Chapter 21

In Which Samina and I Eat Pizza That Is Only 4.9% Not Plastic

Maybe it’s just my taste buds, but I swear the pizza at school just got even grosser. I’m not even sure I can consider it pizza anymore, since pizza sort of implies it’s actually real food. Our school switched to a new food company that advertises that their food is “a healthier alternative,” but unless the base of the new food pyramid is plastic, I doubt it’s healthy.

One day, we were both picking through this new pizza to see if there was any actual cheese in there as opposed to non-dairy, plastic-based product that has been approved for consumption by high school students. Samina stated, “I think we can say this pizza is 100% plastic.”

“No,” I said. “I think at least 4.9% of it is natural flavorings.”

Samina started doodling another colorful dragon with flames spewing out of its mighty jaw. Her drawings were always fantastic and I always wished I had her talent. “You’re just making that up,” she said.

“No, I’m not.” Samina looked at me suspiciously. “Okay, maybe 4.9% is a bit of a stretch. This pizza certainly TASTES like they’re flavoring plastic with more plastic.”

“And flavoring that plastic with yet more plastic,” Samina added.

“Exactly,” I said. I pulled out my Magic 8 Ball. “Should I ask Samina about Troy?” I whispered.

Most likely.

“How does it feel to be dating a famous YouTuber?” I asked abruptly.

“How do you know about that?” Samina snapped.

“Troy mentioned it in the Nether Chronicles finale.”

Samina groaned. “I was trying to keep it a secret.”

“I thought we were friends Samina!”

“Me too Isabelle. And I don’t know about you, Isabelle, but I thought friends supported each other no matter what.”

“You should have told me about this.”

“You shouldn’t be trying to interfere with my life!”

“But why you? I mean…”

“SO NOW YOU’RE JEALOUS!” Samina shouted. She picked up her tray and moved to another table.

“Should I follow her?” I asked the Magic 8 Ball.

My sources say no.

I looked around the cafeteria. All the other kids were congregated at big lunch tables; they all fit in. They all had real friends, people they could count on no matter what. For the first time since the beginning of the year, I was truly alone.