28

DISPATCH

Birch and I are at Scoops. Where else would we be? It’s going to be the hottest afternoon of summer so far.

It’s been two days since the yarn hive, and I’m still bee-free! Plus, it’s just about time for Crowd Pleasers to come on. As much as Dr. Flossdrop and I have come to a new understanding — and even though she’s excited that Adam is on the show — she’s still not about to get a TV herself. She says she’ll watch clips of Ace’s performances online.

I’m hoping today I actually get to eat my ice cream at Scoops. Finish the whole thing this time. But after my third bite of lime-kiwi sherbet swirl, Adam’s girlfriend walks up to the table where we’re sitting. Her dark hair is up in a ponytail, and she’s wearing cut-offs and the Starving Artists Movers T-shirt with the collar all big and hanging off one shoulder to reveal the bird part of her tattoo.

She seems just like the kind of girl my brother belongs with.

“I have something for you,” she says. She hands me an envelope filled with doodles, which I immediately recognize as Adam’s, and walks away.

I shovel in one more bite of sherbet, fully tasting its sweetness and zing, before I open it.

Zin,

I know how hard it must’ve been that I left. I had to try something big to see if I could make it as an artist without Dr. Flossdrop stopping me. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. That was the worst, but I had to do this on my own. I hope you’ll understand someday.

You inspired me. Your rattlesnake yarn bomb was really amazing. I have so much to tell you, and I’m sure you have a story or two for me.

Say hi to Mom. Bonjour to Aunt Mildred. And tell them both I’m making time to floss.

I miss you,
Adam

A story or two — ha! I think, running my hands through my hair. If he only knew the story of my summer.

But oddly enough, I feel more at home with Dr. Flossdrop and NML and even myself than I did when Adam first disappeared, despite the fact that he left me. Maybe even because he did.

People at Scoops start shushing each other. The show is about to start, and I tuck Adam’s letter in my sock. Birch and I adjust our chairs to face squarely toward the screen.

“Hey, Birch?” I whisper.

“Yeah?”

“Thanks.”

“For what?”

“For not giving up on trying to be my friend.”

“Well, bird-watchers have to be patient and determined,” he says, holding out his yarn-bombed binoculars. “And interested in strange birds.”

I laugh and so does Birch, his green eyes twinkling.

Just then the show’s opening rolls, and Ace parades on camera in face paint and a mime outfit. He’s wearing silver boxing gloves this time, and I can’t wait to see what he’s going to do with them.

My heart goes fluttery, and I have the urge to cheer for my brother. Birch and I lean forward so we won’t miss anything.

Because this is going to be good.