by Ahmet Zappa
Scarlet shook her head. “You guys are so lucky, you get along so perfectly. What’s your secret?”
Libby bristled and heard herself say, “We take turns deciding who gets to take the first sparkle shower in the morning.”
Gemma narrowed her eyes at Libby. “We always listen to each other,” she said.
Scarlet didn’t notice the tension between the two girls. “Well, that’s great,” she said. “In any event, I’m hungry. Time for breakfast?”
The Star Darlings tended to sit together in the Celestial Café, at a table by the window overlooking the majestic Crystal Mountains. Libby always tried to grab a seat facing the view. Although Libby was friendly with many of the regular students, she had discovered that it was just easier to spend most of her time with her fellow Star Darlings. You could never let your guard down around the others, in case you accidentally let some top secret information slip. Libby plopped herself down on the seat next to Gemma’s sister, Tessa. Scarlet sat on Libby’s other side, and Gemma sat across from her, next to Tessa’s roommate, Adora.
Tessa turned to them with a grin. “I just ordered the zoomberry pancakes,” she said. “You should get them, too!”
“Whatever,” said Gemma dismissively. “You know they’re never as good as the ones Dad makes on the farm.”
“I know,” Tessa told her sister sympathetically. “The zoomberries aren’t as fresh. But try them—they’re still pretty good.”
Adora, who sat across from Tessa, rolled her eyes. “Do you think I could sit through one meal without hearing about how much better everything is on the farm?”
Tessa gave her roommate a hurt look.
Libby was surprised to hear Adora’s words. She was usually so calm and collected.
The sisters looked at each other and shrugged. It was nearly impossible to ask the chatty sisters to stop talking about a subject that interested them. And farm-fresh food was one of their favorite subjects.
“May I take your order?” asked the Bot-Bot waiter, hovering by Gemma’s shoulder.
“Hmmm,” she mused. “I’m not sure what I’m in the mood for.”
“I really think you’ll like the starcakes, Sis,” said Tessa. “And you know how important breakfast is.”
“It’s the most important meal of the day,” Gemma and Tessa said together. They laughed. “You sound like Mom!” they also said in unison.
“I was considering tinsel toast with bitterball preserves,” Gemma said after a moment.
Tessa made a face. “I’m not sure if they put in enough sweetener,” she said. “You know how sour it can be if it’s not made correctly. I’d just go with the pancakes.”
Gemma frowned. “Or how about a bowl of—”
“Enough!” said Adora. “Just order something. It’s not a life-or-death decision. It’s just food, for goodness’ sake!”
Tessa looked puzzled. “Just food?” she said. “Who thinks that?”
Libby watched as Adora stood, walked to the other end of the table, and sat down. Libby was surprised by her unusual behavior. The two sisters didn’t even seem to notice. Or maybe they just didn’t care.
Scarlet nudged her with an elbow. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Adora act like that before,” she said. “She’s always so calm.”
“Me neither,” said Libby.
“Perhaps I could take your order now?” repeated the Bot-Bot waiter politely.
Libby decided to order since Gemma was still deliberating. “I…um…oh…I guess I’ll have the zoomberry starcakes,” Libby said. “And a glass of Zing.”
“Me too,” said Scarlet.
“And I’ll have the tinsel toast,” Gemma said.
Tessa shook her head. “That’s not going to be enough,” she scolded. “Maybe you’d like a bowl of star-berries and cream on the side?” she suggested.
“It’s only going to remind me of Dad’s starberry pie!” said Gemma.
Tessa nodded in sympathy. “You’re right! Dad’s star-berry pie with a scoop of lolofruit ice cream,” she said dreamily.
“Mmmmmmmm,” said the sisters in unison.
Scarlet looked at Libby and raised her eyebrows. This was going to be one long meal….
Sage squirmed in her seat. Libby, who was sitting right behind her, felt really sorry for her classmate. This couldn’t be easy. Especially since they were in their final class after a long day of school—the Star Darlings’ daily private lesson. And also because that day their guest lecturer was Professor Eugenia Bright, who taught Intro to Wish Fulfillment. Professor Eugenia Bright was tall and slender, with cropped turquoise hair and matching eyes. She was the most popular teacher on campus. There was always a long line of students outside her door during her office hours, looking for extra-credit assignments, wanting to make a good impression on the brilliant teacher, or simply seeking to bask in the warm glow of her presence. Libby knew that Sage had to be completely miserable.
“So please explain to the class exactly what happened at the start of your mission,” Professor Eugenia Bright said. “It will be most helpful for everyone to determine exactly when and how things took a turn.”
Sage twisted the end of one of her thick purple braids between her fingers. Noticing this, the teacher added more gently, “I’m sorry to make you uncomfortable, my dear. It’s just that the other students can learn from your mis—” She stopped herself. “I mean, the challenges you faced on your mission.”
Sage took a deep breath, then began to explain that she had arrived on Wishworld and headed to the school as directed by her Star-Zap. Using her powers of suggestion, she was able to convince the faculty and teachers that she belonged there and then she employed her observational skills to get clues as to whom the Wisher could be. After receiving information about a girl in a difficult situation, Sage had realized it seemed promising. So she headed over to talk with her and, after they had chatted for a while, discovered her wish.
“And what kind of wish was it?” the teacher asked gently.
“Well, it seemed like a good wish,” Sage said slowly. “She was the new girl at school, and her mother, who was trying to help her make friends, had invited her classmates to her birthday party, against her wishes. But it was a big mistake. No one RSVP’d. She was embarrassed and upset that no one was going, and she wished that someone would come to her party.”
The teacher nodded. “And what did you—”
Just then, there was a knock at the door. Sage exhaled loudly, glad for a brief break from the questioning.
“Class?” said Professor Eugenia Bright, indicating that one of them should use her energy manipulation skills to open the door.
Sage brightened and took the opportunity to show off her formidable powers. The door slid open effortlessly. “Ooooooh,” said the class in unison. Sage gave a smile. It was a small victory, but it was obvious it meant a lot to her at that moment.
There stood Lady Cordial, the head of admissions. The short, stocky woman, her purple hair cut in an unfortunate style that did not suit her face, had a pained expression. Leona said that she always looked like she had just broken your favorite vase and was trying to figure out how to tell you about it. Lady Cordial’s eyes widened with surprise when she saw that the classroom was filled with students. “Oh, I’m s-s-s-sorry,” she stuttered. “I didn’t realize that class was still in s-s-s-session. I wanted to ask you a question about the admissions committee, but…” Her voice trailed off, and she stood in the doorway uncertainly.
“Well, hello there, Lady Cordial,” Professor Eugenia Bright said kindly. She walked to the front of the room. “Always a pleasure to see you. Come right in. We can talk when class is dismissed.” She thought for a moment. “Why don’t you stay and observe our class until then?”
“Oh, what a st-st-startastic idea,” cried Lady Cordial. She stepped inside, then somehow got her foot caught in her long purple skirt. She lunged forward, off balance, and grabbed the edge of the desk to catch herself, managing to knock ove
r a plant sitting on it. Sparkly dirt spilled everywhere.
“Oh, my stars!” Lady Cordial said, her hands fluttering to her face in dismay
Libby cringed. Poor Lady Cordial. She was so very clumsy.
There was a snort as one of the Star Darlings tried to hold in her laughter. Libby glanced up to see that Leona’s face was bright red and her shoulders were shaking. Lady Cordial stared at the floor in embarrassment, her cheeks flushed, as she walked past the students to the back of the room. She sat at an empty desk, fortunately without further mishap. The dirt vanished almost immediately.
“We were discussing Sage’s mission and the challenges she faced,” Professor Eugenia Bright explained to Lady Cordial. “By identifying where her mission took a wrong turn, the other students may be able to learn from it.” Libby saw Sage’s shoulders sag once more.
Professor Eugenia Bright frowned. “So, where were we, class?” she asked.
Adora raised her hand. “Sage was just telling us that she had identified a Wishling who wanted some classmates to attend her birthday party.”
The professor nodded. “And that certainly does sound like a worthy wish,” she said. “But something seems off to me in the order of events. Can anyone guess what it is?”
Eleven hands shot up, including Libby’s. Libby caught Sage giving her roommate, Cassie, a baleful look. But the tiny pale girl in the star-shaped glasses ignored Sage, her hand held straight up in the air.
“Yes, Astra?” said the teacher.
“You always need to verify the Wisher before trying to determine the wish,” she answered. “Because if it isn’t the right Wishling, it doesn’t matter what the wish is.”
“Correct!” said Professor Eugenia Bright. “Now, Sage, did you help make this wish come true?”
“Yes,” said Sage in a low voice. Her eyes were fixed on her desk.
“And what happened when it was granted?”
“Nothing,” said Sage.
“No glorious burst of light and color?” the professor asked.
“No,” said Sage.
“No jolt as your Wish Pendant absorbed the wave of positive energy?”
Sage shook her head.
“Not even a tiny energy surge?” the teacher pressed.
“No,” said Sage softly. She looked as if she might burst into tears.
“Exactly!” said the teacher. “No matter how worthy a wish is, if it hasn’t been made by the correct Wishling, you will not be able to collect any wish energy,” she said, clapping her hands together in time to her words to emphasize their importance. “In fact, you probably used a lot of your wish energy reserves in the pursuit of the wrong wish.”
Sage nodded miserably.
“And the result was that you didn’t collect as much wish energy as you could have.”
Sage looked stricken. “I—I didn’t? Lady Stella never told me that.”
Professor Eugenia Bright bit her lip. “Oh,” she said. She glided to the front of the room, where she walked back and forth, her hands clasped behind her back. She somehow managed to make something as commonplace as pacing look elegant and regal. “Now, did you try to confirm that you had identified the correct Wishling by looking at your Wish Pendant? Did it light up?”
Sage nodded, grimacing. “It did light up. But…”
Libby and the entire class leaned forward in anticipation. Professor Eugenia Bright and Lady Cordial did, too.
“But what?” the teacher prodded.
Sage sighed. “It was terrible. I didn’t realize that as I was talking to the first Wishling, there was a second Wishling passing by right behind me. I stepped back and bumped into her. When I looked at my Wish Pendant for confirmation on the first Wishling…”
Professor Eugenia Bright held up a hand for Sage to stop talking. “Can anyone explain what happened here?” she asked. Again, eleven hands shot up in the air.
The teacher pointed to Vega.
“Sage thought that the birthday girl had made the wish she had been sent down to help grant, but it was actually the other Wishling. It’s a classic case of Wisher misidentification,” Vega explained. “I did some research on it in the library, and it happens more often than you would think. Historically, fifty percent of Wish Missions are failures, and the main causes are either the Wisher or the wish being misidentified.”
“That is correct, Vega,” said Professor Eugenia Bright. “And starkudos for your extra work.”
Vega sat back in her seat, looking very satisfied with herself.
Sage cleared her throat. “That’s exactly what happened. I think I was so excited when I thought I had found the Wisher so quickly that I overlooked any other options.”
The teacher nodded, laying a hand on Sage’s shoulder. “You were in a very confusing situation. Luckily, you were able to realize your mistake, find the correct Wishling, identify her wish, and collect energy.”
Sage nodded. “Just not as much as I could have,” she said with a sigh. She looked so miserable Libby felt the urge to help make her feel better. She raised her hand.
“Yes, Libby?” said Professor Eugenia Bright.
“I just wanted to say that it couldn’t have been easy to go on the first mission. I think that Sage was very brave. And I think that complications are going to be unavoidable. This is all new to us. Sage taught us a lesson—that you have to make sure that no other Wishlings are around when you first verify your Wisher, just in case. And that’s really helpful for all of us to know.”
“Excellent point, Libby,” said Professor Eugenia Bright. “I appreciate your ability to see both sides of the situation.” She smiled at everyone. “Great work today, Starlings. Class dismissed.”
Before Libby could stand up, Sage turned around and grabbed her hand. “Star salutations for what you said,” Sage said to her. “It isn’t easy being in the starlight.”
Libby nodded. “I know,” she said, patting Sage’s shoulder. “And you’re welcome.” She stood up and straightened the skirt of her pink dress.
“Hold it, hold it!” cried a familiar voice. Libby turned around to see Leona climbing up onto a chair, her arms in the air. “I have an announcement to make. I’m starting a Star Darlings band, and I want you all to try out! I just ask one thing—please keep it quiet so everyone in school doesn’t show up!”
Scarlet laughed. “As if!” she said.
Leona stuck out her tongue at her roommate. “We just want to keep it small so it will be laid-back and fun, just like me! Let’s meet in Star Quad at the band shell. Bring your instruments and come ready to rock out!”
“What about singers?” Gemma asked.
Leona threw back her head and laughed. “We’ve already got a lead singer—me! Every other instrument is up for grabs.”
Scarlet rolled her eyes. But Libby started thinking.
As the Star Darlings filed out of the classroom and joined the throngs of students in the hallway eager to enjoy the precious few hours before dinnertime, Libby noticed a few girls staring at them and whispering. So did Leona. “Take a holo-picture,” she told them huffily. “It lasts longer.”
The girls gave her scornful looks but hurried away. Libby hid a smile. In order to keep their Star Darlings status secret from the rest of the school, they all had to pretend that they were in a special study group during last period. That bothered some Star Darlings more than others. Libby felt a little strange about being singled out, but she knew that the work they were doing was just too important for them to worry about what other people thought. Others (like Leona) felt humiliated by it and couldn’t seem to get past it. Of course, Libby was hopeful that someday maybe the truth would come out. But if it didn’t, well, that was okay, too. Mostly because it had to be.
Libby hurried back to the Little Dipper Dorm alone. She had her one free afternoon each week on Lunarday, and she usually waited for Gemma to finish whatever conversation she was having after class so that the two could head back together. But not that day. She pushed open the
door and stepped onto the Cosmic Transporter, which deposited her right in front of room 333. She placed her palm on the hand scanner in the middle of the door. Her handprint was accepted, and the door slid open. “Welcome, Libby,” the Bot-Bot voice said.
Entering the bedroom, Libby noticed that the flowers smelled twice as strong as they had that morning. She placed her Star-Zap on her dresser and walked right over to them. It was as if they were beckoning to her. She sniffed deeply. Ahhhhhhhh. They were just so irresistible. She shook her head. Gemma and Scarlet were so wrong. They smelled just like blushbelles, no doubt about it.
Libby walked over to her side of the room and knelt next to her bed, the pink rug soft and fluffy under her knees. She fished around under the bed for a bit, pushed aside the unopened case of glimmerchips, then found what she was looking for. She hooked her fingers around the handle and pulled out a bright pink case. She stared at it for a brief moment, then undid the clasps and lifted the lid.
The door to the room whooshed open, startling Libby. “What’s the deal? You left after class without me,” Gemma said, pouting. Then she noticed the open case. “Hey, what’s that?” she asked, walking over and dropping to her knees next to Libby. “I mean, I know it’s an instrument of some sort, but what kind is it? It’s bizarre!”
Libby bristled, running her hands over the keyboard.
“I mean, I think I’ve played almost every instrument there is,” Gemma continued. “But I’ve never seen this one before in my life.”
“It’s a keytar,” Libby said. “A portable keyboard that you play like a guitar.” She lifted it out of the case and hung it around her neck by the pink strap. “See?”