Rotten Apple by Rebecca Eckler

smart, accomplished women who were incredibly stupid when it came to choosing men. She had learned that people really do just suddenly fall out of love. Most of all, she had learned that no matter what horrific events are happening in the world—like bombs going off in major cities, children being kidnapped, tourists being murdered—no one cared more about anything than they did about their own love lives, or lack of them. Which was why
Queen of Hearts with Dr. Bee Bee Berg
was always the top-rated show in its time slot and her books were best-sellers.
    “So how do I get on?” Happy asked, grabbing both of Apple’s hands excitedly.
    “Well, for that, my friend, you have to get in Guy’s good books,” Apple explained. “He’s in charge of the guests. People send him e-mails and pitch him show ideas. If he likes them, then it’s as simple as that.”
    “Hmm,” Happy said. “Interesting. I had no idea it was Guy who did that. I guess I’ll just have to hang out at your place more often to suck up to him, or start composing a really good show idea.”
    As Apple half-listened to Happy go on about how excited she was to watch her mother’s show after school, she tried to eavesdrop on the conversation thatZen was having with Hopper, who had come back to the stairs. They were sitting two steps above Happy and Apple. It was time to make a move. Apple’s mouth suddenly felt very dry, as if she had been in the desert for days.
    “Hey, Zen,” Apple started, looking up. “How are you today?”
    She couldn’t believe she’d just done that. She felt so proud starting up a conversation with her crush. She even tried to look him in the eyes.
    “Oh, hey, Apple,” Zen answered. “So I guess you recognize me today?”
    Apple felt her face starting to turn red. “Yes, of course I recognize you. I guess I was just a little surprised to see you yesterday. And I was tired, too.”
    Okay, this was good, thought Apple. We’re talking. It’s all about baby steps. Zen looked as sweet as he had the day before, Apple thought. His loosely curled blond hair was now almost shoulder-length, and he looked as hot as the characters on
Minors in Malibu
. He looked
yummy
.
    “Don’t worry, Apple. I didn’t take it personally,” Zen said, giving her that half-smile. That dimple, thought Apple, is going to be the death of me.
    “What are you guys talking about?” Happy asked.
    “Oh, nothing. So, Zen, how was the Land Down Under really?” Apple asked him, moving on. “It must be so weird to be back here after so much time.”
    “Well, I went surfing almost every day, like I said. That was pretty cool,” Zen said.
    “Fun!” Apple said, and then her mind went blank.
    Think, Apple, think. Think of something to say to him, on the same subject. Just say anything to keep up this conversation. Do not have a repeat of yesterday.
    “Well, I like to swim,” Apple said. When she thought about surfing, she thought about water. And when she thought about water, she thought about swimming. And that was it! God, she was lame.
    Just then, thank God, the first bell rang. There was a mad rush of students gathering their bags and notebooks to head to the first class of the new semester.
    Okay, that didn’t go exactly as planned, Apple thought, as she stood up and looked at her timetable. That was far from an easy-breezy conversation. And does an actual conversation have to last more than twenty seconds? But the day is still young. There should be plenty more opportunity to cozy up to Zen.
    “Come on, Apple. We both have math right now. Let’s go,” Happy said, grabbing her arm and leading her away.
    “Um, I guess I’ll see you later, Zen?” Apple called out.
    “Sure, Apple. See you later,” Zen said.
    Happy and Apple walked down the hallway to their class, Happy still holding onto Apple’s arm.
    “Apple, did you notice anything different about Zen?” Happy asked.
    “Different? What do you mean?” asked Apple, pretending she had no