Crossing Over by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel Page B

me think about it,” Jac said. Then she looked off into the distance, and I could tell she really was mulling over what
clothing we had back in our room.
    She was the most outstanding friend in the universe. Even if her mother had briefly considered having me suspended.

Chapter 12
    “I bet you anything she’s back there talking about me,” I whispered to Jac, who was bouncing Osbert the penguin toy on her
lap like he was a baby.
    “Brooklyn?” Jac asked.
    I nodded.
    “She was practically drooling to get the story of me and Ben on the bus out to the world.”
    “Let her tell it,” Jac said. She poked me in the arm and I looked at her. Her small,delicate features were arranged in a
serious expression. “Do you care?”
    “I don’t know. Nobody likes to be talked about. She’s probably spinning the bus thing into some ridiculous drama.”
    “So let her,” Jac declared.
    “I just wish I could see what was going on.”
    Jac fumbled around in her purse, pulled out a Mars Bar, a tube of something called Smarties, and a white and blue rectangle
that said CADBURY on the side, then found what she was looking for.
    “Here. Open this, angle it back, and spy away.”
    I took the little mirror and held it slightly over the aisle. With a few adjustments, I could see the back row perfectly.
Brooklyn was indeed standing over Shoshanna talkingrapidly and waving her hands around in the air. Once or twice she pointed
toward where I was sitting. Then she laughed so hard I thought she might rupture something and capped off the performance
by putting her hands on her hips and shaking her head.
    Then my view was suddenly blocked completely. It was as if a person had materialized right behind me out of thin air.
    Which they had.
    “I do hope you are not applying cosmetics.”
    I turned gingerly toward the voice.
    Standing at my elbow was a tiny, bird-thin woman with white hair pulled back neatly but far too tightly into a bun. She wore
a navy blue suit and sensible shoes. On her right lapel was a pin that said TOUR GUIDE , and below that a name: VELMA .
    “Cosmetics violate the rules, and areinappropriate for someone of your youth. When you become a lady and the time arrives
when it is acceptable to wear a touch of rouge and a little lipstick, you will do well to remember that less is more.”
    I was pretty much speechless. Though it occurred to me that if she were going to make personal statements about others, Velma
might do well to consult with a hair care professional.
    “Very well then. I will resume the tour. Do you have any questions about the site of the future Biodome?”
    She waited with her lips pursed. Looking at her bun made my head hurt. Something told me I’d better produce a response.
    “The future Bio…” My voice trailed off into a mumble. “What?”
    Velma sighed.
    “The site of the future Biodome, my dear,which we have just visited. I do wish young people were better listeners. Do you
have any questions about it?”
    I shook my head.
    “It is impolite to shake your head. Yes, ma’am or no, ma’am is the proper response.”
    “No, ma’am. Actually, yes, ma’am,” I whispered.
    Velma looked a little pleased.
    “What is your question?”
    “How long until the Biodome is finished?” I whispered.
    “That will not be determined until after our Olympic Games are over, dear,” Velma said.
    “Thank you,” I whispered back.
    “Now put your compact away. It is not ladylike to check your reflection in public.”
    I snapped the mirror shut and handed it to Jac.
    “Done already?”
    I held a finger up in the just-a-second symbol. I counted to three, then took a quick peek behind me.
    Lady Velma was taking a seat.
    Next to Ben Greenblott.
    “I can’t believe this,” I said.
    “What did she do?”
    “There’s
another
one.”
    Jac waited, leaning slightly toward me. When I didn’t continue right away she made a “get on with it” circular motion with
her hand.
    “There are now three ghosts on