Acting Out

  “Nice outfit, Mom,” I tease.

  “Ha! Special just for you,” she says. She straightens her sweater and fluffs her hair.

  I stand and twirl and show her my outfit. Then I strike a red-carpet pose like she taught me.

  “What do you think?” I ask.

  “You look perfect to me,” she replies. “Absolutely perfect.”

  We smile at each other and wave. It’s great to be able to see her face and not just her emails.

  “Now, Zoe, I have a little surprise for you. I’ve set up some help for you and your friends.”

  Mom is grinning. What is she talking about?

  She goes on. “One of the local news stations in Philadelphia is going to film the PSAs for you! They’ll even run some on the station before and after the morning and evening news.”

  “You’re kidding! That’s great! Everyone is going to be so excited.” I’m actually not sure about that, but I know I can talk them into doing it anyway. I’ll have to. How fun!

  “Oh, and Zoe,” Mom continues, “my friend James is flying down to help. He isn’t in the next few scenes that are shooting this week. I’m sure you’ll all make him feel welcome.”

  I can see her quizzical look clearly. She wants me to be extra nice to James. Hmmm. Sounds like he might be turning into more than a friend. I don’t know how I feel about that.

  The next week, at the news station, we are a jittery cluster of Vet Volunteers. Gran looks nervous, and she isn’t even acting. The evening news anchorwoman has been enlisted to help us.

  “Hi, kids, I’m Ginny,” she introduces herself, smiling. “It’s great to see you. We’ll do a quick rehearsal, and then get you into makeup.”

  David and Josh look horrified.

  “It’s just news makeup,” she reassures the boys. “No eye shadow or anything. All the men wear it when they’re on camera. It’s mostly to keep the cameras from picking up too much shine from your skin. We’ll be sure to help you take it off before you leave.” The boys nod reluctantly, but they don’t look happy.

  I, on the other hand, am excited about the makeup. Mom’s makeup artists used to give me makeovers if I was on set. Even though Mom usually told them to “tone it down a bit,” it always looked good and it was nice to feel pampered.

  I lean over to Jules. “Just wait until you see how good a makeup artist can make you look!”

  She doesn’t reply, and she looks a little sick.

  “It’s going to be okay,” I say encouragingly. “Just look at the camera and imagine that you’re talking to a friend about something you care about very much.”

  “Exactly!” Ginny has overheard me. “Everyone? Everyone? Gather ’round. Let’s all think about what, um, what is your name, sweetie?”

  “Zoe.”

  “Let’s all think about what Zoe said,” Ginny continues. “You’re going to look at the camera and pretend that the camera is a friend. You’ll talk to the camera just like you’re talking to a friend. I’ve read your PSA spots and they are perfect.”

  She turns to me and says, “I think the professional actor is already here. He stopped in last night from the airport and all the ladies were quite flustered.”

  Interesting. I imagined he’d be good-looking. I’m glad I’ll be able to check him out, especially now that I suspect he’s more than just my mom’s friend.

  Ginny leads us into the studio. The evening news set is pushed up against one wall. It looks so much smaller here than it does on TV. Two stools are set up in front of a deep-blue background.

  “Let’s rehearse once with just the kids,” Ginny says to the cameraman. We rehearse, and it goes much better than it did in Gran’s backyard, even though most of my friends seem nervous. Maybe it’s because this setting is so professional. Or maybe it’s because the anchorwoman is better at directing than I am. No, I think the real reason is that now all we have to do is recite one line in unison. Now that James is involved, he’ll be reading the rest of the lines by himself. I guess Jules was right after all—this is much easier with a professional actor involved.

  Then Ginny looks at the clock on the wall and waves us all to follow her.

  “It’s time to get into makeup. We need to be quick,” she says. “Come with me.”

  They decide to do the boys’ makeup first. Josh sits through it just fine. David is in the second chair, squirming as though the makeup stings him. He can be so ridiculous. The girls go next, one after another. Maggie usually hates makeup, but I see her sneaking a small smile at herself in the mirror when she’s done. Finally, it’s my turn, and I like the results! My skin is glowing and my cheeks are pink. I bet I’ll look good on camera.

  It’s time to go into the studio, and I can’t believe it, but I actually feel butterflies in my stomach. This is really happening. David and Josh push each other around as we walk in the hall. Sunita’s eyes are extra huge, and it’s not from the makeup. I feel bad that she looks so scared. Even Brenna is pretty quiet. Ugh. This is supposed to be fun for everyone, not torture.

  I look around as we enter the studio. There are so many extra adults in the room. They must be employees because they have ID badges on cords around their necks. They look anxious, too. But I don’t see the famous James anywhere. Anchorwoman Ginny lines us up behind the two stools. I wonder why there are two. James needs just the one, I would think.

  There is some kind of commotion behind us, but I can’t immediately see what’s going on. The camera blocks my vision.

  “Who is that?” I hear.

  One of the adults gasps, “It’s him.”

  I turn around to see a tan guy with a tousled haircut, perfectly rumpled jeans, and a slightly too-small black T-shirt that hugs his biceps. Yep, he’s Hollywood all right. This must be James. I think I recognize him, actually. He’s been in a few movies. No wonder the studio is filled with employees. They all want to meet the famous actor.

  And then—no, I can’t believe it. I see someone even more famous! Famous to me, anyway. My mother!

  “Zoe! Surprise!” She races toward me and whips me into a hug.

  I look up at her. It’s real. She’s here. She looks gorgeous in a deep-purple blouse and fitted black skirt, with her hair and makeup all done up. My mom.

  “Are you surprised?” She hugs me again. “Did anyone breathe a word about my coming?”

  “Gran didn’t say a thing.” I look over to where my grandmother is standing with the TV station people. Gran gives me a thumbs-up. Mom squeezes my arm.

  Anchorwoman Ginny rushes up. “Are we ready to start?”

  Mom nods. “James, shall we?”

  He stops shaking hands with the station employees and flashes her a smile. Then he jogs over.

  “You must be Zoe,” he says exuberantly. “I’m so pumped to meet you. Your mom has told me so much about you.”

  She has?

  I hardly have time to process what’s happening when the cameraman says, “Okay, kids, you know your lines. We’re going to get a fix on you for the camera and then we’ll give you the go-ahead to start. And make sure you speak a little slower than you normally do. Most people tend to talk too fast because they’re nervous.”

  Well, now I am nervous! Extremely nervous. I never thought we’d be doing this in front of so many people. Including my mom. I glance at Maggie. She looks worse than I feel.

  Then we begin.

  JAMES: “Tens of thousands of pets are killed every year because of antifreeze poisoning. Antifreeze poisons over two thousand children each year.”

  MOM: “It takes just one or two tablespoons of antifreeze to kill a dog and as little as one teaspoon to kill a cat. As little as one or two tablespoons of antifreeze can be lethal to toddlers and small children, and even a taste can result in hospitalization. Check your garage floors for antifreeze leaks.”

  JAMES: “If you own a boat, be careful not to drip or flush antifreeze into our water or onto our shores.”

  MOM: “Many states have enacted legislation req
uiring the addition of a bittering agent to antifreeze. This makes antifreeze taste so terrible that it drastically reduces the likelihood that a child or animal would be poisoned by it.”

  JAMES: “Urge your lawmakers to fight for this legislation. Call or write them today!”

  VET VOLUNTEERS: “Antifreeze is sweet, attractive, and deadly. But antifreeze poisoning is preventable. Do your part.”

  We have to go through it twice to get it right. But then Ginny yells, “Cut!” and we’re done!

  The Vet Volunteers cheer. James gives Mom a hug. Longer than just a friend’s hug, I’d say. Maggie catches my eye. She saw that hug, too. I think Maggie and I have another popcorn-fueled cousin catch-up night in store.

  After the taping, Mom and James take all of the Vet Volunteers (and Gran, of course) out for a great meal at the nicest restaurant in town. James tells us all about how the production team at the news station will edit the PSA. Once they’re done, we’ll all get a copy and they’ll let us know when it will air on TV. I still can’t believe it—the Vet Volunteers, on television! Then, after a night of gossiping with Maggie, I get to make brunch with Mom, just the two of us. Whole-wheat French toast with organic mixed berries—yum! Unfortunately right after that, Mom has to head back to Vancouver, and I’ve barely had a full twenty-four hours with her. I’m a little sad about it, but she and Gran and I spent some quality time with the calendar, writing things down and making plans. I’m going to visit Mom in Vancouver and we’re even going to have a getaway weekend in New York City. So that’s pretty good for now.

  The next day, David comes to the clinic to take Rover home. The formerly frisky cat has made a full recovery. Maggie and I are handling Rover in the recovery room while Gran goes over the postclinic care instruction sheet with David. Rover squirms and jumps out of Maggie’s lap, making a beeline for David. He drops the sheet, and as it flutters to the floor, Rover jumps and catches it in his mouth. The cat takes off, racing around the room with the paper dangling beneath his whiskers. It’s so good to see him back to normal.

  “Rover, sit,” David calls. Rover sits. “Rover, come.” Rover trots right over to David, and David takes the paper from him. “Good boy, Rover, good boy,” David says with a big grin as he scratches his cat under the chin. I think David is back to normal, too.

  “That is one strange cat you’ve got there,” I say to David.

  “One of a kind,” David agrees, and lifts Rover into the cat carrier.

  “One of a kind. Just like you, Zoe,” Maggie says, eyeing my outfit. What? My floral dress and moccasins are totally on trend.

  David takes off with Rover, and Maggie and I head back to the house. It’s time for lunch.

  “So, Maggie,” I say sweetly, “I’ve made a vegetarian quinoa bowl with cucumber, tofu, and avocado. It has a sesame-ginger dressing, and I’ve topped it with nori and sunflower sprouts.”

  “That almost sounds good enough to try without holding my nose,” Maggie says, poking my arm playfully. “Come on Gran, Zoe has whipped us up another treat.”

  I grab a box of Pop-Tarts from the cupboard and toss them to Maggie.

  “Just in case you don’t like it. We do have fallback food,” I say.

  Maggie laughs and tosses the box up in the air and catches it again.

  “I’m kind of getting used to your weird food, Zoe. I think we can stash these for now.”

  Gran is pulling a pitcher out of the refrigerator. “Homemade iced pomegranate white tea,” she says, proudly holding it up for me to see. “Your mom told me it was your favorite. It wasn’t much harder to make than that instant lemonade I usually mix up.”

  I beam at my grandmother. I love that my mom was thinking of me, and I love that Gran made the tea. The three of us get the table ready for lunch. Maggie pulls out the plates, I prepare the quinoa, and Gran pours our healthy drinks. And for the first time in a long while, I feel we aren’t just acting like a family. We really are one.

  Prevent Antifreeze Poisoning

  By J.J. MACKENZIE, D.V.M.

  Antifreeze poisoning is a serious medical emergency. It requires quick thinking and immediate medical help. Veterinarians make a diagnosis of antifreeze poisoning using blood and urine tests. Unfortunately, those tests may come back as a false negative if the animal’s kidneys are already failing. The only chance for survival is to begin treatment as soon as possible after the animal has ingested the antifreeze. If kidney failure has begun, most animals will not survive. Preventing antifreeze poisoning should be the concern of every pet owner and animal lover.

  How and Where to Keep Antifreeze

  Keep antifreeze, all household products, and chemicals capped tightly in their original containers. Never pour them into food storage bottles or jars. Small children are curious and pets have been known to chew through containers to get to the sweet-tasting antifreeze. Protect children and animals by keeping antifreeze on a high shelf in the garage or in a locked cabinet.

  Proper Disposal

  Used antifreeze should be taken to a service station for disposal. It should never be poured on the ground.

  Proper Cleanup of Spills

  Check driveways and garage floors for drips and puddles that may have leaked from cars. If antifreeze is found, alert an adult. Small children and pets must be kept away until the spill is cleared. Antifreeze can be cleaned up by sprinkling cat litter, sand, or other absorbent material directly on the spill. Once fully absorbed, protective gloves should be worn and the material scooped into a plastic bag. The bag is then sealed and disposed of. Next, the spill should be scrubbed with a stiff brush and warm, soapy water. Hose the soapy water into the lawn and not the storm drain. The soil will filter the remaining toxins before they reach groundwater.

  If an antifreeze poisoning is suspected:

  –in a person, immediately call the tollfree Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222). This number will connect to your local poison center.

  –in a pet, call your veterinarian immediately.

  What can you do to increase antifreeze poisoning awareness?

  Just like the Vet Volunteers, you can organize to get the word out. With your classmates, teammates, or fellow scouts, take part in community awareness events like health fairs, environmental events, and community service days. Daycare centers, nursery schools, wildlife centers, pet stores, and veterinarian offices may be interested in your poison control information.

  Make posters.

  Use art or photos to catch the public’s eye and draw attention to your antifreeze poisoning information.

  Prepare handouts.

  List poison control facts. Provide your local poison control phone numbers for people and animals.

  Consider speaking on a student informational panel.

  Brush up on your facts and be prepared to answer questions.

  More information on preventing antifreeze poisoning can be found at:

  http://poisonhelp.hrsa.gov/index.html

  United States Department of Health & Human Services

  http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/antifreeze.html

  Humane Society

  http://www.aspca.org/

  The ASPCA has many articles relating to antifreeze poisoning in pets.

  Turn the page to read a sample of another book

  in the Vet Volunteer series…

  New Beginnings

  Chapter One

  The tabby cat with black, gray, and white stripes is hanging out near the Dumpster behind our store again. I’ve seen him every day since we moved here a week ago. It’s getting late and I promised Mom I’d help with dinner, but I want to see if the cat’s okay. Yesterday, he had a tear in his left ear, but he was too jittery to let me look at it closely or to clean it.

  “Hey there, kitty,” I say. “How’s your ear? Still no tags or collar?”

  “Meow,” he says. He watches me, but keeps his distance, his ring-striped tail twitching from side to side. Aside from no collar or tag, and his ear, which loo
ks like it’s healing okay, he doesn’t look like a stray. His coat is short, thick, and shiny, and he looks well fed. In fact, he’s more chubby than sleek. Each day he comes a little closer to me and the water dish I set out for him, and twice he’s let me pet him. I’ve been changing the water daily. Maybe today he’ll let me pet him again and check his ear more closely.

  “Meow?” he says again, this time a question.

  “Yes, you can trust me,” I say.

  He tilts his head, and his green eyes stare right at me.

  My twin brother, Josh, says I have a sixth sense—Animal Sense.

  “I won’t hurt you.”

  The tabby is still skittish, but he’s so cute. I love his markings—gray, black, and white stripes, with two thicker black lines in his fur on the top of his head between his ears, forming what looks like a little M. He has more furry black V’s accenting his eyes, and lots of fuzzy whiteness around his chin and neck. According to a cat website I found, he’s a domestic shorthair brown mackerel tabby. But there is nothing common about him. His eyes and markings are so expressive. He’s beautiful.

  I kneel down a few feet behind the water dish and stay still. He finally approaches. He sniffs the water, laps at it, and then he walks closer to me. I slowly lean forward, pausing before my hand reaches him. He sniffs it, and then rubs his furry forehead against my fingers. His slightly wet white whiskers tickle me as he tilts his head one way then another against my hand.

  “Meow,” he says again as I pet him, first his back, then his head, around his ears, including the ear with the little notch in it, and finally the warm, soft spot under his white chin until I feel and hear the vibration of his purr. Cats like me.

  I miss petting the cats and kittens at the animal shelter back in Pittsburgh. This one reminds me of Moonshine, the orange tabby at the shelter. He was always a bit cautious, too. Before we moved here I volunteered there two days a week, helping clean up after the animals, washing their water and food dishes, petting and playing with the cats and kittens mostly, but sometimes the dogs and puppies, too. I helped get the animals socialized and friendly around people so they would have a better chance of being adopted.