And, as usual, Mr. Sanchez's amplified announcements drowned out whatever conversations were going on around the room.

Veronique covered her ears until Mr. Sanchez's latest report finished and was replaced by the comforting crash of dropped plates and utensils. She turned to her friend Tara. "No more corn beef!" she said dramatically. "Somehow we'll have to find the strength to go on living!"

Then she waved away the thought and leaned closer to Tara: "But let me get back to what this Rochelle did in Health class. You wouldn't believe how she took off after Vecoli. Little scrawny girl--just a buzzcut, nose-ring and bones--but could she holler!"