Clothes Minded

by Chloe Taylor

  “It’s just pancake mix,” said Marcus. “And some eggs. And a hot pan.”

  Uncle John shook his head. “No, Marcus. It’s much, much more.”

  Aunt Lulu beamed at him and then blew him a kiss before heading into the living room with Zoey, Marcus, and Mr. Webber. They all sat down to chat.

  “How’s the outfit for Sonya Turley?” Lulu asked Zoey. “Have you seen a photo yet?”

  “Almost done, I think,” Zoey replied. “The costumer is going to send me a picture when it’s ready. I can’t wait to see it on Sonya, though, moving across the ice!”

  “Me too,” said Aunt Lulu. “What an opportunity for you! When I die, I want to come back as you.”

  Zoey laughed. She wouldn’t mind coming back as her aunt, who ran a successful interior design business, had a wonderful dog, and now a wonderful husband, as well.

  “How are Allie’s new cats?” Zoey asked her brother. She’d been meaning to go over to Allie’s house and visit them, but with the fashion club and volunteering at the shelter, her schedule was pretty full.

  “They’re great. They’ve adapted really well to their new home, and Allie says they’ve become like mother and son, kind of, even though they aren’t. They curl up together and sleep!”

  Zoey smiled and made up her mind that she would go and visit immediately.

  “That’s pretty cute,” Mr. Webber admitted. “And I’m not a cat person at all. Where is Allie this morning, Marcus? She’s certainly welcome to join us.”

  Marcus looked at his knees, which jutted out in front of him on the couch. “She and I are kind of in a fight. A small fight.” He cleared his throat in an odd way and then said, “Anyway, that’s why she didn’t come over.”

  “Oh, Marcus, I’m sorry,” Lulu said quickly.

  “If it’s truly something small, just go ahead and say you’re sorry, kiddo,” Mr. Webber said. “Whatever it is, it’s probably not worth fighting over.”

  Marcus’s face was slowly turning beet red. Zoey knew how much Marcus disliked the family interfering in his personal life, and even though Allie had been Zoey’s friend to begin with—and, therefore, Zoey felt she was owed more of an explanation—she decided to help out her brother by taking the focus off him.

  “Ugh! I almost forgot,” Zoey said loudly. “Did you bring any towels for the shelter, Aunt Lulu?”

  Lulu nodded and tipped her head toward the front hall, to indicate she’d left them there. “We got a bunch of new ones for wedding presents, so I brought you our old ones.”

  “What’s this for again, Zoey?” Mr. Webber asked. “I saw you going through the linen closet earlier and meant to ask.”

  “The shelter. They go through tons of towels, so I’m trying to help collect some to donate.”

  Zoey went to check the bag that Lulu had brought, putting it next to the bag of old towels she’d pulled from the linen closet. Even with two full bags, it didn’t seem like enough. Not with new animals coming and going at the shelter all the time.

  Suddenly, an idea hit Zoey. A bright idea! The neon fleece Jan had donated to the fashion club would be perfect to turn into cuddly towels for the animals. And it would make a terrific next project for the club meeting! Zoey couldn’t wait to tell Sean and the rest of the FFC. If they could sew something and help out some animals in need at the same time, it would be a win-win!

  Uncle John appeared from the kitchen, his apron streaked with gooey batter, carrying a platter piled high with delicious-smelling pancakes.

  “Breakfast is served,” he said, gesturing with his arm for them to all head into the kitchen to eat. As usual, the dining room was completely taken over by Zoey’s sewing machine, materials, and current projects. Luckily, the Webbers had a sunny eating space in the kitchen.

  The family filed in and took their seats. Uncle John dished out the pancakes, passed the syrup, and waited anxiously.

  Aunt Lulu was the first taster. She cut herself a generous piece and then popped it in her mouth. “Mmm,” she said. “Chewy and delicious.”

  Chewy? Zoey had never heard pancakes described as chewy. She hurriedly cut a few pieces from her own stack and took a bite. They were chewy! They were thicker than usual, and had a soft texture, too. Zoey couldn’t put her finger on the flavor, though.

  “Banana!” Marcus said immediately, his mouth full. “But you chopped it up really tiny so we couldn’t guess it. And the chewy part is . . .” He thought a moment and continued to chew.

  Zoey took another bite, as did her father. They all chewed silently for a moment while Uncle John smiled, pleased that he had stumped them.

  Mr. Webber smacked his hand on the table. “I’ve got it,” he said. “Granola. I just got a chunk. Delicious, John!”

  Aunt Lulu shook her head. “Granola in pancakes? Who would think of that but you?” She leaned toward John and gave him a quick kiss, right at the breakfast table. Marcus took another helping of pancakes and ate enthusiastically, his fight with Allie temporarily forgotten.

  Zoey looked around the table, thinking to herself how much she loved Sundays. A whole day of the week devoted to just family and sewing. What could be better?

  Zoey couldn’t wait to share her idea to make towels for the animal shelter. She made sure she got to home ec class a few minutes early on Monday morning, to discuss it with Sean. Unfortunately, when she arrived, he was already talking to Emily and Ivy. She noticed that Emily and Sean were both wearing their scarves, and Zoey realized she’d forgotten hers yet again.

  “H-hi, guys,” Zoey said, stumbling over her words. She didn’t want to mention her idea in front of Ivy. She knew Ivy would shoot it down as silly or ridiculous or tacky. Or possibly all three.

  “Sean, can I talk to you for second?” Zoey said. “I have an idea for a club activity.”

  Sean smiled, his grin wide and easy. “Sure, Zoey! Let’s hear it.” But he made no move to step away from Emily and Ivy. In fact, the two girls leaned in closer toward Zoey, as if they too, wanted to hear it.

  Zoey was stuck. Now she’d have to tell them and risk getting more of Ivy’s comments in return. Luckily, at that moment, Priti walked into the classroom and came over to stand by Zoey.

  “Morning, everyone,” Priti said cheerily. “What’s going on?”

  Zoey wasn’t sure if Priti sensed that Zoey needed some backup or was just curious about the huddle they all stood in.

  “Zoey was just about to wow us with her idea for a fashion project,” Emily said.

  Zoey had no choice now. She had to tell them. “Well, um, we still have all that fleece, and I know not everyone loves the colors. The pet shelter where I’m volunteering really needs extra towels for the dogs and cats to snuggle with, so I thought we could make them some fleece blankets. It’d be a really easy sewing project, and we’d be doing something helpful for the community, too.”

  “Sounds perfect!” Priti said loudly, and Zoey knew then that Priti had deliberately come and stood there to help her. She made a mental note to thank Priti later.

  Sean nodded vigorously. “That’s a great idea. It’s not exactly fashion related, but it does involve sewing, and I think it would be great if the club can help out those animals.”

  Zoey had been pretty sure Sean would approve, so she continued to hold her breath, waiting to hear what Ivy’s reaction would be.

  She was amazed when Ivy tossed her hair back and said, “You know, the residents at the senior home where I’m volunteering could really use some blankets. A lot of the folks are in wheelchairs and get cold really easily, and the fleece would be great for that.”

  “You’re so thoughtful!” Emily exclaimed, like Ivy had had the idea to use the fabric to help those in their community service projects first.

  “That’s a great idea too, Ivy!” Sean said warmly. Zoey could tell he was trying to reward Ivy for being nice, in the hopes that the good behavior would continue. “We can have everyone make a towel and a blanket for our activity this week. Neither require any
difficult sewing.”

  Zoey was annoyed. Yes, Ivy had managed not to shoot down or insult Zoey’s idea, per se, but she’d also managed to make it feel less special by adding her own project on top of it.

  Then, to Zoey’s total amazement, Priti said, “You’re right, Ivy, a lot of the residents often do complain about being cold. Fleece blankets would be perfect. And the neon is cheerful!”

  Mrs. Holmes came in to start class, and Zoey and Priti moved over to their table.

  Zoey couldn’t help whispering, “Uh, excuse me? Did you just compliment Ivy on her idea?”

  Priti shrugged. “I know it sounds crazy, but I’m with her at the senior center every week, and she’s actually pretty good with the elderly. I’ve seen her being really nice.”

  “Not to me,” Zoey reminded her.

  “No, not to you,” Priti agreed. “But just think about how happy you guys will make all those old people and puppies with your projects. That’s worth ignoring Ivy for, I think.”

  Reluctantly, Zoey had to agree. It was more important to make the blankets than it was to prove that Ivy was still vicious at heart. Zoey would try to rise above Ivy, once again.

  When Zoey got home that afternoon, she was thrilled to find a smallish brown box on her front porch. Brown boxes were usually either fabric she’d ordered online or surprises from Daphne Shaw, her not-so-secret-anymore fashion fairy godmother–turned-mentor. When she checked the return address, she was delighted to see it was from Daphne. Eagerly, she used her house key to cut through the brown packing tape to see what Daphne had sent her.

  Inside, she found a pile of brightly colored silicone bracelets, all stamped with the words “Fashion Fun Club.” Zoey couldn’t believe it! What a neat idea, and something she knew the other members of the club would love. She sifted through the bracelets until she found a small, folded piece of white paper. She opened it and read:

  Dear Zoey,

  I’m so proud of you for starting a fashion club at your middle school! I wish we had had one when I was in school. Make sure you keep the “Fun” in the club, because after all, that’s what clubs are for. Hope the other members know how lucky they are to have you!

  Your friend,

  Daphne Shaw

  Zoey slid one of the bracelets onto her arm. She couldn’t help thinking that while the words “fun” and “fashion” went together like peanut butter and jelly, the words “fun” and “Ivy” had no business being in the same club. At least, not to Zoey.

  CHAPTER 10

  Wowable Warm-Ups!

  The Fashion Fun Club met today and began work on making towels for the animals at the shelter and blankets for the elderly at the senior home. S and I did a lot of troubleshooting with people’s sewing machines, so I didn’t get to sew much myself , but there’s always next week! And I gave out the personalized silicone bracelets that my always-generous fashion mentor (who shall still remain nameless!) sent us. The club didn’t seem as excited as I thought they’d be to have a gift from an anonymous famous designer, and one person **in particular** mentioned they were hoping for an invite to a fashion show instead. Sigh. I do plan to bring a bunch of the new towels to the shelter with me next week, so that’s something!

  Since the theme for this post seems to be helping people (and pets!) stay warm, I posted this sketch of a great athletic warm-up dress I designed for Sonya Turley. Her costumer didn’t end up making it, though, because Sonya already has a “lucky” warm up suit that she likes to wear, but she asked to see more of my sketches in the future. Sounds good to me!

  After school on Thursday, Zoey found herself walking up the street to Kate’s house. Tyler had asked Kate out again while they were volunteering that week, and to everyone’s surprise—hers most of all—she’d said yes. Now she desperately needed an outfit to wear on their date, and Zoey had volunteered help pick something out.

  Zoey stood at Kate’s door with her hand raised, about to knock, when the door swung open. It was Kate, and her cheeks were flushed bright pink.

  “I can’t believe I said yes,” she blurted out. “Now I’m so nervous. I blame Priti!”

  Zoey laughed, knowing that Kate was joking. She’d known Kate for most of her life, and though Kate was shy, she wasn’t a pushover. You couldn’t talk her into something unless she wanted to do it.

  Zoey patted Kate’s arm and said, “Stop worrying! You’ll have fun. It’s just for a few hours. Think of him as a friend, not a date.”

  “Ugh, I suppose so.” Kate led Zoey up to her room, where she’d pulled some clothes from her closet and drawers and laid them on her bed.

  “This is everything I have that isn’t horrible,” Kate declared. “Can you make me an actual outfit out of this?”

  “You know you can borrow anything of mine that you like, Kate, but let’s see what you have here first. Where’s that T-shirt dress I liked?” Zoey asked, sifting through the pile of striped T-shirts and V-necks. They were basic clothes that didn’t stand out, which is exactly what Kate preferred. Zoey noticed that Kate hadn’t pulled any of the floral dresses or patterned skirts from her closet. Those were items that Kate’s mom had bought for her, and that Kate rarely wore unless forced to do so.

  “I’m not wearing a dress,” Kate said. “That’s too fancy, and he’ll think I’m taking the date too seriously. I don’t want to look like I’m trying too hard, okay?”

  Zoey nodded. “Okay, I understand. And I think you’re right to be yourself! But I’m going to make you look like your best self. Your best comfy self.”

  Kate laughed and flopped down on her beanbag chair to watch Zoey work her magic. After just a few minutes, Zoey had pulled together a pink printed tank top, with a fitted teal cardigan, and a pair of boyfriend jeans, with the cuffs rolled.

  “The teal looks great with your blond hair, and the little pink tank underneath is feminine, but not too much. And the jeans say comfy, not trying hard. What shoes do you want to wear?”

  “My flattest flats,” Kate said matter-of-factly. “Tyler’s a little shorter than I am, and I don’t want to make him feel weird by wearing shoes with thick soles or something.”

  “Flats are perfect with this. Don’t you have a gold pair your mom bought you?”

  Kate waved vaguely at her closet. “They’re in there somewhere. I’ve never worn them. Gold is so fancy!”

  Zoey couldn’t help laughing. “Gold flats are not fancy. They’re neutral and perfect for this outfit. And you can pair them with one of these cute jackets your mom bought you. . . . But don’t forget to take off the price tag!” Kate didn’t look convinced, so Zoey continued. “Listen to me, Kate Mackey: You will wear the gold flats and a cute jacket, you will look great, and you will have fun!”

  Already the nervous look had crept back into Kate’s eyes. “If you say so,” she said. “But I’m still blaming Priti for this. I’m going to call her and yell at her right now.”

  “Nooooo . . . you’ll be thanking her when your date is awesome!” said Zoey.

  “I hope so. I really hope so. But that makes me even more nervous!”

  That night, while Zoey was doing her homework, her phone beeped. She normally turned it off while she was studying, but she was worried Kate might need her for moral support that evening, so she left it on. Zoey put down her social studies book and picked up her phone to read the e-mail.

  It was from someone named Tyler Landon.

  Dear Zoey,

  I found your e-mail address on your blog. I hope you don’t mind me e-mailing you! I’m a friend of Kate’s, and she talks about you all the time. I’m taking Kate out tomorrow night, and I want to make sure she has a good time on the date. Since you’re her best friend, would you mind telling me a few of her favorite things, so I can make sure the date is perfect?

  Sincerely,

  Tyler Landon

  Zoey gulped. Kate’s date wanted advice on how to impress her? It was sweet, very sweet, but at the same time, his e-mailing Zoey behind Kate’s back felt a
little bit sneaky. Like someone with seventh-period social studies asking someone in first-period social studies what questions were on the quiz that morning. Well, technically that was actual cheating, and this was . . . what, exactly? Playing cupid? Or Cyrano de Bergerac, the guy in that French movie they’d watched last semester where one man tells another exactly what to say and do to woo a woman?

  Feeling uneasy, Zoey started typing a reply.

  Tyler,

  Hi! I’m afraid I don’t know very much about dating, and I feel a little weird getting involved, honestly! But Kate is a wonderful person, and I think it’s nice that you want to impress her. I can tell you that Kate doesn’t care much about fancy food or clothes, but she does love sports. She’d probably think it was cool if you showed up in a soccer jersey from her favorite team, or took her to the batting cages for a date, but you should just do whatever sounds like fun to you!

  Have fun!

  Zoey

  Zoey hit send, relieved that she’d managed to both help Tyler, and not reveal anything about her friend that wasn’t already pretty obvious. She picked up her social studies book and got back to reading.

  She was surprised when a minute later, her phone beeped again.

  Zoey,

  Thank you! This is really helpful. I’m terrible at baseball, but maybe I can practice before I take her to the batting cages. I wanted to ask you one more thing . . . I’m not quite as tall as Kate . . . Do you think that matters to her?

  Tyler

  Surprised by the question, Zoey wrote back immediately.

  Of course not, Tyler! Kate isn’t like that at all. She’s kind and fun and likes to be around people who are the same. I hope you guys have a terrific time!

  Zoey

  She waited a minute or two to see if he’d write back, but he didn’t. Satisfied she’d done her job, she resolved to finish studying. But a moment later, an idea for a great date outfit came to her, and she picked up her sketchpad to do a quick drawing, making sure to sketch a cute pair of flats to go with it.