OL2: Mixed Up Preview 2 (Step 1)

These adorable children are all dorks, haha.

Pure Text:

“At that point the conversation kinda went away. People’s attention wandered off in different directions.”

qiu “So, what’s the plan?”

ren “I want a new Goosebumps.”

“Baxter cast a playful eye towards that suggestion. “Liking to read? How quaint and peasant-y”. That’s what you guessed Baxter’s millionaire inner monologue might’ve been.”

baxter “I want to get Darren a second Goosebumps.” 

“Darren nudged his shoulder.”

ren “Get your own book, man.” 

baxter “I don’t feel like it, and you can’t do anything about it.”

“Was the whole thing a joke or was he actually gonna get Darren a gift? Or was it both? Baxter must’ve had enough money laying around to really spend it on a gag.”

“Qiu probably knew the answer ‘cause he laughed without question.”

qiu “I don’t really want a book either. But my mom is gonna be disappointed if we don’t do anything!”

“This lack of enthusiasm was pushed aside when Tamarack made an exclamation.”

tam “I know what I want!”

boys club “Huh?”

“But there was no time to explain to those boys. She was on a mission. Tamarack jumped and waved, trying to grab the attention of the adult responsible for her.”

“Mrs. Lin came over before Tamarack could cause too much of a scene. Not fast enough to stop one stranger from shaking their head in annoyance, though.”

mrs_l “Yes, Tamarack?” 

tam “Qiu’s mom, I don’t need a book. Can I borrow some money for that?” 

“Tamarack twirled around to point her arm across the floor. There, at the corner of the drink stand, was a bright red box stuck on a shiny pole.”

“It demanded attention for the colorful offerings displayed on the front side: a sticker dispenser.” 

if wheels:

qiu “Wait- more stickers? You don’t have enough already?”

“A tremble went through Qiu’s friendly features. He could imagine exactly where this latest sticker was gonna go.”

tam “No!” 

“She could have a million stickers and as long as new styles existed it wouldn’t be enough. The joy of decorating was never-ending.”

“Qiu could only sigh, though it was one of acceptance.”

qiu “I like stickers too, you know, but to put on paper…”

#####

“The earnest request got Mrs. Lin to smile.”

mrs_l “Is that all? I can give you a little change.” 

tam “Thank you!”

“Tamarack cheered as Qiu’s mom exchanged a few bills for quarters at the cash register.”

“She crouched down to pour a pile of coins in her son’s hands. He had to use both to take them all. There were twelve.”

mrs_l “There you are. Split these between you.”