While the adults ate and chatted in the buffet restaurant, Zack and Julie, both at an awkward age, found it hard to join in.
They walked together to the lawn outside the restaurant. Julie went over to Alita and reached out to play with little Morgan, who was full of energy. "Hi, I'm Julie. We met at Aunt May's birthday party."
Alita froze. She hadn't expected anyone from the group at the Peace Hotel to come over and talk to her.
Her robotic body had always made her feel a little out of place in the world. Only at the magical Peace Hotel did people treat her unusual nature with such calm.
Holding little Morgan, Alita nervously took half a step back. She looked at Julie and Big Zack behind her and said, "Hello. I know who you are—Genius Julie and Big Zack. Hello..."
Julie glanced back at Zack, then looked at Alita with an amused smile. "We're all Principal Alvin's students. We wanted to come thank him today..."
As she spoke, Julie looked back at Alvin, who was chatting animatedly with people inside the restaurant. She said helplessly, "But after seeing Principal Alvin, I realized that a thank-you might be the last thing he needs!"
While Julie was speaking, Nick tossed a football over from the lawn and called to Zack, "COME ON, Big Zack!
"Our Richard wants to challenge you. He says if he wins, he'll sign up for the Wolves when he's in 10th Grade next year..."
Zack easily caught the football and smiled at Richard. "Kid, it sounds like you're looking for an excuse because you're afraid to play. Beating me won't be easy!"
With that, Zack grinned at Julie, jogged onto the lawn, and tossed the football back to Nick. As he stretched, he smiled