Are You Thinking What I'm Thinking? by Belle Payton Page A

“Well, they do. All the time. Psychics find things that the police can’t find. They use their minds and their powers. They conjure up an image of the missing thing. They can see exactly where it is,” Emily reported, as if she were an expert on psychic treasure hunting.
    â€œReally?” Rosa’s dark eyes grew wide and hopeful. “Can you do that, Alex?”
    Alex’s stomach tightened. The cheese cube she’d just eaten lodged in her throat like a stone.
    â€œOf course she can,” Emily answered for her. “She and Ava have psychic powers.”
    Alex shook her head. “I don’t think—”
    â€œOh, come on, Alex. You heard what Madame Sibyl said. And then you willed Ava to come over here, and you mentally told each other to wear the same outfit,” Emily said.
    â€œI know, but—” Before Alex could explain that she couldn’t make a pen move yet, and she was still trying to convince her sister to try to even use her powers, Rosa flung her willowy arms around her and gave her a hug.
    â€œIf you could find my bracelet, Alex, I would be so grateful. I mean it. I need you to try. Please!” Rosa cried.
    Alex awkwardly patted Rosa’s back as the stone in her throat expanded.
    Rosa pulled away. “So?”
    Can Ava and I really do this? Alex wondered, unsure how to respond. Once more, all eyes were on her.
    â€œYou can do this,” Emily said, as if she were the one who read minds. “I know you can.”
    â€œIt would be so good if you found Rosa’s bracelet,” Lindsey added.
    This is the good thing! Alex realized. This is how we can use our Power for good.
    â€œSure,” she told Rosa. “We’ll help you.”
    Rosa grinned and hugged her again. Alex had never felt very close to Rosa, but from how tight her hug was, Alex could tell how much she wanted this to work. “Will you do it now? Picture where it is and all?”
    Alex glanced across the room at Ava, who was showing Kylie something in a book. Strangely, she felt more confident that she could find Rosa’s bracelet than convince Ava to do it with her.

    Ava rested her chin on her hands and listened to Kylie.
    â€œThe book is about teamwork. They’re called the Souls, so even though they sound separate, they do come together,” Kylie explained.
    â€œIn the academic bowl at the end, right?” Ava asked.
    â€œExactly!” Kylie grinned. “You’re going to kill it on the in-class essay.”
    Ava had finished the book for English class last night and she understood it, but she’d had Kylie retell the story. Kylie made the plots and themes so much easier to understand. Plus, she did great voices and accents.
    â€œYou should be a teacher,” Ava told her. “Or an actress.”
    â€œI could teach acting. Or act like I’m teaching,” Kylie teased.
    â€œOr you could—” Ava began.
    â€œAva, I need you.” Alex had appeared behind her.
    â€œWhat’s wrong?” Ava asked, swiveling to see her better. Alex chewed her lip.
    â€œIt’s kind of private.” Alex glanced at Kylie.
    â€œAre you okay? You can tell Kylie, too,” Ava said.
    â€œI need you. Alone,” Alex urged. She shrugged at Kylie. “Sorry, but—”
    â€œNo worries. I can take the hint. I’m going to find Mr. Antonucci for extra social studies help.” Kylie stood.
    Ava waved and turned to Alex. “What’s going on?” she demanded.
    Alex eyed a table of boys nearby and Mr. Fifer, the music teacher, patrolling for trash. “Come to the bathroom with me.” She tugged Ava’s hand.
    â€œYou’re scaring me,” Ava said, following Alex to the girls’ bathroom. They bypassed the one nearest the cafeteria. Instead Alex dragged her to the one all the way by the library. Once inside, Alex peered underneath each stall, making sure they were truly alone.
    â€œOkay, now