Gabby and her friend Ana are about to spend a typical Friday night watching videos and eating popcorn. Then a couple of guys show up to hang out with Gabby's older brother Juan, and things quickly go from bad to worse. Not only did Juan's friend bring alcohol, but now Ana wants to hang out with the guys. This is not what Gabby had in mind! Ages 11–14. Comprehensive Health Education Foundation (CHEF), 2004; 28 pages; ISBN 1-57021-034-9.

This book is part of CHEF's Youth Matters program for Grades 6–9. To order individual copies of the book, please call the distributor at 1-866-882-5701 or click here. Ask for item number 505154A.

Excerpt from Chapter 5

"What is wrong with you?" Ana demanded. She used one of those really loud whispers.

"What's wrong with me?" I said, suddenly feeling angry. "I'm not the one who's throwing myself at Juan's new friend."

"I'm not throwing myself at anyone, Gabby. Luke started flirting with me. I think he's really interested. What's the matter? Are you jealous or something?"

"Are you serious?" I said, seething. "You know me better than that. Anyway, that guy is here with my brother. He's too old for you. Besides, doesn't he seem like kind of a loser?"

"Well, I was having fun with him," Ana said. "I don't know why you had to ruin it for me. I would never do that to you. Tran would have talked to you if you'd given him a chance."

"Oh, right, Ana! You should go ahead and sit there all cozy with Luke, and I'll sit there and flirt with Tran. Meanwhile, what should Juan do—leave the apartment so we can get together with his friends . . .? I don't understand what you're trying to do here. I'm not interested in spending time with those guys. Why are you?"

"I was just trying to have some fun," Ana said. "I'm not hurting anybody. If you were really my friend, you'd go along with it."

She looked hurt, but I was hurt too. She was accusing me of not being a good friend—when she didn't even care about my feelings.

Excerpt © 2004 CHEF.

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