Mixed Messages Read Free Page B

quietly, she added, “Maybe not.”
    In one motion, Zee scooped up a pillow from her bed and hurled it at Ally.
    â€œHey!” Ally protested, but soon she started laughing. And Zee joined in.
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    Things I Have in Common with Landon
    The Beans (Yay!)
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    Zee tapped her pen against her head and thought.
    And thought. “Oh!” she remembered.
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    Brookdale Academy
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    She thought a little more.
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    Friends
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    Most of their same friends were in The Beans, but Zee figured it still counted.
    Zee looked at her list. That’s enough for now, she decided, certain she would think of more to add to her list later.

Chapter 3
News Times Two
    O n Sunday, Zee and Ally went over to Jasper’s house to work on Bluetopia. While Zee and Jasper brainstormed ideas and designed pages, Ally read Flip magazine and IMed her friends in France.
    â€œI think the background on that page is a little too dark,” Zee told Jasper. “It’s hard to read the letters.”
    â€œGood point,” Jasper said, then moved his mouse, clicked on a few links and colors, and refreshed the page.
    â€œPerfect!” Zee said.
    â€œI almost forgot!” Jasper started pecking at the computer keyboard, typing a URL into his internet browser. A blue shirt came up on the screen. “Do you think I’d look good in that?” Jasper was used to wearing shirts with collars and khaki pants, but lately he was trying different things. He always got Zee’s opinion before he bought something new, though.
    â€œYeah, it’s really cool.” Zee nodded.
    Jasper clicked “Add to Cart” under the picture.
    â€œI can wear it when I’m not in my school uniform.”
    â€œI thought you liked your Brookdale Academy jacket and tie so much that you slept in them,” Zee teased.
    Jasper shook his head. “I would never treat them with such disrespect,” he said seriously. Then he smiled.
    â€œOh, you were joking!” Zee said, relieved. “For a second, I thought you were getting a little too attached to your uniform.”
    â€œSpeaking of school, it’s my turn to rotate the compost bin in the garden next weekend,” Jasper told Zee. “Do you want to help me?”
    â€œWhat do I have to do?” Zee asked.
    â€œYou just take a shovel and turn all of the leaves and vegetable scraps over,” Jasper explained. “It’s pretty easy if two people do it together.”
    Zee scrunched her nose. “Is it messy?”
    â€œNot in the least.”
    â€œThat could be fun! I’ll do it.” Zee looked at the computer screen, then clicked on the tab to take them back to Bluetopia. “You know, I think that maybe we need to add some bright colors and cool graphics to the home page. It looks a little . . . boring right now.”
    â€œDo you think so?” Jasper asked. “I don’t think my mates care if it’s a bit drab.”

    â€œMaybe your boy mates won’t, but your girl mates will.” Zee looked at Ally. “Right, Ally?”
    Ally lifted her eyes from her magazine. “Right, Zee.”
    â€œShow Jasper a page from the magazine,” Zee suggested. Ally turned it around so Jasper could see. The page was filled with colorful jewelry, belts, and other accessories. “That’s what we like,” Zee told Jasper.
    Jasper looked down at his hands. “Yes, it seems I need some help when it comes to understanding girls. It’s good that you’re here,” he said quietly. He seemed shy all of a sudden.
    Jasper had acted like this around other girls but never with Zee. It felt a little weird. Zee just wanted things to be normal between them.
    â€œWithout you, we wouldn’t have Bluetopia at all,” Zee said. “You’re a computer genius. It’s one of your many gifts.”
    Jasper flashed Zee a smile. And Zee noticed Ally spying over the top of