hushed tones*
Jayla: *tilts her head, giving them an odd look* Uh… hi, Shelei? Hi, Deanna…?
Shelei & Deanna: see Jayla - they quickly shut up*
Shelei: ... H-hey, uh, Jay! Wassup? *awkwardly*
Jayla: Not… much…? *puzzled*
Deanna: Er, don't mind us, Jayla! Just havin’ a lil’ argument, as usual. *glares at Shelei - though something looks off about her expression…*
Jayla: Well, if you must - I won't stop you this time. *shrugs* Go ahead and argue, as long as you do it quietly for once! *heads towards a stall*
Shelei & Deanna: *staying silent, eyeing Jayla as she walks towards the stall*
Jayla: *just about to head into the stall, but glances back at them - she double takes to see them still standing there quietly, staring at her* … Guys…? You're acting strange.
Shelei & Deanna: Well… *look at each other*
Deanna: … We'd rather continue our argument when you're gone! *hastily, seemingly flustered* That way we don't bug you! You hate it when we argue, right?
Jayla: Well, yeah, but I already said you can go ahead! *waves her hand* And let's be real - half the time, you don't even listen to me, or Lin, telling you to stop fighting. *chuckles* I dunno, you guys are just weirding me out right now.
Shelei: Uhh… ‘kay then. *turns to Deanna* Great filthy muttafucker!!
Deanna: *gives Shelei a VERY strange look… her eyes widen briefly before narrowing them back into a glare* Stupid, idiotic piece of trash!!
Shelei: Half-wit, sorry-lookin’ idjit!!
Deanna: *furrows her brow* What is WITH these insults…?? Uhhh, I mean… tech wiz, hair-dying FREAK!!
Shelei: *raises her eyebrow* THAT’S supposed to be an insult?
Deanna: Oh, shut up!! *snaps* It is to ME!!
Shelei: Okay. *casually* You're a tech wiz, hair-dyin’ freak, then.
Deanna: YOU ARE INSUFFERABLE!! *shrilly*
Shelei & Deanna: *carry on firing insults at each other*
Jayla: *sighs - half in annoyance, half in relief, proceeds to go into the washroom stall*

BOOP BOOP BOOP

*after school, at the Starlight residence*
Jayla: *enters through the front door, goes up the stairs to the main floor*
Mrs. Starlight: Hey, Jay! *as she's going from the living room to the kitchen*
Jayla: Hey, Mom! *waves to her*
Mrs. Starlight: *stops by the kitchen entrance and turns to her daughter* How was school today?
Jayla: Oh, about the usual! *remembers the odd encounter between Shelei and Deanna in the girls' washroom* … For the most part!
Mrs. Starlight: *smiles* Have you decided what kind of birthday cake you wanted yet? Pound cake or ice cream cake?
Jayla: Oh! Umm… *thinks for a moment* … I want ice cream cake! I feel like I need something a bit more fancier than pound cake for my 13th birthday!
Mrs. Starlight: *nods* You got it, hun!
Jayla: Thank you!
Mrs. Starlight: Always a busy time of year for birthdays here, huh? Lowgin's birthday party last weekend, and yours coming up this weekend.
Jayla: Yeah! I'm SO excited!! *grinning happily*
Mrs. Starlight: Should be fun! Can all your friends come?
Jayla: Sounds like it! Shelei is busy for a bit Saturday but can come to the house after we are done swimming.
Mrs. Starlight: Great! I'm looking forward to meeting all your new friends! *pauses* Oh, by the way, Aunt Betaea called today! She was asking if you have been writing lots in your notebook?
Jayla: I've been trying to, yeah! Maybe about once a week…? Getting back into journaling is… kinda harder than I thought it would be. *chuckling a bit awkwardly*
Mrs. Starlight: It's okay! *reassuringly* You don't have to write every day. As long as you enjoy it, you can write whenever you want!
Jayla: I suppose that's true! *thinks for a moment* … But I think I know what to write in it tonight! *turns and hurries excitedly towards the stairs and up to her room*

*in Jayla's room*
Jayla: *writing in her notebook*

RIIIIING-RIIIIING!

Jayla: *looks over at the pink landline phone by her bedside - the name “McDuck” pops up on the caller I.D.* That's Ducki's number! *puts her gel pen down, closes her notebook and answers the phone* Hello?
Ducki: HELLO, JAYLA! *quacks*
Jayla: Hi, Ducki! What's up?
Ducki: I'm tryin’ to do tis mat’ homework, but I forget what page I'm supposed to work on! I tried calling DeDe - actually, I called her six times - but I guess she ain't home.
Jayla: Oh! Did you forget, or were you not paying attention? *smirks*
Ducki: I was too busy tinkin’ about strudels. My mommy makes ta BEST strudels! Cooks tem in ta toaster. Tey smell like gravy!
Jayla: Uh… I mean, gravy is good! *chuckles* But I wouldn't pair it with strudels myself!
Ducki: It's REAL good! Honest!
Jayla: *laughs* Maaaaybe you should get that nose checked! *pauses* Sorry, I mean “beak”.
Ducki: *sings* My beak is orange! Someting, someting, someting tat rhymes wit orange!
Jayla: *giggles* Oh, so about the math homework -
Ducki: Oh yeah! Me forgets! What page?
Jayla: PaGES! 25 and 26!
Ducki: BLAHOOOOOO! Tank oo!
Jayla: No problem! Good luck on the homework! Well, I guess I better say goodbye -
Ducki: AHHHH! DON'T GO YET!
Jayla: *winces, holding the phone away from her ear... then slowly brings it back* … What is it, Ducki?
Ducki: What do you want for your birtday??
Jayla: Oh! *smiles happily* Thanks for asking! Hmm… *thinks* … I dunno, actually!
Ducki: Do you want someting pink??
Jayla: *giggles* That's always a safe bet when it comes to me! *pauses* Oh, but just so you know, I already have a pink notebook. A reeeeally pretty pink one! 
Ducki: Blahoooooo! Oh boy, tats cooooool!
Jayla: Yeah! I used to like keeping a journal when I was younger. Writing stories in it, talking about my day - nothing TOO crazy! But I kinda… stopped writing in one just before I, um… started Grade 6. *gives a little chuckle* And I never got back into it again… until now. Now I'm glad I did! Part of me wishes I hadn't stopped, but… oh well. *gives a shrug*
Ducki: My brain stopped when I was born!
Jayla: *blinks* Uhhh… I'm not sayin’ nuttin’.
Ducki: OH! *suddenly* Praise ta Almighty Moose, I tink I know now what I'm getting you for your birtday!!
Jayla: I thought it was “Lord” - oh wait, I mean “Captain Jack Sparrow”! *giggles*
Ducki: I saw it at ta mall ta utter day! I tink you're gonna like it! I'll go ask my Mommy and Dadster to take me to ta mall right now so I can buy it for you! Weeeeeeee!! BYE-BYE, JAYLA!! *hangs up abruptly*
Jayla: *stunned* Oh… ‘kay? *slowly puts her phone back in its holder* … I wonder what he's gonna get me… hmm… *wonders aloud... then shrugs to herself* Oh well! Speaking of math homework… should I start that now? Or write in my notebook until supper time, THEN do my homework…? *thinks… after a moment she grins - picks up her gel pen, opens her notebook and begins to write again*

END?
END!