Lupe Wong Won't Dance by Higuera Donna Barba

Author:Higuera, Donna Barba [Higuera, Donna Barba]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Contemporary, Humour, Childrens
ISBN: 9781646140039
Amazon: 1646140036
Goodreads: 44318533
Publisher: Levine Querido
Published: 2020-01-01T08:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 14

Gordon, Niles, and I settle in at our usual table in the cafeteria. Andy passes right by us without even a glance. She sits at the table with Jordyn and the soccer kids. She starts sharing her chips with Jordyn. It’s the first time in four years Andy and I haven’t shared our lunch.

In between bites, Gordon explains to Niles how he uses counting to help him keep his rhythm while learning a new dance.

“Could I count in Klingon?” Niles asks, putting his new Amulet graphic novel away in his backpack and giving Gordon his full attention.

“Whatever system works.” Gordon counts in what I can only assume is Klingon. “Wa’, cha’, wej, loS.” He smiles. “See. That’s the beauty of music and dance. It works in any language.”

They move on to discussing animals called tauntauns and banthas, but I tune them out completely after the talk shifts to the banthas’ herbivore diet.

My best friend won’t even look at me. My other best friend appears to have a new friend. My teammates are annoyed with me. I have to air dance in front of everyone.

It can’t get any worse.

I bet throughout history, everyone has wished for P.E. to disappear at least once. I never have. But today, I wish as hard as I ever have for an earthquake, zombie attack, or an overflowing toilet. Still, fifth period arrives.

Andy gets dressed in silence, her back to mine. Of course, I forgot my shorts again, and I can’t ask Andy. I pull on the scratchy loaners. I’m not saying I wouldn’t do almost anything for Andy’s extra shorts, but I miss Andy way more than her shorts. This is what Papa calls a life lesson. Although suddenly losing your best friend on top of sandpaper wedgies is sort of a harsh way to learn you can’t use people, or forget about their feelings too. I reach out to tap her on the shoulder, but she makes a quick eye roll at me before she slams her locker and runs ahead.

“Hey Jordyn,” Andy calls out, disappearing into the gym, leaving me behind.

I look around the locker room, suddenly self-conscious without her. I fold my arms over my chest and walk out into the gym feeling very alone.

Coach pairs us off in five groups—four sets of partners in each section. Naturally, I end up with Samantha and Blake first. We all face each other. Me, the only partnerless person.

How hard can this be? I hold the records for pull-ups, shuttle run, and the peg wall. Those are all individual tests too.

Samantha’s eyes shift to my shorts. “Let me guess. Goodwill?”

I really need to pull them down in the back, but this might not be the best time.

The music starts, drowning out her voice, but I clearly hear Samantha ask Claire if stupid is contagious.

“Grab your partners!” Farmer John hollers out just like he does every time the song starts blaring. The words echo loudly in the gym. I glance at Niles, who hurries to put in his earplugs.

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