10 A Crystal Ball

CHAPTER TEN A Crystal Ball Crystal (noun). A type of solid made up of molecules and ions arranged in a definite three- dimensional pattern. Salt and sugar are examples of tasty crystals that have their own unique crystal structures. ON THE OTHER SIDE of the playground, I could hear Julia bossing around some fourth graders. Telling them not to run so they "wouldn't slip on the ice like penguins." She took her job in student government pretty seriously, especially since they have a new safety campaign. "I just wish I could do my presentation on penguins," I said to Birdie and Tala, who stood by the swings. And I explained how Julia didn't seem to get penguins. I knew that they rarely slipped on ice. "I don't see why you can't do it too," said Tala. "It's not too late. The presentation's not for ten days." I shook my head. "Mrs. Eberlin just wants one person per animal for our presentations." "Sea lions are wonderful, Kate," said Birdie. "I wish you could see that."

"Yeah, but penguins surf through waves, dive off cliffs, and will lie on their bellies and toboggan down a hill. Now, that's fun." I sighed heavily. "I could seriously give my presentation on penguins tomorrow. I mean, I know way more penguin-y things than Julia." "True," said Birdie. "But wouldn't you have more fun learning something new about sea lions?" "Plus, it would be kind of unfair if you did penguins," said Tala. "Since you already know so much." "Wow, it sounds like you guys aren't on my side," I said, hurt. Birdie's eyes got big. And she looked at Tala anxiously. "No, that's not it at all," said Birdie. "We're just trying to look at the bright side." She scooped up some old snow on the ground and packed it into a ball. Then jokingly said, "Looking into this crystal ball, I see good things in your future." "Ha-ha," I said. "We want you to feel good about your presentation," said Tala. And then I just stood there not really looking at anything. To me, it seemed unfair that Birdie could talk about this when she and Phoenix got to switch and

I didn't. Plus, I bet that Julia didn't have a penguin poster in her room or a penguin stuffed animal that she gave to her little brother. She didn't even have a little brother. I sighed again. "I think you need some cheering up," said Birdie. "Yes," said Tala. "Kate does need some cheering up." "It's time for Operation Cheer Up Kate. And I think that involves chocolate." "Definitely chocolate." From watching Dr. Caroline on YouTube, I know that there are six different forms of chocolate crystals that are smooth and glossy and will melt in your mouth. Yum! "You guys are so right," said Tala. "You should come over to my house after school and we can make snacks for the trip." I smiled really big, since Tala's class was also going on the field trip and on the same bus. "We can make homemade chocolate-covered pretzels," added Tala. "Oh, that sounds like so much fun!" I cried. "How about if we come to my house though? My dad's working in his office. He likes it if I'm home to keep an eye on Liam." "Kate's house it is," said Tala. "Will this afternoon work?" "Yes!" I shouted.

We all joined hands, or rather mittens, and spun in a circle. And then when we broke away, we spun some more. When the bell rang, Birdie and I raced inside, but then stopped to wait for Tala to catch up. Since she was new to the snow, she had too many layers of clothing on, and took forever to change out of her snow gear. Jeremy called out, "Tala looks like a penguin." "Be quiet, Jeremy," I said. And I gritted my teeth. It seemed like everyone and everything wanted to remind me of penguins.