Double Trouble Read Online Free PDF

the playground toward Genie and Mary. “What an awful thing to happen. You're soaked through.”
    “We're fine, Gran,” Genie said.
    “Mary, can we give you a ride home?” Gran offered.
    “Thanks! I'll tell Mrs. Harvey,” Mary said.
    As soon as Mrs. Harvey said it was okay, Gran hurried them over to the car and put the heater on full blast. Ali was dying to pop her head out of the backpack to dry her hair; but she didn't dare.
    They dropped Mary off, and then Gran drove straight to the Millers' house.“Now go upstairs and get out of those wet clothes,” she told Genie, taking the backpack from her and putting it down in the hall. “I'll run you a bath and make you some hot chocolate. That'll soon warm you up.”
    “Maybe I should unpack my backpack first,” Genie began. “My papers might be wet—”
    “That can wait” Gran said firmly. “Off you go.”
    Ali's face fell as she heard Genie and Gran going upstairs. She needed a bath and a cup of hot chocolate too! She couldn't unzip the pocket without Genie. She was stuck.
    It seemed like ages until she heard Genie coming downstairs again.
    “Gran, is it all right if I take my hot chocolate upstairs and start my homework?” Genie asked.
    “Of course,” Gran said, much to Ali's relief.
    Ali felt the backpack being lifted into the air She bounced and bobbed from side to side as Genie ran upstairs. When the zipper was pulled open, Ali scrambled out onto her bed.
    “Are you okay?” Genie asked. She looked very warm and snug in Ali's favorite sweats.
    “N-no,” Ali stammered through clattering teeth.
“Aschoo!”
    “How can we warm you up?” Genie wondered. “You're too small to go into the bath. You might slip down the drain!And you're too tiny to fit into any of your other clothes. We could wrap you in a sock or something.”
    “No, I know what to do,” Ali said, sneezing again. She was so cold, she was ready to try desperate measures. “I want my third wish. I wish for something to make me warm and dry.”
    Genie clapped. “I know just the thing,” she said excitedly. “My friend Ray will do the trick! I knew him at Genie School.”
    “No, Genie,” Ali gasped. “Not
another
genie.” One was more than enough!
    But it was too late. Genie had already snapped her fingers and was frowning in concentration as she cast her spell.

Ali's bedroom windows flew open and cold air streamed in.
    “Genie, you're supposed to be warming me up,” Ali complained, trying to pull her quilt around her “Close the windows!”
    “Just a minute.” Genie ran over to the window and peered out “Oh, look! Here's Ray”
    Ali watched in amazement as a puff ofbright yellow smoke whirled into the room. With a loud
whoosh!
, something that looked the same size and shape as Ali's bedside rug swept through the window and skidded to a halt above Ali's desk It was a flying carpet, golden yellow with orange and red stripes!
    Sitting cross-legged on the carpet was a round-faced, smiling genie. He wore a gold vest, an orange hat, and baggy yellow pants. In his arms he carried something wrapped in a silky golden cloth.
    “Ray!” Genie waved in delight. “It's been ages since I've seen you.”
    “Hi, Genie,” Ray called down, peering over the edge of the carpet. “Is it okay to land?”
    “Sure, go ahead,” Genie said.

    Ali stared as Ray guided the carpet down from the ceiling. It settled lightly on the floor and Ray stood up, revealing dazzling slippers with long, curled-over toes. He was taller than Genie, and very tan.
    'This is Ali, my lord and master,” Geniesaid excitedly, pointing to Ali on the bed. “Ali, this is Ray, an old friend of mine. He sells flying carpets.”
    “I'm very pleased to meet you, Ali,” Ray said cheerily, bowing low with an elegant wave of his hand. “I am honored indeed to meet Little Genie's lord and master.” He glanced at Genie with a grin. “There were times at Genie School when even her closest friends doubted that this happy