Canned and Crushed by Bibi Belford

Author:Bibi Belford
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sky Pony Press
Published: 2014-01-01T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 9

Extenuating Circumstances

Did you ever try to add just a little bit more soda to your cup and sploosh, it overflows? Did you ever blow one last puff into a balloon and kapow, it pops? I always know when to stop. But by the time I figure it out, it’s too late.

Worry about yourself, Sandro, I remind myself almost every day, but Sandro the selfish brat doesn’t pay attention. I’m standing here in line waiting for the bell to ring, wondering why I didn’t see Miguel on the way to school. Then I remember he has a doctor’s appointment. Shoot, I wanted to practice penalty shots with him at recess. And I also wanted to talk him into recycling for me today since my dad wants me to come right home.

As I stand there, I see Abiola come riding up on her bike. Who rides a bike to school in November anyway? I’m trying to mind my own business and not be mesmerized by the shininess of the bike. I see a new water bottle holder attached to the frame and a little saddlebag hanging from the back of the seat. And is that a compact air pump on the seat tube? If I keep recycling until I can grow a beard, maybe I will have enough money to add all those accessories to my new bike. After paying for Girasol’s surgery, of course, reminds Sandro the hero.

After locking up her bike, Abiola walks right up to me. “Marta says you cough at me and hold your breath.”

I give her my best what-are-you-talking-about face and shake my head. Boy, you have to give her credit. She sure knows how to attack a problem face-to-face.

Jazzy, who is standing in front of me, turns around. “Sandro, that is soooooo mean.”

I give her a scowl. She’s acting like she didn’t cough and hold her breath, too. Where is Miguel when I need him to back me up?

Jazzy lets Abiola cut the line, and they start whispering and giggling, staring back at me every once and a while.

“No, he didn’t. Oh, my gosh. That is too funny.” Jazzy is talking super loud, so more girls are getting in on the conversation. I could use a winter hat right about now. Pulled down over my whole face.

Lorenzo is waiting by the coat hooks when I enter the school. “Did you really think Abiola’s mom was kidnapping Miguel’s sister? That’s rich.”

It takes me a minute to remember Marta and the umbrella incident from the other day. I feel hot embarrassment flood my face.

“No. I just didn’t know what she was doing, that’s all,” I say.

So, are you visualizing like we talked about? Do you see what is happening to my life? Even the Avengers have bad days, but bad weeks? Bad months?

“Sandro?” Miss Hamilton is standing by my desk with her tablet. “Did you give that letter to your father?”

What should I say? I used to know what to do in these situations, but I’m losing my touch.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.