Operation Tenley Read Online Free PDF Page B

handed her and balancing it on top of the pile.
    “Mom, if I’m going to win the ANMIT nomination, I can’t eat lasagna. That’s made in like, Italy or somewhere.” Tenley plucked a jar of peanut butter off the shelf and handed it to her mother. “I have to eat only American food, remember? That was part of my pledge?”
    Mrs. Tylwyth waited for Tenley to giggle.
    But Tenley didn’t look like she was kidding. In fact, she looked like she was making a mental list. “So. This is what I’m thinking: Double-stuffed baked potatoes, those are like totally American, and sirloin tips and corn on the cob. Then for breakfast, pancakes, maple syrup, and Lucky Charms. All totally American.”
    “It’s not the season for corn on the cob, honey.”
    Tenley spun around. Mrs. Tylwyth had to swerve the cart not to hit her. A few cereal boxes and a container of marshmallow fluff landed on the floor.
    “Anything’s possible, Mom , if you want it bad enough. You’re the one who told me that.” She leaned down to pick up the fallen items. “You’re going to be the mother of America’s Next Most Inspirational Teen .” She threw out her hands and pulled her mother in for a hug. “Hopefully.”
    Mrs. Tylwyth blinked back tears. “You know what, honey? I think we can find some in the frozen food section.”
    At the checkout line, the tired-looking but pleasant clerk dropped the magazine she was reading and nodded a warm hello. “I’m sorry, ladies, but this is for twelve items.”
    Tenley pointed at their cart. “We have twelve.”
    “Or less,” the clerk answered. “Aisle three is open.”
    Aisle three had an old, bent-over cashier and a line four carts deep.
    “Well, the thing is, ma’am, I’m trying to get nominated for America’s Next Most Inspirational Teen .”
    “Oh, jeez, that’s great.” The clerk smiled at Mrs. Tylwyth.
    “Thank you,” Tenley said. “And it’s on in, like, fifteen minutes, so I kind of need to get home to watch it.”
    “You’re on TV in fifteen minutes?” The clerk flipped on her conveyer belt. “Well, what are ya’ doin here? Let’s get you out.”
    “Oh no—” Mrs. Tylwyth waved. “Tenley, I think you’ve confused this nice woman. The voting isn’t for a few more days.”
    The clerk stopped rushing and looked up. “Oh.”
    Tenley grinned. “My mom’s right. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to confuse you. I just really, really want to win so I watch every single episode from last year to try to learn as much as I can about how to be the most inspirational teenager that I can be.”
    The clerk looked impressed. “Well, that’s something pretty great, then. What do you do to inspire your fellow teens?” She winked at Mrs. Tylwyth. “I got two of ‘em. One’s always on her what-not device. And the other’s crazy about that Naked and Not Found show. Can’t get enough of it.”
    “Nail art,” Tenley said proudly. “I think it’s super important for girls to feel confident about their hands. I have a nail art tutorial on my YouTube channel.”
    The clerk stared at Tenley.
    “You’re very kind,” Mrs. Tylwyth pointed to the Twelve Items or Less sign.
    The clerk looked at Mrs. Tylwyth. “Think nothing of it. You’ve got yourself a real go-getter here. I’ll be rooting for you …”
    Tenley pointed to her sash. “Tenley T. Vote for me!”
    At the exit, Mrs. Tylwyth stopped. A rainstorm was flooding the parking lot.
    “Oh, dear. I think we should wait it out,” Mrs. Tylwyth said.
    “I can’t, Mom. The show starts in seven minutes.”
    “It’s dangerous to drive in this, Tenley. I’m sorry.” Mrs. Tylwyth backed the cart up and disappeared around the corner.
    Tenley frowned. When she was sure no one was watching, she ran outside, glanced upwards, and blew. Once. Twice. The rain overhead began to subside. She blew a third time and the clouds broke apart, forming a clearing over the parking lot.
    She hurried back inside and found her mother. “Mom, it