Odd Girl In by Jo Whittemore Page A

so,” I said. “But no. It turns out this robotics club doesn’t build robots —they talk like them.”
    Nick snorted. “What?!”
    â€œYeah.” I pressed my lips together. “A group of really, really nerdy guys sit in a circle and speak ‘Robot’ to one another.”
    â€œAs in ‘beep-beep-boop’?” asked Nick, grinning.
    â€œNope. They babble a long string of ones and zeros. It’s called binary, but I call it a slow, painful death.”
    Nick laughed. “Okay then, how was hockey boosters?”
    â€œWell, the girls think a Zamboni is a sports car, and theyhaven’t ever been to an entire game because their hot cocoa runs out after the first period.”
    Nick made a face. “Sorry.”
    â€œIf Dad actually expects me to stick to these clubs, I’m in trouble,” I said.
    â€œMaybe you could drop out after Champs is over,” he said.
    â€œIf I wait that long, it might be hazardous to the boosters’ health,” I said. “But at least they’re good at coming up with fund-raising ideas. I might borrow one or two for my Champs Championship entry fee.”
    â€œThat’s a good idea,” said Nick. “I talked to my coach since he’s big on supporting his students, and he said he’d think about ways I can help him out to raise my money, too.”
    I smiled. “Maybe we could just sell Parker’s hair and split the profit.”
    â€œWho would buy it?” Nick snorted. “Halloween’s still months away.”
    We both laughed, and I looked around. “Speaking of Parker, where is he?” I asked.
    â€œHe’s convinced that whatever physical activity Dad has planned will turn him into a hideous man-beast, so he’s spending as much time with Ashley as possible.”
    I lay back down. “At least he got some enjoyment out of the day.”
    No sooner had I said the words than we heard the front door slam. Several times.
    â€œUh-oh,” said Nick.
    â€œHey, if a group of angry Parkers just came in, can one of them get me a soda?” I called.
    â€œAnd teach me how to make coffee?” asked Nick.
    Parker appeared in the doorway, red-faced and scowling. “Ashley and I broke up today. Ask me for a favor again. I dare you.” Then he threw down his backpack and stormed into the kitchen.
    Nick and I got up and followed him.
    â€œHow did it happen?” asked Nick.
    â€œI told her about Champs and how hard it was to keep up with the schedule and still have time for my hair. Then she said I spent too much time on my appearance.”
    â€œWhat’d you say?” I prompted.
    Parker’s angry expression slipped away a little, and he blushed. “That maybe she didn’t spend enough time on hers.”
    Nick and I both winced.
    â€œOuch,” said Nick. “So she broke up with you because you insulted her?”
    â€œWell, that and because I got upset about her comment.” He reached into the refrigerator and grabbed a soda. “She said I wasn’t seeing the big picture.”
    â€œHow could you with all that hair?” I asked.
    Parker downed half the soda in one swallow. “I’m gonna need a couple of these bad boys to dull the pain.”
    Nick yawned and slapped Parker on the shoulder. “Drink them while you get ready. Dad’ll be home soon to take us to Champs.”
    â€œI’m ready now,” said Parker.
    â€œNo, Dad wants us to change into our special T-shirts,” said Nick. “He says all the students are wearing theirs for our welcome.”
    â€œFantastic,” said Parker, slamming the soda can on the counter. “I’m single and my Champs wardrobe guarantees I’ll stay that way.”
    The three of us tossed our dignity aside and changed into the blue cotton T-shirts with freakish stars on them. When Dad came home, he took one look at us and said, “I know things seem