The Mystery of the Zorse's Mask Read Online Free

table.
    â€œBecca didn’t tell us much about you,” Chloe says as she spreads butter thick on her biscuit.
    â€œNot much to tell.” I open my water bottle and take a sip.
    â€œShe just doesn’t want to brag,” Becca says with a pat on my shoulder. “Kelsey is really smart, loves reading and games, and is great with animals.”
    I shine under Becca’s praise and feel less awkward. “I’m not that smart, but my grades are okay.”
    â€œBetter than okay—like straight A s,” Becca says proudly. “It’s because she works really hard at everything.”
    â€œExcept her appearance.” Tyla sweeps a critical look over me and plucks at my green shirt. “Where did you buy this?”
    â€œI don’t remember. I’ve had it forever,” I say, not wanting to admit it’s a hand-me-down from my sisters.
    â€œIgnore the fashion snob.” Becca smooths her fingers across her white tiger-striped jacket. “You should hear what Tyla says about my style. You’re amazing the way you are, and you’ll love helping us with our project. Some kids think we’re all about sparkly clothes, but that’s just for fun. We work on fund-raisers for our community and school. Last month, we had a car wash to earn money for the drama club.”
    â€œTheater rocks,” Sophia pipes up in her cute, little-girl voice.
    â€œSophia is an actress,” Chloe adds proudly.
    â€œI’m in the drama club, and our next play is The Lion King. I’m going to be Nala.”
    â€œCongratulations!” I say, giving her a high five. “Great role.”
    â€œBut it won’t leave her much time for Sparkler projects.” Chloe leans forward, taking back her role of leader. “In a few weeks, we’re running a booth at the Humane Society Fund-Raiser.”
    â€œYeah, Becca says it’ll help lots of homeless animals get adopted.” I think of the dogs, cats, rabbits, goats, and other animals at Wild Oaks Animal Sanctuary. “I want to help out too.”
    â€œBecca told us you would,” Chloe says. “And we can really use your help. Start by helping us come up with an idea for our booth. Becca says you’re creative, so think of something amazing.”
    Me? I know nothing about creating booths. Still, they’re all looking at me eagerly, so I smile.
    Chloe stabs a chicken strip with her fork. “All the best ideas have been done to death, like a dunking booth, balloon popping, and face painting.”
    â€œI still think we should do face painting again,” Tyla says with a pout. “It was super popular last year.”
    â€œExcept we lost money because the makeup cost more than what we made.” Chloe gives Tyla an accusing look.
    â€œDid you want to use crap cosmetics?” Tyla argues.
    I listen with interest, not so much to their words but to their narrowed eyes, pressed lips, and sharp tones. Clearly, all is not rainbows and glitter with the Sparklers.
    While their talk shifts from booth plans to favorite TV shows, I set my brown bag on the table and take out my triple-layered turkey, veggie, and cranberry sauce sandwich on sourdough, and four cinnamon caramel chip cookies.
    â€œThose cookies smell yummy,” Chloe says, sniffing.
    â€œMy dad’s a whiz in the kitchen,” I say. “He made the cookies.”
    â€œCan I have one?” Chloe asks.
    â€œSure.” I hand her and her friends a cookie each. Dad’s cookies brought me and Becca together, and now they’re helping me win over her friends.
    â€œKelsey, you didn’t keep one for yourself,” Becca points out, then splits hers in half and we share.
    Chloe downs her cookie in two bites. “Amazing!” she says, licking her lips. “I wasn’t sure about inviting you to help with the booth project, but you’re cool.”
    â€œTold you so,” Becca says, slipping her arm around