A Picture-Perfect Mess

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Book: Read A Picture-Perfect Mess for Free Online
Authors: Jill Santopolo
face.”
    â€œI agree,” said Valentina, another Angel. “I’d do it for a dollar too.”
    For a moment Aly thought about calling Suzy to make sure she understood people liked her makeup idea, but that she was charging too much.
    Maybe she’d change her mind about her fees tomorrow. But then again, Suzy Davis was one of the most stubborn people Aly had ever met, so maybe not.

    As exhausted as Brooke and Aly were Tuesday night, they still gave each other manicures.
    Brooke painted Aly’s nails with Starry Nights, a navy-blue shimmer polish that matched Aly’s leggings, and topped it off with rhinestones on her pinkies. Even though Aly yawned about fifteen times in a row, she managed to polish Brooke’s nails a bright I Dream of Greenie with gold rhinestones.
    Forty minutes later the sisters were asleep, and as ready as they’d ever be for tomorrow.

nine
News Prince
    A ly, is my braid straight? Is there any hair popping out of it?” Brooke asked her sister.
    â€œIt’s perfect,” Aly answered as she brushed her teeth.
    The next morning was a mad dash to get ready for Picture Day. Aly and Brooke woke up earlier than usual, so they could get to school before the first bell.
    Aly looked in the mirror one last time and grinned.
    The bows on her sleeves were tied perfectly—Brooke had helped. And her hair was shiny—Mom had let her blow-dry it and then had sprayed it with hair spray afterward. She felt especially fancy.
    Aly, Lily, and Charlotte had made a plan to meet by the water fountain near the gym before the first bell rang so that they could admire one another’s outfits. Aly arrived first, and while she was waiting she read the signs taped on the wall above the water fountain.
    One was looking for more volunteers for Helping the Hungry at Lunch—Oliver Shin’s community service project.
    Another was telling kids when they could audition for the school play— The Wonderful Wizard of Oz . Aly wondered if Brooke might want to do that. She’d make a great Munchkin.
    Then there was Suzy Davis’s sign for her Suzy’s Spectacular Makeup business—only it had been changed. Instead of “$5,” it said “$1.” And instead of information about how to book appointments, it said: NO APPOINTMENTS NECESSARY!
    Aly wondered how early Suzy had gotten to school to put up all these new signs. She also was impressed and couldn’t believe that Suzy had changed her plan.
    â€œWhat are you looking at?” Lily asked when she walked up next to Aly.
    â€œSuzy Davis’s sign,” Aly said. “And you look great!”
    Lily’s Picture Day outfit was:
    â€¢Â a gray-and-yellow-striped shirt
    â€¢Â a pair of yellow jeans
    â€¢Â black high-top sneakers
    â€¢Â News Prince nail polish with yellow rhinestones
    â€¢Â a necklace with green beads and a basketball charm—and a strawberry charm (that she said stood for her job at the Sparkle Spa)
    Lily smiled and tucked a strand of her long hair behind her ear. Then she blurted out, “She made it cheaper!”
    Lily glanced at Aly. “So what do you think, Al, are you going to try it out?”
    Aly shrugged. “I’m not sure. Maybe. Probably. I mean, I feel bad. I would be so sad if we had no customers at the Sparkle Spa. You know? And our necklaces and rhinestone manicures were such a hit, I’m not worried about people thinking her business is better than the Sparkle Spa.”
    â€œNo business is better than the Sparkle Spa,” Charlotte said. “And I love both your outfits. How does mine look?”
    Charlotte’s Picture Day outfit was:
    â€¢Â a red dress
    â€¢Â orange leggings
    â€¢Â gold ballet flats and a gold belt
    â€¢Â Go for the Gold nail polish with red rhinestones
    â€¢Â a red headband with a sparkly rose on the side
    â€¢Â an orange bead necklace, with a heart, a moon, and a sun

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