Chapter 3

I looked from Ashley's hopeful face to Maria's encouraging smile.

The comments urged me on. "She's practically begging for it! Make the milkshake!"

"Sure," I said, my voice even. "Coming right up."

I went to my mini-fridge, the one in my room. The one they knew I stocked with my favorite peanut butter and high-protein milk for my post-workout shakes.

Ashley and Maria hovered in the doorway.

I pulled out the blender.

I scooped in ice cream. Vanilla.

I poured in milk. Regular, whole milk.

A splash of vanilla extract.

No peanut butter. Not a speck.

I blended it, poured it into a tall glass, the same kind I always used for my peanut butter shakes.

Handed it to Ashley.

Her eyes sparkled. "Oh, thank you, Kylie! You're so nice."

She took a big gulp.

"Delicious!" she declared.

Maria beamed. "See? I told you she'd like it."

I just watched them.

Twenty minutes later, as I was reading in my room, the commotion started.

A thud from Ashley's guest room.

Then Maria's shriek. "Help! Somebody help Ashley! She can't breathe!"

Mom and Dad burst from their room. I followed them out.

Ashley was on the floor, gasping dramatically, red blotches appearing on her neck and arms.

"Her allergy!" Maria wailed, clutching her chest. "It's the peanut butter! Kylie, how could you?"

"Call Dr. Henderson!" Dad yelled, already scooping Ashley up.

Last time, the delay in getting her to the emergency room in town made things critical.

This time, Dr. Henderson, our family doctor who lived just down the road, was already on his way. I'd called him right after I gave Ashley the milkshake, telling him I suspected a "food reaction game" might be played.

He arrived as Dad was carrying Ashley downstairs.

He took one look. Listened to her breathing.

"What did she eat?" he asked, his voice calm and professional.

"A peanut butter milkshake!" Maria sobbed. "Kylie gave it to her! She knows Ashley's allergic!"

Ashley, between gasps, nodded weakly. "Hurts... Kylie... why?"

Dr. Henderson looked at me.

I met his gaze. "Ashley, are you only allergic to peanuts?"

She nodded, eyes wide with "fear."

"That's interesting," I said, my voice clear and carrying through the suddenly quiet room. "Because the milkshake I gave you was vanilla. Plain vanilla."

Maria gasped. Ashley's "rashes" seemed to pause in their spread.

"Vanilla?" Dad repeated, confused.