Three's a Crowd Read Online Free PDF Page B

mind—”
    â€œI can take my togs,” Brat interrupted. “Geordie doesn’t mind if I swim in the pool.”
    â€œWell, I do,” I burst out. “Julie and I can‘t study with that brat around.”
    Brat would really cramp our style. I felt myself go clammy under my freshly ironed shirt. The one comfort I had all through the misery of the previous afternoon was that Drew wasn’t aware that Brat was related to me.
    â€œI should think that the amount of studying you and Julie do won’t be affected by Brett,” Mum pointed out. “Just make sure that he’s in bed before dark and this time check he washes his neck properly.”
    â€œCheck he washes his neck properly,” I mimicked. “Whose kid is he supposed to be anyway? Why am I always stuck with him?”
    Mum raised an eyebrow. I could tell by the amused look on her face that I wasn’t getting through. It didn’t matter to her that my social life was being ruined by that little brat. My mother was the absolute pits.
    I slammed out the back door as hard as possible. Three seconds later it opened and Brat skipped out. “Golliwog, golliwog,” he chanted, following at a safe distance behind me. His voice altered. “Hi, Jeebie.”
    â€œWait for me, golliwog,” called the hateful voice.
    I looked back. Jeebie had vaulted the gate of the small single fronted place next to ours, bounced a ball to Brat and winked at me. He still wore the faded cut-off jeans, the worn thongs and raggy T-shirt.
    Horrors! Had he become a new neighbour? I was in the middle of wondering if old Mrs Belano had moved before it dawned on me. John Belano must be staying with her. I sneaked another look at him. The height, skinniness and beaky nose were familiar, very familiar. Mrs Belano had passed on her genes. Jeebie grinned and caught up with me, leaving Brat behind with the ball.
    â€œIs Mrs Belano your grandmother?” I asked.
    â€œWho else,” he laughed. “Grandmothers only come in two issues and she’s my favourite.”
    â€œAre you staying with her?” I realized with a sinking heart that he was carrying an old, very torn airline bag and heading towards our high school. Surely he wasn’t going to be attending high school if he was just visiting.
    â€œOf course,” Jeebie said. He swung his bag in a wild arc, and I skipped out of the way.
    â€œWhy?” I demanded.
    â€œBecause, my beautiful golliwog, I have fallen madly in love with you. Your charms bring out the wolf in me.”
    To my horror, he dropped to his haunches and howled, exactly like a wolf! Several of the neighbours turned and stared at him. I felt my face go red. I can’t stand an exhibitionist. I walked on ahead, eyes front, pretending I didn’t know him.
    â€œRight on,” cheered Brat. “Can you teach me to do that please, Jeebie?”
    â€œOr perhaps you bring out the devoted spaniel in me,” Jeebie continued.
    I sneaked a look around. Jeebie was bouncing along like a frog, hands curled over in imitation of paws, and he had his tongue out, panting. I broke into a run.
    Jeebie sprang to his feet and loped after me. “What are you doing after school tonight?” he asked. “I need someone kind to help me with my math assignment.” My silence seemed to spur him on. “My English assignment? My swimming? What about teaching me how to knit? You look like you should be into feminine activities.”
    So much for getting dressed up on a Monday morning. I might have known that with my luck I would attract the district kook. What made it worse was that my little brother was skipping along beside us, both ears flapping as he listened to him.
    â€œYou just get lost, John Belano,” I snapped over my shoulder as I kept running. “Or you will regret it.”
    We had reached the school gate and I skidded inside. All the crowd were lounging around. Louise, beside Drew,