Chapter 1  Old vs. New

 

  I felt like a zombie stumbling onto the school bus when my tablet buzzed. My best friends, Ruby and Hannah, were texting. We’d all gone to Hamilton Elementary together until a pipe had exploded and flooded the bottom floor. As a result, all the students got sent to different schools. My besties went to Sunrise Hill, and I was assigned to Fenton Street School.

  Once I was settled in a seat, I read Ruby’s text.

  Ruby: We miss you! When can we get together?

 

 

   

  I paused before answering. Honestly, I didn’t know. I’d been so busy with the Mini Cupcake Club, and my mom also needed help with my little brothers, Jamie and Kyle.

  That morning, my grandmother’s flower shop was weighing on my mind. All night, I’d tossed and turned. Sweet Buttercup, my grandmother’s shop, existed as far back as my memory could see. I said my first word and took my first steps in Grammy’s shop.

   

   

  I never imagined Sweet Buttercup closing—ever! Even after two years of the lowest sales in its history. Even after a major supermarket moved to the same block as Grammy’s shop. The problem became clear when Mom went to the supermarket’s grand opening and saw the oh-so-welcoming flower section. It was packed with shoppers, even some of Grammy’s best customers. This was going to be bad for Sweet Buttercup if something wasn’t done.

  My tablet buzzed again.

  Hannah: Alana? You there?

 

 

   

 

  Alana: Yeah, we’ll hang soon, I promise!