Mackenzie Blue by Tina Wells Page B

getting it.
    â€œYou don’t have as many secrets as you think. Nobody does. We’re all open books in a lot of ways.”
    â€œReally?”
    â€œSure. You can tell a lot about people just by looking at them. Like the way we know when Dad has landed an exclusive celebrity interview that he can’t talk about.”
    â€œHe whistles.”
    â€œExactly!” Adam said.
    â€œAnd the way girls make Jasper so nervous.” Zee laughed. “It’s written all over his face.”
    Adam stood up and looked at Zee. “Someone is being mean, but you don’t have to let them get to you.”
    â€œI don’t know…” Zee said, still unsure.
    â€œJust have confidence and don’t apologize for who you are. Because you may not be perfect, but you are a pretty awesome sister.”
    â€œYou think so?”
    Adam nodded and turned to go. “But don’t spread that around.”
    â€œYour secret’s safe with me!” Zee called as he walked out.
    Adam had definitely made Zee feel better, but—unless you counted Kathi and Jen—she still didn’t have any friends. Except Ally.
    Â  E-ZEE: R u still talking 2 me.
    Â SPARKLEGRRL: Of course! Y?
    Zee filled her best friend in on everything that had happened that day.
    Â SPARKLEGRRL: It’s a good thing u want 2 b a singer and not a detective.
    Â  E-ZEE: LOL!
    Â SPARKLEGRRL: Don’t worry, Z. U will find a way 2 fix this.
    Â  E-ZEE: How was the party?
    Â SPARKLEGRRL: AWFUL! I wore the high heels—and fell on my butt. Down the stairs.
    Â  E-ZEE: Oh no!
    Â SPARKLEGRRL: My dress got caught on the railing, and every 1 could c the RIDICULOUS bra my mother made me wear!
    Â  E-ZEE: U need a bra?
    Â SPARKLEGRRL: NO! She’s just being weird.
    Â  E-ZEE: Yeah—I understand.
    Zee felt incredibly bad for Ally, but after all that had happened that day, it was great to have a friend whom Zee trusted so much—and who trusted her.
    Â SPARKLEGRRL: What’s up w Teen Sing?
    Â  E-ZEE: Now that Mr. P is mad @ me, I don’t know if I’ll b ready. There’s a rehearsal this week.
    Â SPARKLEGRRL: You’d better get used 2 every 1 knowing ur secrets. That’s what it will b like when ur a famous pop star. Zee on the cover of Star mag!
    But Zee didn’t bother to play along. Her dreams of becoming a star seemed as far away as her best friend.

14
The Diary Thief
    How to Make Sure You Have No Friends
1. Accuse them of stealing your diary. That should do it. It worked for me.
    Jasper and Chloe presented their science project that Wednesday.
    â€œIt took a lot of people and money to turn Brookdale Academy into a green school,” Jasper began.
    â€œBut there are lots of environmentally friendly things students and staff can do to help the Earth,” Chloe continued.
    Jasper and Chloe revealed their secret plan how Brookdale Academy could do more to become even greener. They showed how easy it would be for students and teachers to begin composting paper, leaves, and cafeteria scraps.
    â€œThe compost can go into garden beds around campus, and students can tend the gardens,” Jasper said. He pointed to a miniature model of Brookdale Academy. Tiny gardens dotted the lawn. “One day, we might grow the vegetables that end up on the lunch tray.”
    Jen actually got excited about the idea. “From the cafeteria to the garden and back to the cafeteria,” she summarized.
    â€œPrecisely,” Jasper said, pleased that other students were interested. “It’s a brilliant plan, really!” Then he blushed and said, “I mean, it would be a good idea.”

    Chloe talked about how important animals were to growing plants. “Putting worms in compost bins reallyspeeds up the process, and manure is full of nutrients for the soil,” she explained.
    Jen’s enthusiasm disappeared. “Nasty!” she protested. “I think I’ll