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study hall the next day, Kathi tapped furiously on the class computer. “What do you think?” she asked when she finished.
    Zee read the script out loud. “Dylan leans toward Lily. Slowly, his face moves closer to hers.” Zee’s heart pounded. “Just as their lips are about to meet,” Zee continued, “Brianna appears and stops them.
    â€œUmmm…that doesn’t seem realistic to me,” Zee said. “Wouldn’t Brianna be happy for her friend—you know, that she’s going to kiss the boy she likes?”
    Kathi shook her head. “No way,” she said. “It’s just like Romeo and Juliet . Brianna knows their crush is doomed, so she’s keeping them apart for her friend’s own good.”
    Zee was suspicious. “Are you sure it’s not because her best friend is jealous ?”
    â€œI’m sure. No one was jealous in Romeo and Juliet .”
    â€œI guess you’re right,” Zee mumbled.
    Â 
    After the final period of the day, Zee met Chloe at her locker.
    â€œI’ve got a ton of homework,” Chloe said, looking lopsided under the weight of her homemade patchwork book bag.
    Zee looked at her assignment book. “Me too,” she said. “Math, science, and French. Plus, we have that English quiz tomorrow.”
    â€œAre you still coming over to my house to study for it?” Chloe asked.
    â€œYup. I told my mom I would go home from school with you.” Zee grabbed her books out of her locker and shoved them into her bag. The lockers were made of recycled wheat board, so the door made a soft thud when she shut it.
    Zee could barely lug her heavy bag down the hall. She hadn’t gotten far with Chloe when she spotted Landon approaching.
    Great! Zee groaned silently. Just when I’m looking like the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Maybe he won’t see me. She looked at the ground in the opposite direction.
    â€œHey, Zee!” Landon called out.
    Darn it! Zee stood up as straight as she could. “Oh, hi, Landon,” she said, trying to sound casual. “What’s up?”
    â€œMr. P just told me he wants us to work on the scenewhere Lily and Dylan first meet,” Landon began. “Do you have time now?”
    â€œSure.”
    â€œBut we were going to study for the English test,” Chloe reminded her.
    â€œIt’s just a quiz,” Zee said. “Landon and I won’t take long. I’ll come over in an hour.”
    Chloe adjusted her book bag strap on her shoulder. “All right. It’ll probably take me that long to drag this thing out of the building,” she said.
    Â 
    â€œYou’re not going anywhere,” Mr. P boomed, grabbing Zee’s arm. “I’m calling the police!”
    â€œLet go of me!” Zee yelled, trying to break free from her teacher’s grip. Mr. P was playing a store owner who accuses Lily of shoplifting.
    â€œHalt!” Landon protested loudly. “Uhh. Ummm. Eh.” He heaved a sigh and threw up his hands. “I have no idea what to say.”
    â€œDon’t sweat it, Landon,” Mr. P reassured him. “What would you say if it happened in real life? Just pretend you’re really Dylan, and you need to convince me to let Lily go.”
    Landon looked at Zee. “Let her go!” he shouted, getting into character.

    â€œWhy? What’s it to you?” Mr. P snarled. Zee tried not to giggle. She didn’t want to ruin Landon’s concentration.
    â€œBecause I know she would never steal anything,” Landon went on. “I can tell just by looking at her. I’ve never seen such an honest face in my life.”
    Zee could feel a blush fill her cheeks.
    â€œAll right,” Mr. P said, releasing his grasp. “But if I ever see either one of you in my store again, I’m going to call mall security.” Then Mr. P turned into their teacher again. “See? You rocked it.”
    â€œCool.”