New Beginnings by Laurie Halse Anderson Page A

asks.
    I hate speaking in front of big groups of people. But this is important. “It sounds like you are going to need lots of garbage bags,” I stammer.
    â€œYes,” Brenna says. “In fact, last year we ran out and were scrambling at the last minute.”
    â€œWell, what if each of us brings some garbage bags from home and we ask our neighbors and local businesses to donate, too? I bet my parents would donate some from their store.”
    â€œGreat idea, Jules!” Brenna says, and writes it down on her notepad. “Who thinks they can bring bags, and who wants to try to ask some local businesses to donate?”
    More kids raise their hands, and Brenna writes down their names. I’m surprised at myself for raising my hand and speaking up in such a large group, but proud that Brenna liked my idea.
    And now I know Brenna didn’t just invite me because she thinks Josh is cute. It sounds like she needs a lot of help. Plus, it sounds fun. I’ll ask Dad if the store can donate some garbage bags and maybe help with other recycling plans.
    â€œWe start at nine o’clock Saturday morning,” Brenna shouts out over everyone’s excitement. “Wear boots or waders and gloves,” she says. “Please take more flyers with you and tell your neighbors, families, and friends.”
    So far Sunita is my only potential friend, and she already knows about Stream Cleanup Day. But I take a few flyers anyway and sign up as a general volunteer. I set the clipboard down. I want to talk to Brenna and tell her how excited I am to participate, but she is surrounded by other kids wanting to talk to her, too.
    I wait a few minutes and finally get closer to the desk where she has her photos, notes, and more clipboards. There are more sign-up sheets with all the slots filled. And on the top of another page of “ GENERAL VOLUNTEERS ” in bright blue letters is the name Maggie MacKenzie. My stomach flip-flops. At first I think of switching to another job or not going to Stream Cleanup Day at all, but I refuse to be afraid of Maggie. Maybe she doesn’t want me anywhere near her grandma’s clinic, but she can’t keep me from going to the stream, helping animals, and making new friends like Brenna and Sunita.
    Finally it’s my turn to talk to Brenna. “Hi again,” I say, kind of nervous, but determined. “I just want to tell you I’m behind you one hundred percent. I’ll be there on Saturday. If you need help with anything else before then, just call. My phone number is on the sign-up.”
    â€œGreat,” Brenna says. “Thanks for getting involved. I’ll see you on Saturday.”
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    After school, Josh takes off for David’s house. I’m so happy I got through the day without any more incidents with Maggie. We played basketball in gym again, but thankfully she and I ended up on different teams and played in different games.
    At home, I check on Cuddles, pet her, and feed her some greens and apples. She loves apple slices. Sophie wants to help, too, filling the water bottle, making sure Cuddles is safe while I clean the cage, and feeding her more apple slices. Sophie also wants to pick up Cuddles and carry her back to the cage, but I tell her that’s my job. Instead, I show her how to latch the cage shut so Cuddles can’t get out. That seems to satisfy Sophie for now.
    Sophie goes to the kitchen to do her homework with Mom. Dad comes in and says, “I’ve got another shipment coming in after the weekend, and I need to make room for more stock. I’m ready to tackle the basement cleanup, but I need some helpers. Any volunteers?”
    Josh and I both chip in. The basement is huge, and I can’t wait until we have it all cleaned up so we can set up a family workshop down there.
    Josh and I take armful after armful of cardboard boxes to the recycling bin behind the store. Before