Odd Girl In Read Online Free PDF Page B

competition?” asked Parker. “A quiz bowl? Brainteasers? Puzzles?”
    Ms. Success studied him for a moment, then leaned back in her cushiony leather chair. “Life is a rat race, and you’re caught in the maze, Mr. Evins. You have to be smart enough to find the cheese, quick enough to outrun the other rats, and friendly enough that they don’t try to bite off your tail when it’s over.”
    Everyone in my family looked at one another, mystified.
    â€œSo, the championship is a giant maze?” asked Nick.
    â€œIt’s a combination of things,” said Ms. Success, bringing her hands together. “Trust, mixed with leadership, sprinkled with—”
    â€œIt’s an obstacle course,” said Emily. “And a fire-building contest.”
    Ms. Success pointed at Emily. “That too.”
    â€œIt sounds kind of cool,” said Nick, smiling.
    â€œIt is cooler than an Eskimo’s freezer,” said Ms. Success. “And the winning team receives a thousand dollars.”
    Money signs flashed in the greedy eyes of all of us Evil Evins.
    â€œI think,” Dad said, “you now have their undivided attention.”
    â€œGlad to hear it,” said Ms. Success. “Why don’t we review Adventures in Organization?”
    My brothers and I all flipped open our books and binders.
    â€œI’d like to start by sharing a personal philosophy with you,” she said, resting her chin on her fingertips. “Get organized … or get lost.”
    Two hours later, my brothers and I stumbled out of Ms. Success’s office looking like victims of a zombie attack. Dad, on the other hand, almost cartwheeled into the hallway.
    â€œThis is going to be excellent!” He herded us toward the exit. “I’ll admit, I initially had misgivings—”
    â€œPlease …” Nick clutched Dad’s arm. “I can’t take any more big words.”
    â€œOr positive energy,” I said. “I just want to put on black lipstick and hang out with emo kids.”
    Dad threw an arm around our shoulders. “I know it’s a lot to process, but that’s only because you’re behind in class.”
    â€œUh, no.” Nick scoffed. “I’ve been behind in classes before. This is just the first time I’ve ever wanted to climb into a wood chipper.”
    Dad raised an eyebrow. “I think that’s a bit extreme.”
    â€œThese homework activities are extreme,” said Parker. “Have you seen the time schedule she expects us to follow? I’ll only have ten minutes for my hair!”
    â€œAnd she wants us to raise three hundred dollars!” said Nick. “Except for my allowance, the only money I’ve ever earned, I’ve found in the couch.”
    Dad turned hopefully to me. “Alex, what do you think?”
    I glanced down at my Champs gear, then up at Dad. “Do you want me to be honest, or do you want me to be nice?”
    â€œYou can’t do both?”
    â€œNot without electroshock therapy,” I said.
    Dad’s eyebrows knitted, but he forced a smile. “Come on. This is going to be excellent. Remember what Ralph Waldo Emerson said, ‘Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm’ !” He punched each of my brothers playfully in the shoulder.
    Parker, of course, fell down.
    â€œI guess we really should work on your physical conditioning,” said Dad, helping him to his feet.
    â€œThat’s my problem with this whole thing,” said Nick. “Ms. Success wants us to improve ourselves, but … How am I supposed to suddenly get smarter?”
    â€œYou could try doing your homework,” said Dad.
    â€œAnd listening in class,” said Parker.
    â€œAnd taking notes,” I said.
    Nick looked thoughtful. “Or maybe there’s a pill….”
    â€œYou’re getting a tutor,” said Dad, opening the door that led outside.