by Tina Wells
Mr. Carmichael laughed. “I told him that ever since you were little, that’s practically all you’ve ever talked about. They want an actor who can actually sing and play the guitar, too. He thought you’d be perfect—but of course you’ll still have to audition.”
“Will there be a lot of auditions?”
“The talent scout said that there would be—on-camera, off-camera, with other actors. I’m not quite sure how many. But don’t worry. Your mother and I will get you some good coaches to help you get ready.”
Suddenly, Zee stopped smiling and looked at her father.
“What’s wrong?” her father asked.
“I think that you should tell the scout I can’t do it,” Zee said.
Mr. Carmichael looked confused. “Why? I thought you were excited about this.”
“I am, but with the twins coming so soon, Mom has way too much going on to take me to lessons and auditions all the time.”
“Hey! I can take you everywhere you need to be.”
“But don’t you have to be at your offices—or at meetings or photo shoots for the magazine?”
“I’ve got a great staff that can do all of that.” Mr. Carmichael pointed to the iPad that was resting on the console between them. “And I can be connected all the time. When I’m not driving, I’ll be sitting in waiting rooms. I can work there.”
Zee’s eyes lit up. “This is going to be amazing. I can’t wait to tell The Beans! We’re all going to be famous! I would give you a huge hug right now if you weren’t driving.”
Mr. Carmichael pulled into the family’s driveway, then turned to Zee. “Oh, Zee, I thought you knew. You’re the only one who has been invited to try out. This opportunity is just for you, not The Beans.”
Zee looked down. The Beans were her friends—could she leave them out like this? She felt as though she had just gone from the top of a roller coaster to that part on the hill when you feel as though everything inside of you is in the wrong place.
“But they’re my friends,” Zee told her father.
“And I bet your friends wouldn’t want you to miss such an incredible opportunity,” he pointed out. “They will be happy for you. This is the big break you’ve been waiting for!”
Zee thought about it, and decided that her father was probably right. But she still needed to talk to her best friend Ally about it. Zee ran into the house, shouted a hello to her mother, and raced up the steps to her bedroom. She couldn’t wait to Skype Ally to tell her everything that was happening in her life, even if it was super-late in Paris.
“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Ally said through the computer screen. “Jasper was wearing a baseball cap? Does he even like baseball?”
“Crazy, right?” Zee said. “What I don’t get is, if he knows I might like him, why is he acting so different?”
“He’s probably trying to figure out what would make you definitely like him.”
“But I do definitely like him,” Zee said. “He’s one of my very best friends—and my only guy best friend.”
Ally shrugged. “I dunno. Do you think it’s possible for a girl and guy to like each other so much and not like like each other?”
“I guess that’s what I’m trying to figure out,” Zee said. “But I can’t worry about that now. I have to get ready for my mom’s Baby Blast.”
“I can’t believe I’m going to miss your mom’s big day. I wish I could have stayed longer.” Not long before, Ally had surprised Zee with a two-week visit. It had been great to have Ally in Brookdale again, but now it seemed like a million years ago.
“I know,” Zee agreed. “But you’ll be like an honorary big sister to the twins. You can Skype with them, too.”
Ally laughed. “Just make sure they don’t short-circuit the keyboard with their drool.”
“The Baby Blast isn’t even the most exciting news!” Zee barely took a breath as she told her best friend about the TV pilot—and auditioning by herself, without The Beans.
“No way!” Ally said. “That is so amazing! I can’t wait until the show comes to France. I am going to tell everyone that I know you.”
Zee put her hands up like a stop sign in front of the computer screen. “First, I have to audition. And before that happens, Dad says I need coaching—singing, dancing, acting. Plus, after a pilot, the TV executives have to decide if they even want more episodes. And what about leaving The Beans behind?”
“Zee,” Ally said, “The Beans wouldn’t want you to miss out on a chance to make your dreams come true. And if the TV people don’t give you the part, they are crazy. And if they don’t want a bunch of shows with you in them, they are even crazier.”
Zee smiled. Even though Ally was thousands of miles away, she was always there for her.
“I don’t get it,” Adam said at dinner that night. “Does the talent scout know what a klutz Zee is?”
Zee looked at her brother as he took a bite of the couscous salad Mrs. Carmichael had prepared. “Why would they need to know that?”
“I just don’t want you tripping into a camera. That could be dangerous.”
“You’re worried about me?” Zee said, surprised.
“No, I’m worried about the camera.”
Mrs. Carmichael waved her hand in front of her. “Oh, Adam. Quit teasing your sister. She is not clumsy.”
Well . . . , Zee thought. She did have a tendency to be a little klutzy—especially when she was nervous. And she realized that she was getting really nervous every time she thought about auditioning for this part.
“How is your homework coming?” Mrs. Carmichael asked Zee. “Being able to audition depends on your keeping up with your schoolwork. That’s your number one priority.”
“I’m almost done,” Zee said. “I just have a little bit of French left.”
“I’m sure Zee won’t have any trouble getting her work done during auditions,” Mr. Carmichael said. “I’ll be keeping everything else organized.” He reached for his iPad and a calendar appeared on the screen. “I’ve got it all right here—appointments with voice teachers and diction coaches, and the best routes to each studio.” He looked at Zee. “You’ll be able to do your homework in the car.”
Zee turned to her mother, who was usually the family organizer and planner. A slow smile spread across Mrs. Carmichael’s face, and Zee could tell she was happy not to be the one to plan all of the family’s commitments for a change.
“Would it be OK for me to go upstairs now?” Zee asked. “I want to put more Baby Blast ideas together.”
“Oh?” Zee’s mother perked up. “Do you need any help?”
“No, I’m fine,” Zee assured her. “Chloe and I are taking care of everything. You don’t have to lift a finger.”
Mrs. Carmichael relaxed in her chair. “I could get used to doing nothing,” she said.
Zee hurried to her room and began making a list in her diary.
* * *
Stuff for the Baby Blast:
1. The Beans!
2. funky, fun, homemade decorations
3. a chocolate fountain
* * *
Pleased with her three big ideas, Zee stopped writing. She wanted to finish her homework early to prove to her parents that she was serious about the TV show and school. She wasn’t going to mess up this amazing opportunity. She logged on to the Brookdale Academy website for French homework, clicked on the audio button, and began to play the assignment, repeating each phrase.
By the time Zee finished, she realized it was late and she hadn’t had a chance to tell anyone besides Ally her big news about the show.
Should I tell Chloe or Jasper first? Zee wondered. Then she realized the thought of telling Jasper at all suddenly felt a little weird. But it also felt weird to tell Chloe without telling Jasper. And the idea of talking to Landon kind of freaked her out. Plus, who should tell Kathi? She’d probably be angry that the talent scout had asked Zee to try out for the show instead of her.
“Ohmylanta!” Zee said,
looking at the computer screen. The solution was right in front of her!
She’d tell everyone all at once—with a doodle on her Bluetopia page. Jasper had asked her to help test the site, and this would be a good way to do it. She began typing an update next to her current profile photo, a picture of Dakota Morning.
Zee read and reread the doodle. Then she took a deep breath, hit “Post,” and went to bed.
* * *
How can it be?
Can it be true?
Here I am
looking at you.
* * *
6
Howdy, Partner!
As Zee walked across the Brookdale Academy campus the next day, she saw the rest of The Beans standing near the school’s main entrance. Chloe waved when she saw Zee, but by the time Zee reached the group, everyone stood there silently.
“Hi,” Zee said.
Everyone stared at her as if they expected her to say more, but Zee wondered what she was supposed to say. Maybe “Hey! Did everyone see my Bluetopia doodle?” or “Are you happy I’ve got the chance to do something amazingly cool?”
Luckily, Missy finally said something. “Congratulations on the TV show, Zee.”
“Thanks!” Zee said. “It’s not really a TV show yet. And I’m not in it yet, either. It’s just an audition.”
“Well, I think it’s completely fab,” Kathi said.
“You do?” Zee asked, surprised.
“Of course! Now I’ll get to be The Beans’ lead singer since you’ll be so busy.”
“I don’t think I’m going to be so busy,” Zee said.
“Are you kidding?” Kathi laughed. “TV actors have no life. It’s constant work. And people who want to be TV actors have even less of a life.”
Jen stepped forward. “So, if you’re not going to be the lead singer, is there still going to be a Baby Blast—for your mother?”
“Definitely!” Zee responded. “I’m sure I’ll still have time for The Beans and the TV show.”
“Why aren’t we in the show, too?” Marcus asked.
“Yeah! We were at Brookdale Day, too,” Conrad added.
Zee hadn’t expected the question, so she wasn’t ready with an answer. She could feel the mercury in her panic thermometer rising.
Chloe looked at the group. “Come on, Zee doesn’t have any control over stuff like that.”
“She could have refused to audition unless they included us,” Landon said.
Zee turned to look at Landon. She was surprised to hear him join in with the others.
“Yeah! I’ve seen stuff like that happen on TV shows all the time,” Jen added.
“I do not believe Zee could have reasonably refused a part she does not actually have yet,” Jasper pointed out.
“Guys, this is crazy,” Chloe said as she pulled Zee toward the school doors. Zee was relieved when Jasper followed behind them.
“Are you guys mad at me?” Zee whispered to Chloe and Jasper.
“No way!” Chloe said.
The threesome looked back at the rest of The Beans. “But I think they might be,” Jasper said.
To Zee’s relief, there was an all-school assembly during first period music class, when she usually practiced with The Beans. After that, Zee managed to make it through the first half of the day without any more confrontations. She just pretended to be intensely listening to the teachers, reading a book, or working hard on a math problem. Luckily, she also had most of her classes with either Chloe or Jasper, so she could talk to them whenever she was afraid to talk to any of the other Beans.
Lunch was more complicated—until Missy put her bagged lunch next to where Zee was sitting. “Sorry that I didn’t speak up for you this morning,” she said. “I think it’s awesome that you were picked.”
“You’re not upset?” Zee asked.
Missy’s shiny black hair swung across her back as she shook her head. “My dad works with Hollywood people all the time. I know how they can be.” Mr. Vasi was a documentary filmmaker.
Zee rolled her eyes. “Yeah, my dad does, too.”
“My dad says if you don’t have any power, you can’t change anyone’s mind. So there’s no way you can change their mind about including the rest of The Beans—until you are a famous celebrity.”
“Can she make sure The Beans get on TV then?” Chloe wondered aloud.
“I don’t know,” Missy said. “But she’ll probably be able to demand crazy things like special French bottled water to wash her hands and only red M&M’s in her trailer.”
“Or Froot Loops for every meal,” Chloe added.
Zee put her finger on her chin and looked up as though she were deep in thought. “Hmmm,” she said. “What do I want?”
The girls laughed. “Thanks, you guys. I feel so much better,” Zee said. Then she turned to Chloe. “And I promise that I am still going to plan an incredible Baby Blast with you.”
“Oh, I know,” Chloe said, pulling a grilled tofu sandwich out of her lunch bag. “That’s what best friends do.”
“All right, everyone!” Ms. Merriweather called out as the bell marked the beginning of science class. “I’ve got a really important announcement to make, and I want to get started.”
The students looked at one another as they headed for their seats at their lab tables.
Ms. Merriweather turned on the interactive whiteboard in front of the room. Without another word, she clicked on her laptop and began the presentation.
Pictures of laughing Brookdale Academy upper school students appeared on the screen. “Brookdale Academy is about discovery and exploration,” the voiceover told the class. “And with state-of-the-art science labs, our students discover and explore in some of the best facilities.”
Fast music began to play behind images of students wearing safety goggles and pouring liquids into beakers. “Students learn to think and experiment like scientists. They solve problems, answer questions, and show how the world works.”
“We do?” Conrad shouted. When some students laughed, Ms. Merriweather put her finger over her lips to shush everyone.
On-screen, the camera zoomed out on a huge room full of science projects. Robots rolled across the floor, charts and diagrams covered walls, and plants lined counters. “The seventh grade science fair is coming. What will you teach the world?”
Everyone watched Ms. Merriweather anxiously as she began speaking to the class again. “Each seventh grader at Brookdale Academy is required to complete and present a science fair project. The school-wide winners will advance to regionals, the regional winners go to state, and the state winners go to nationals. For the past ten years, Brookdale Academy has had a winning project in the seventh grade regional science fair. And we have had two state winners in that same time.”
“Have we had any national winners?” Kathi asked.
“No, but there’s always a first time,” Ms. Merriweather said.
Kathi smiled, obviously thinking Ms. Merriweather was referring to her.
Everyone waited for what Ms. Merriweather would say next.
“You have some of the best science equipment at your disposal for your science fair projects. You may use anything you wish in the lab and do your work outside of the lab,” Ms. Merriweather explained. “I will be here to help you with whatever you need. Ask me any questions you have during class, stop by after school, or email me if you’d like help with anything.”
“I’d like help with the whole thing,” Conrad joked.
“And if you want it, you’ll get it,” their teacher said.
Conrad looked shocked. “I will?”
“Yes, but not from me,” Ms. Merriweather said. “Everyone may choose to work with a partner. You and your partner must contribute equally on the project. You will both participate in the presentation to the judges. And you will both receive a grade based on the judges’ assessments. It will count as two test grades. This isn’t a way to do less work, but rather to collaborate on a larger project.”
&n
bsp; Missy raised her hand. “Will you be one of the judges?”
“Great question,” Ms. Merriweather said. “The judges will be local leaders in the scientific community. None of the Brookdale Academy staff will serve as judges. Are there any other questions?”
This time Jasper’s hand shot in the air. “I think it’s brilliant!” he said when Ms. Merriweather called on him.
“Thanks, Jasper!” The teacher waited, then looked sideways at him. “Do you have a question?”
“Uh . . . no . . . sorry,” he said, blushing slightly. “Just that one . . . uh . . . comment.”
Zee could understand why Jasper was so excited. The classroom science project he did with Chloe at the beginning of the year became a school-wide initiative. They came up with an idea to create vegetable gardens all around the school grounds. Now a lot of the food that was served in the cafeteria actually came from those gardens.
But Zee was not nearly as enthusiastic as Jasper. When she had decided to host the Baby Blast and audition for the TV show and keep up with all of her schoolwork, she hadn’t expected to have a major science project on her plate.
Afraid of the answer, Zee asked, “Is it due soon?”
“It’s due in six weeks,” Ms. Merriweather said. “Now, for those of you who wish to work in pairs, why don’t you go ahead and choose a partner?”
While the other students stood up and began moving around the room in search of partners, Zee sat still. She could feel her brain pushing against the sides of her skull.
Just as her head was about to explode from the pressure, she heard Jasper’s voice. “Zee! Zee?”
Zee left her dream state and reentered reality, her head fully intact. “How long have you been talking to me?” she asked sheepishly.
“Just a second. I was asking if you want to be partners with Chloe and me.”
Just as Jasper spoke, Chloe came back to the group. “Bad news, y’all. Ms. Merriweather says we can’t have three in a group. It would disqualify us from regionals.”