Free Friends Forever? by Tina Wells

better—or worse.”
    â€œThat’s not what she thinks,” Kathi told her. “She hates the fact that you got your period.”
    â€œHow do you know?” Zee asked suspiciously. Had Ally confided in Kathi about how she felt?
    Kathi ignored Zee’s question. “And she obviously can’t stand that Jasper has a crush on you.”
    â€œWha—but—” Zee could barely get her words out. “Jasper and I are just f-f-friends!” she protested.
    Kathi put her violin back under her chin. “Whatev.”
    Zee was so flustered she hurried out of the cabin toward the dining hall. It was true that Ally had been acting a little weird on the trip, but what Kathi had said just couldn’t be true. No matter what, Ally and Zee were BFFs. Right?
    â€œOhmylanta!” Zee mumbled and stopped abruptly. She’d forgotten what she’d gone to the cabin for in the first place. She spun around. And came face-to-face with Landon.
    â€œAaaaa!” Zee screamed, startled.
    â€œIs everything all right?” Landon asked. Under the gaze of his warm blue eyes Zee felt like she was melting.
    â€œOh…uh…yeah…sure,” Zee said. “I just went to the cabin and was totally surprised. And it’s strange hanging out with Ally again. I mean, it’s great and all, but Jasper—” She stopped when she realized she was rambling.
    â€œWhat about Jasper?” Landon asked.
    Zee shook her head. “Nothing.” She really didn’t know what was confusing her about her friend. And she knew that even if she could explain it to Landon, she wasn’t sure she should. Normally, Zee would be thrilled to run into Landon on his own, but now shejust needed to get away to sort out her thoughts.

    Up ahead on the path, Zee saw the perfect distraction. Missy and Jen were heading toward them going to cabin one.
    Zee’s relief lasted about a second. Oh no! she thought. She didn’t want Missy to catch Kathi practicing by herself. There was something really sad about the fact that Kathi was so desperate. Zee would hate for anyone else—especially Jen, who for some weird reason admired Kathi—to see her like that.
    â€œUh…I gotta go,” Zee told Landon.
    â€œOh…um…okay,” Landon said.

    â€œHi, Missy,” Zee called out as loudly as she could and rushed toward the girls.
    â€œAre you okay, Zee?” Jen asked.
    â€œYes,” Zee shouted, spinning around to face the cabin. “I am, Jen . How are you—AND MISSY?”
    All of a sudden, Kathi zipped out of the Jesptcabin and stood next to the group. She gave Zee the slightest “thank-you” nod.
    â€œWhat’s up, guys?” Kathi asked.
    â€œMs. Merr—” Missy began, but Jen cut her off.
    â€œYou’re acting kind of weird, Zee,” Jen pointed out.
    â€œN-n-n-no I’m not,” Zee protested.
    â€œWe just saw you talking to Landon alone. Does it have something to do with him? Are you guys going out now?” Jen persisted.
    Zee gulped, hoping to use the extra time to get a response together. Just say no, Zee told herself. That’s the truth. “Wh…uh…huh?”
    Kathi stepped closer. “No way!” she said. “Zee needs someone as mature as she is—you know, because she’s a woman now.”
    â€œShe is?” Jen said. “She’s twelve.”
    â€œYou don’t understand,” Kathi said, putting her arm around Zee’s shoulder.
    Zee’s body stiffened. She hated to have Kathi speak for her. But she also didn’t want to talk about Landon to Jen and Missy, either.
    The rustle of leaves behind the girls made them turn.
    â€œWhat are you guys doing here? Shouldn’t you be at breakfast cleanup duty?” Mr. P asked.
    â€œMs. Merriweather told Jen and me to get Zee and K—” Missy began.
    â€œYes,” Kathi interrupted. “We needed to come get Zee