Mixed Messages (16 page)

Missy laughed.

After Zee and Ally rode their bikes home, Ally said she had some things to do on the computer. “Not Bluetopia, I hope,” Zee joked.

“No way!” Ally assured.

Zee went into the TV room and flopped on the couch in an exhausted heap.

“Hello, Zee.” Mrs. Carmichael came into the room and sat next to Zee.

Zee sat up. “Hi, Mom.”

“Adam told me that you weren't so thrilled about the twins after all,” Zee's mom continued.

“I can't believe he told you!” Zee said. “That was supposed to be private.” Inside Zee was more nervous than angry. Would her mother think she was a spoiled brat?

“I know you didn't mean for me to find out, but I'm glad I did,” Mrs. Carmichael explained. “I had no idea I was acting so crazy.”

“I guess I was acting a little crazy, too,” Zee said. “I thought you might forget about me once the twins were here.”

“I may forget a few things—like snacks and rehearsals—but I will never forget about you,” Mrs. Carmichael promised. “You're my Zee.”

Zee smiled and squeezed her mother in a hug. Then she remembered the babies and let go. “Am I squeezing too tight?”

“Never!” her mother said, holding on even tighter.

When they stopped hugging, Zee said, “I think I would like to move into the guest room.”

“Are you sure?”

“Can I give it a total Zee makeover?”

Zee's mother smiled and nodded. Then she hugged Zee again.

Zee raced upstairs to tell Ally what had happened. When she stepped into her bedroom, Ally was sitting on her bed with the laptop.

“What are you doing?” Zee asked.

Ally stopped typing. “Emailing my friends in France.”

“Oh,” Zee said quietly.

“Do you want to read what I wrote?”

Zee wasn't sure what to say. She couldn't believe those girls had said such mean things about her and caused Ally and Zee to fight on their last day together. But Zee didn't want to fight anymore. “Sure,” she said, and began to read the screen.

 

Hi, guys,

I had such a great time in the U.S. with my BFF Zee. I got to do all of the awesome stuff we always used to do together. Here's what I'll miss most about her.

She's incredibly nice. She's miserable if she thinks she's hurt someone's feelings.

She's really talented. She's an amazing guitar player and singer. She writes awesome songs, too.

She's funny. We spent a ton of the time laughing.

And she has great fashion sense. I know because sometimes we dress the same!

I can't wait for you to meet her.

C u soon!

Au revoir,

A

 

“Thanks!” Zee said when she'd finished reading.

“Anything for my BFF!” Ally logged out of her email.

“Can I use the computer now?” Zee asked.

“Sure. What are you going to do?”

“I wanted to chat with Jasper about Bluetopia,” Zee explained.

“Oh yeah!” Ally said. “Why didn't you tell me you have a crush on Jasper?”

“'Cause I'm not sure I do.” Zee paused. “But I'm not sure I don't.”

“Why not?” Ally asked.

“I don't want to mess up our friendship,” Zee said. “And I don't know if he likes me like that.”

“I wish one of you would fess up and find out!” Ally said frantically.

Zee laughed and signed on to chat with Jasper.

 
E-ZEE: Can I help u fix Bluetopia?

 
BRITCHAP: If u still want 2!

 
E-ZEE: I have a bunch of new ideas.

 
BRITCHAP: I think we should use 1 of your old ideas.

 
E-ZEE: ???

 
BRITCHAP: Let's test it on a small group b4 we invite so many ppl.

 
E-ZEE: That is a good idea!

Zee and Jasper continued chatting about Bluetopia and The Beans' concert. Nobody mentioned the crush, so when they finally said good-bye, Zee had no idea where she stood.

 

Hi, Diary,

You won't believe what happened! Let's just say that when it comes to my secrets, you're the only diary I'm talking to from now on.

I thought I wasn't sure if I like Jasper or not, but now I am sure. I do like him. I mean like like him. But I can also be his friend. I don't have to go crazy when I see him or think about him.

Maybe he doesn't like me back. I can live with that. I've still got a great friend. There's no guy like Jasper! Landon's nice, but I just liked him because he was so cute. We're not interested in the same things. And now I know that's really important to me. Thanks to Jasper.

Zee

Chapter 16
The Good-bye

A
t the Los Angeles airport, Zee wiped a tear from her cheek. “I'm going to miss you so much!” she told Ally, hugging her—again.

Ally blew her nose into a tissue. “I had such an awesome visit. I wish we could still hang out like that all the time.”

“We will,” Zee promised. “When I come visit you in France.”

Ally got a concerned look on her face.

“What's wrong?” Zee asked.

“I'm just afraid you really won't want to come—after what my friends did,” Ally explained. “I'm sorry I didn't stick up for you sooner.”

“Why didn't you?” Zee asked.

“Because you've always been there for me no matter what,” Ally said. “You've always forgiven me.”

“Luckily, you always forgive me, too.” Zee smiled.

“That's the problem with my new friends. They make a big deal out of everything. I guess I was kind of scared of them.”

“Are you scared of them now?” Zee asked.

“No, they thought the email was really cool and can't wait to meet you!”

“Flight three-twenty-two to Charles de Gaulle Airport now boarding gate six,” the announcement called the passengers on Ally's plane.

“Oh no!” Zee said. She gave Ally another hug. “Good-bye.”

Zee waved as Ally slowly walked toward the gate.

“You and Jasper have to get Bluetopia going again so we can keep in touch constantly,” Ally called across the waiting area.

Zee laughed and called back, “We will.” She watched her friend disappear down the long corridor to the plane.

 

Zee was quiet on the ride back to Brookdale. She was thinking about the email she would send her best friend.

 

Ally,

I miss you soooooooooo much.

Next time I will see you in Paris. Promise to show me the most delicious pastries, coolest shops, and cutest guys. Ooh-la-la!

Until then, see you on Bluetopia!

LYLAS,

Zee

 

Then Zee got out her guitar and started writing her next song: “Double Trouble.”