It's a Green Thing Read Online Free PDF Page A

Brooke.
    “How do you measure famous?” I opened a can of number eleven, electric blue paint.
    “You know,” Brooke persisted. “Is he like a-household-word famous?”
    “Sounds like he's not one in your house.”
    Brooke laughed. “That's because my parents only listen to Christian music.”
    “That's too bad,” said Marissa.
    “I've heard of Nick Stark,” Dominic said. “But I don't think I've heard his music.”
    “It's kind of the typical seventies-eighties stuff,” I told them.
    “So where does he live?” asked Brooke. “And why aren't you with him?”
    “Right now I'm staying with my uncle and cousin for a while. And my dad lives, well, on the road.”
    “On the road?” Brooke frowned. “Is he homeless?”
    Marissa threw back her head and laughed loudly. “Yeah, right. What you don't know could fill a library, Brooke.”
    “You don't have to be mean.”
    “He's touring,” I told her. “Doing concerts. At the moment he's in Europe—Sweden, I think.”
    “And Maya could be with him,” added Marissa.
    “Wow,” Dominic said. “Why aren't you?”
    I considered this. So many possible answers.
    “Yeah, why aren't you?” pestered Brooke.
    “Because I'm not. I toured with him for a while, and it got old pretty quick. I just want a normal life. And to be honest, I'd appreciate it if you guys didn't talk about my dad. Okay?”
    Of course Brooke and Amanda kept pounding me with questions, all of which seemed money related. It was obvious that material wealth was important to them, but I was evasive. Finally Dominic managed to get them to stop.
    “Give Maya a break,” he said. “She's here to paint—not to give you guys her family history!”
    “Yeah,” Eddie agreed. “Just because her dad's famous doesn't mean she's public property. You two are acting just like the paparazzi.”
    I had to chuckle at that. But at least it shut them up.
    Maya's Green Tip for the Day
    Today I'm thinking about paint. Since we're painting outdoors we're not too worried about paint fumes. But if you redecorate your bedroom, painting the walls or pieces of furniture, you should be aware that some paint fumes can be toxic. And indoor air pollution caused by using the wrong products can be many times worse than outdoor air pollution. So if you're buying interior paint, choose either low VOC paints or non-VOC paints. (VOC stands for volatile organic compounds, and they are not good for you.) Better yet, why not try natural paints (made from things like milk protein, clay, or lime)? These products might cost a little more, but, hey, your lungs and your health are worth it!

June 13
    D o you know what today is?” Marissa asked everyone as we were getting ready to start painting again this morning.
    “Friday?” I ventured. I'd been hoping we could finish the mural today.
    “Friday the thirteenth,”
she said in a spooky voice, like maybe she thought she could unnerve Brooke and Amanda or frighten them away, which would actually be unfortunate since without their help there's no way we'd finish today.
    “So?” Brooke looked blankly at Marissa. “Christians aren't superstitious.”
    “Really?” Marissa looked skeptical. “Then why do you wear that cross around your neck? That's not superstition?”
    “No. The cross is a symbol of faith.” Brooke fingered her golden cross.
    “That's right,” Amanda said. “You're the one who's superstitious, Marissa.”
    “Well, be careful walking under these ladders,” warned Marissa. “Could be bad luck.”
    “There's no such thing as bad luck,” Amanda pointed out.
    “What about bad karma?” Marissa said.
    “None of that applies to a Christian,” Brooke said in a slightly superior tone. “Bad luck or karma or any of those superstitious things.”
    “Meaning bad things don't happen to Christians?” Okay, I hadn't meant to get involved, but I just couldn't help myself.
    Dominic laughed. “Hey, ladies. Why don't you all give the religious war a break