Gasp of the Ghoulish Guinea Pig Read Online Free PDF Page A

to the dentist today!” wailed Toby, who was sitting at the kitchen table, squishing the last bits of his breakfastcereal with the back of his spoon. “Why do we have to go? It’s the holidays!”
    Mum ignored him. “Hurry up with your breakfast, Joe,” she said, picking up Toby’s bowl and putting it in the sink. “And Toby, go and brush your teeth.” Then she turned to Dad. “Don’t forget you’re dropping Toby at George’s party this afternoon – I’ve got clients until five o’clock. Are you sure you don’t want to go, Joe?”

    “What?” Joe was thinking about snakes again.
    “The party – at George and Erin’s house?”
    Joe frowned. Maybe he
should
go. To see if he could spot the snake…
    “Don’t you want to see Doctor Franken-Bubble?” asked Toby, prodding Joe’s arm. “The monster party’s going to be so exciting!”
    Yeah
, thought Joe,
especially if an enormous snake shows up!

CHAPTER EIGHT
    The dentist’s waiting room was large and airy with huge squishy sofas. Joe recognized a few kids from school waiting with their parents. Toby and a girl from his class were peering at a cabinet full of toothbrushes for sale.
    “I want that one!” Toby said, pointing to a green brush with a monster’s head on the end. “Or the troll one. It’s really cool!”
    “Maybe afterwards,” said Mum, wiping her nose with a tissue. Her allergies were bothering her again, thanks to Flash’s fur. She blew hernose noisily. “It’s us next!”
    At that moment the dental nurse appeared. “Joe and Toby Edmunds. Follow me.”
    Joe slipped off his coat with Flash inside the pocket. “Wait here!” he whispered, laying it on the back of the sofa next to Toby’s fleece.
    Flash gave an impatient snort.
    The nurse led them into the consulting room.
    “Who’s going first?” asked Mr Ridge, the dentist.
    “Joe!” squeaked Toby, who’d spotted the dentist’s shiny instruments lined up on a stand next to the big black chair. “Can I go for a wee?”
    Mum sighed. “Can’t you wait?”
    Toby made a face. “I’m desperate!”
    “Come on then.” Mum took his hand. “I’ll show you where it is.”
    Joe climbed into the chair.
    “If you could just put these glasses on, thensit back,” said the nurse.
    Joe blinked under the bright lights.
    “Open wide,” said Mr Ridge.
    As he began working through Joe’s teeth, tapping, prodding and checking each in turn, Joe heard a noise by the door. It was the sound of small scratchy footsteps.
    “Joe?” squeaked Flash. “JOE! What’s that man doing to you? Is he the vet?”
    Joe groaned. He was helpless – he couldn’t move, he couldn’t speak, there was no way he could tell Flash what was happening. He wriggled anxiously.
    Mr Ridge stopped for a moment. “Everything OK, Joe? Does it hurt there?”
    Joe shook his head.
    “What’s he doing?” squeaked Flash.
    Joe gripped the chair with frustration. Why hadn’t Flash stayed in the waiting room!
    “Is he hurting you?” Flash squealed.

    Joe turned his head slightly, trying to catch a glimpse of Flash and show him he was fine.
    “It’s OK, Joe,” soothed the dentist. “We’re nearly finished. Nothing to worry about…”
    “Joe? Joe? Speak to me!” Flash was jumping up and down, flowery bubbles erupting from his nose.
    At that moment, Mum and Toby came back. Mum let out a sudden sneeze!
    Joe jumped and Mr Ridge stepped back, bumping into the stand holding his equipment.
    It wobbled and then…

    “Look out!” called the nurse, as the instruments clattered down to the floor.
    “Oops!” giggled Toby. “Does that mean I miss my turn?”

    “I’m so, so sorry,” Mum kept saying as she made their next appointment.
    The receptionist smiled patiently. “It wasn’t your fault, Mrs Edmunds.”
    Mum blew her nose. “My allergies have been terrible lately!”
    Joe felt his face turn red. He shoved Flash even deeper into his coat pocket.
    “Hey!” the guinea pig squeaked. “I can’t