Of course, I hadn’t been invited, but it would destroy what little image I had built up over the past three weeks. When Morbid Monday arrived and the student body learned I had not been on The List death would be kinder.

As a nerd, meaning too bright for my own good, I didn’t admit the truth. In a round about way, referring to horoscopes and astrology I learned the date and time, and pretending absolute ignorance of the section of town where Janelle lived, got exact instructions to her gate.

As it would occur on a Saturday evening, I could dress average, carry my outfit to Charmaine, prepare in her bedroom. At ten o’clock I could have my father pick me up at Janelle’s house. I couldn’t tell my parents about a “Party” because they would want details and surely couldn’t reveal… “I’m going to crash Janelle’s party because if I’m not seen there my entire life is over.” I could tell them I was going to study with Charmaine and eat dinner with her family.

So said, so done. I showered at Charmaine’s, put on an outfit I had bought with my own money, which could be a long blouse, matched it with a pair of wear once and throw out “velvet” flats. I trowelled on makeup, teased up my hair, and Charmaine and I arrived at Janelle’s mansion at bang on seven.

Of course, nothing can start on time for the hostess must make an entrance. Charmaine and I walked around the party area. I used the bathroom, (to set up my escape plan) and made sure I was in eye view of the door so all the guests would see me. Just past eight, Janelle descended to her worshippers. I hid in the bathroom.

Eventually I emerged, keeping to the far fringes of the party, trying not to be discovered too early. At nine o’clock Michelle spied me and thus began the chase around the room, which persisted for almost an hour.

Then Janelle saw me. Her face drained of color, but I smiled happily. I was thinking of going to her but was familiar with the term; “insult to injury”.

By nine fifty I was outside of the house, (before I was thrown out) face washed, sweater over the dress, which was tucked in my jeans, happy to see my father.

On Monday I was cornered by the various Queens who rebuked me for my nerve in crashing Janelle’s party. As the vast majority of students had no idea what had really happened, I could spin it as I chose. Oh, and I spun it.

I simply stated that Janelle and I no longer spoke and let stories range like wild fire.

Of course, I no longer did Janelle’s homework, but rode my ‘coolness’ to graduation.