Tuned Out

Tuned Out — page 5 — always hung out at family gatherings He had just finished his freshman year in high school and Bridget hadn’t seen him since the previous summer He loved music and technology just like Bridget He was the only family member who called her by her nickname Gadget Matt was always introducing Bridget to cool new music Now Bridget was excited to tell him all about Crush Hug Bridget’s dad put out his arms and she gave him a quick stiff hug Just give this trip a chance he whispered so no one else could hear Who knows You might have fun Sure Bridget grumbled But she doubted it Text me if you need anything With that Bridget clambered into the backseat of the minivan Climb aboard Uncle Dan yelled from the driver’s seat Aunt Katie had taken out the middle seats to fit in a cooler and the family dog Lola a 8

Tuned Out — page 6 — springer spaniel with brown spots who was resting on a big pillow The dog is going to be more comfortable than the people Bridget thought as she took the middle seat in the back She was sandwiched between Matt and his seven-year-old sister Chloe Hey she said to Matt but he was so busy playing a game on his smartphone that he didn’t even look up Bridget frowned Usually Matt was nonstop talk once they saw each other But it was a long drive He was probably as annoyed about going as she was and they had plenty of time to chat about music Chloe acted shy just as she always did at first But Bridget knew that in an hour Chloe would be bugging her to play a game or something 9

Tuned Out — page 7 — Ready to roll Uncle Dan called out turning to look at the three in the back He smiled broadly and adjusted his sunglasses on his nose Next stop Mount Rushmore Aunt Katie announced from the front passenger’s seat in a cheery light voice She was gathering her dark hair into a ponytail Bridget always thought that her own dark hair was just like Aunt Katie’s They also had the same wide inquisitive eyes But even Aunt Katie’s upbeat attitude couldn’t rescue Bridget from the gloom she felt Chloe cheered and Lola barked in excitement Bridget shifted uncomfortably feeling squished between her cousins Matt didn’t even look up 10

Tuned Out — page 8 — 2 Battle of the Band Bridget had covered all the usual topics with her Aunt Katie and Uncle Dan as they shouted from the front seats How’s summer break going Are you excited for school to start again What’s your favorite subject in school within the first half hour of the trip After that there wasn’t much to say Chloe kept moving around in her seat and leaning against Bridget annoying her Matt kept playing his game Bridget had promised her dad that she wouldn’t listen to her headphones the whole drive But she was hopeful that everyone else in the car would want to listen to Crush too That way she could do as her dad had asked while still listening to her favorite band 11

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