Elvis and the Underdogs Read Online Free PDF Page A

again. But normally, there is a second one, and most often than not, they usually occur in clusters, which was why for the immediate future we needed to be extra cautious.
    â€œMom, I’m telling you right now that if you make me wear this thing when I leave the house, I will take it off as soon as I get outside. So unless you’re prepared to spend every waking moment playing helmet police, it’s not going to happen.”
    You would think if a kid faints from stress that his mom would just give in to anything he wants, and that’s what would happen if I was normal, but since I faint a few times a week, my whole family is used to it. So basically what I’m saying is I can’t play hardball with my mom, because, well, I rarely win, but this time I wasn’t backing down. My mom took a long look at me, and then she let out a big sigh.
    â€œI will not say no to the dog right now. But I won’t say yes either. I’m saying I will think about it. But in the meantime, you have to wear the helmet. Maybe it won’t be as bad as you think.”
    â€œWhile you’re thinking about the dog, I will wear the helmet, but I won’t go to school. Or leave the house. Or leave my room. Do you think I could get a minifridge in my room?”
    â€œFine, then no dog.”
    â€œThat’s not really negotiating, Mom.”
    â€œI know it’s not, and you know why? Because I’m not negotiating. You know why? Because I’m the mom, and I don’t have to.”
    Dr. Helen quickly sensed that this could take all day, and she had plenty of other crazy patients to deal with, so she intervened.
    â€œWell, then it’s settled. I’ll look into getting you more information and pricing on the dog.”
    It was dark out when we left the hospital. I had been there for a week. I made my mom pull her car up, and Dino held a sheet up to block everyone from seeing me. I was pretty much near tears by the time we got to the door. Dino squatted down so we were almost face-to-face.
    â€œLittle man, I’m your friend and I’m not going to lie to you, that is one ugly helmet on your head. But here’s some words that I hope will give you a little peace and make you feel better.”
    I sniffled and nodded, because I knew what he was going to say.
    â€œThat which does not kill you makes you stronger. Blah blah blah. You know how many times I’ve had to watch Steel Magnolias with my mom? Plenty,” I said.
    â€œMeow, little man. You are one cranky cat. Look, I wasn’t going to say that. I was going to say at least when you wear that helmet, you can’t get stuffed into a locker at school, because you probably wouldn’t fit because your head is so big now. Heck, I don’t even think they can put your head in the toilet with that thing on, so that’s a positive.”
    I was so shocked by what he said—mainly because it was the painful truth, but also because I couldn’t help myself—I started to laugh and cry at the same time. Dino gently knocked on my helmet and said, “Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.” Yes, he too was quoting the movie Steel Magnolias . “I’ve watched that movie with my mom a lot too. Now make a break for the car! Run!”
    I was just about to run when I heard my mom yell out, “On the count of three, smile!” We both turned and what do you know, there was my mom taking a picture of us for her stupid scrapbook. The flash was bright and made me see spots. When I ran to the car, I tripped and scraped my knee. But I didn’t care about my scraped knee. I had much bigger problems to face now.

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    When Principal Kriesky saw me sitting outside his office with my giant green helmet on, he stopped short and stared. Before he could get out a single word, my mom told me to wait for her while she talked to him alone in his office. I sat on the bench outside his office and pulled out a book