I knew that once I finished writing 'Bob' I wanted to take some time to reflect back on what it was that I was doing. Bob isn't my first novel. Bob is actually the fourth novel that I have written, but it is the first that I have written to completion with the confidence that it is actually good writing.
About a week ago, I felt like I would never finish Bob. I felt like a terrible writer. I kept thinking back to everything that I was teaching my own students and wondering where in the world I was pulling it into my own writing. I felt like a failing author. Like someone who couldn't ever publish a book.
I know that there aren't many people who are reading my blog, but for those who are, I appreciate it. There hasn't been a lot of feedback on Bob just yet, but I'm hoping there will be. I begin the editing and revising process today once the rest of the novel is printed off. The craziest part is that the revising and editing can take just as long as the writing process itself.
My hands are cramped from typing. My joints are stiff from holding a pen for too many hours this month. I realized that if I took every single hour that I worked on Bob just for this month and put it together, I would have written for over 2 days straight. Over 50 hours worth of time went into this novel just this month. That doesn't account for the planning that took place over the summer and the good 20 - 30 hours put in there.
For the first time in my life, I realized exactly how difficult it was to be a professional writer. So many times I am working on little projects (scripts, poems, picture books). But to put together a full fledged children's novel in a month. Wow!
I continue to read stories about how people were found and how they were able to start their careers as full time writers. I can only hope that that will be my story as well.
I can only thank Bob for the inspiration. The girls in my book know that it is Bob that changed their lives and that's probably because he's changing mine right now.
The passion and confidence about writing in my life has returned. There are currently two other novels in the process of being designed in my head. I'm very excited to begin work on them and create something new.
But in the mean time, I need to get back to my writers notebook. I've been neglecting it all month!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Chapter Twenty-Eight - Fred
Monday morning came too quickly like it always does, but this time Kat was ready for it. She had the spider dream again, but finally it had a happy ending. As Kat was throwing the paper airplanes out the window, her actual mother sat up in bed. Kat smiled when she saw her. The spider was finally gone.
Princess Puffball lay curled up on the blanket next to Kat and began to purr when Kat pet her. Kat got out of bed and slid on her ‘Save Bob’ shirt to give her that something extra in her report.
The car ride to school was filled with stories of home and of the past. One day Kat swore that she would write them all down.
When Kat arrived at school, Principal Ululani greeted each of the children. Her dreams of teaching around the world could wait. She had too much invested in Kat and Lily. She would just have to hold on until they left for middle school.
Kat walked down the halls to Room 222 with a new feeling towards school. This was home now too.
Outside the door of Room 222 hung the banner that the fourth graders made last week. Every ounce of the glitter still clung to the bubble letters. Kat smiled as she walked into the classroom, Home of Bob.
“Good,” Lily said running up to Kat. “You’re here! We can get started.”
Once the class was settled, the bug presentation began. Lily and Kat were saved until the very end. While they waited, Lily pulled out a big black marker.
“What is that for?” Kat whispered while Michael and Jacob talked about how people actually buy praying mantises for their gardens.
“I need to fix your shirt,” Lily said uncapping the marker. She added a quick D to Kat’s shirt.
“Saved Bob,” Kat read smiling. She looked at Lily and smiled even bigger.
“Come on,” Lily said. “We’re up.”
Kat and Lily stood in front of the class and displayed their poster on daddy long legs.
“Our project is dedicated to Bob,” Lily said proudly.
The class turned toward the window and began to cheer. Kat and Lily felt like rock stars.
“Wait a second,” Jacob called out over the class. “Something’s wrong with Bob!”
The entire class got out of their seats to get a better look.
It was true. Bob didn’t look quite like himself. Aphids were crawling all over him and he didn’t even move a muscle. His body seemed to be too clear. Bob looked dead.
“This is all Principal Benbrook’s fault!” Lily yelled.
“We really were too late,” Kat said in shock.
The classroom fell into a tizzy of angry yells and frantic tears. Ms. Catarinas had to raise her voice to finally get everyone’s attention.
“Now listen,” she said calmly. “Principal Benbrook didn’t do anything.”
“Then why is Bob dead?” Michael demanded.
“He’s not dead,” Ms. Catarinas assured him. “He’s gone.”
“Gone?” Kat asked.
“There is one interesting fact that I found out about Bobs,” Ms. Catarinas said. “Every ten days they shed their exoskeleton. Yesterday was ten days since Bob found his way into our classroom.”
The class stood around in silence. Bob was gone. All that work and Bob decided it was time to go. A sinking feeling hit the class right in their stomachs.
“What are we going to do?” Lily asked.
“What do you mean?” Ms. Catarinas asked.
“Without Bob what’s the point of school?”
Ms. Catarinas laughed. The class stayed quiet.
“Come on now,” she said cheerfully. “You all sound like a bunch of crickets.”
A silent chirp rang through the classroom.
Ms. Catarinas strained her ears. She really did hear a cricket. The class watched as Ms. Catarinas moved closer to the sink and towards the sound. She looked in the sink and began to laugh.
“Well wouldn’t you know it,” she said laughing so hard that she was crying. “A cricket!”
Jacob jumped into the air.
“Let’s name him Fred!”
Princess Puffball lay curled up on the blanket next to Kat and began to purr when Kat pet her. Kat got out of bed and slid on her ‘Save Bob’ shirt to give her that something extra in her report.
The car ride to school was filled with stories of home and of the past. One day Kat swore that she would write them all down.
When Kat arrived at school, Principal Ululani greeted each of the children. Her dreams of teaching around the world could wait. She had too much invested in Kat and Lily. She would just have to hold on until they left for middle school.
Kat walked down the halls to Room 222 with a new feeling towards school. This was home now too.
Outside the door of Room 222 hung the banner that the fourth graders made last week. Every ounce of the glitter still clung to the bubble letters. Kat smiled as she walked into the classroom, Home of Bob.
“Good,” Lily said running up to Kat. “You’re here! We can get started.”
Once the class was settled, the bug presentation began. Lily and Kat were saved until the very end. While they waited, Lily pulled out a big black marker.
“What is that for?” Kat whispered while Michael and Jacob talked about how people actually buy praying mantises for their gardens.
“I need to fix your shirt,” Lily said uncapping the marker. She added a quick D to Kat’s shirt.
“Saved Bob,” Kat read smiling. She looked at Lily and smiled even bigger.
“Come on,” Lily said. “We’re up.”
Kat and Lily stood in front of the class and displayed their poster on daddy long legs.
“Our project is dedicated to Bob,” Lily said proudly.
The class turned toward the window and began to cheer. Kat and Lily felt like rock stars.
“Wait a second,” Jacob called out over the class. “Something’s wrong with Bob!”
The entire class got out of their seats to get a better look.
It was true. Bob didn’t look quite like himself. Aphids were crawling all over him and he didn’t even move a muscle. His body seemed to be too clear. Bob looked dead.
“This is all Principal Benbrook’s fault!” Lily yelled.
“We really were too late,” Kat said in shock.
The classroom fell into a tizzy of angry yells and frantic tears. Ms. Catarinas had to raise her voice to finally get everyone’s attention.
“Now listen,” she said calmly. “Principal Benbrook didn’t do anything.”
“Then why is Bob dead?” Michael demanded.
“He’s not dead,” Ms. Catarinas assured him. “He’s gone.”
“Gone?” Kat asked.
“There is one interesting fact that I found out about Bobs,” Ms. Catarinas said. “Every ten days they shed their exoskeleton. Yesterday was ten days since Bob found his way into our classroom.”
The class stood around in silence. Bob was gone. All that work and Bob decided it was time to go. A sinking feeling hit the class right in their stomachs.
“What are we going to do?” Lily asked.
“What do you mean?” Ms. Catarinas asked.
“Without Bob what’s the point of school?”
Ms. Catarinas laughed. The class stayed quiet.
“Come on now,” she said cheerfully. “You all sound like a bunch of crickets.”
A silent chirp rang through the classroom.
Ms. Catarinas strained her ears. She really did hear a cricket. The class watched as Ms. Catarinas moved closer to the sink and towards the sound. She looked in the sink and began to laugh.
“Well wouldn’t you know it,” she said laughing so hard that she was crying. “A cricket!”
Jacob jumped into the air.
“Let’s name him Fred!”
Chapter Twenty-Seven - New Jobs
Kat could not believe that it only took thirty minutes worth of protesting to win. Everyone was hopeful that they would save Bob, but no one expected it to happen so quickly. After Principal Benbrook left, huge wheels were set in motion.
The superintendent of schools quickly got in contact with both Ms. Ululani and Ms. Catarinas. He offered Ms. Ululani the job of principal at Edgeview, hopeful that she would set things right. The budget would need some tweaking, but he promised her whatever kind of supplies she needed.
For Ms. Catarinas the story was a little different. She broke down on the phone and explained her situation. The superintendent was mortified by Principal Benbrook’s actions.
“Don’t even worry about your review,” he told her. “My family lives in Texas and my brother is a principal down there. I’m sure we can work something out.”
As for the fourth graders at Edgeview Elementary, this was a time to party. They had made the local news and parents from all over took their complaints to the school board. Bob was safe and
‘The Rules’ were broken forever.
An impromptu celebration was had at Jacob’s house. The children danced and laughed out in the mid-November air. Only nine days ago, Bob had made his appearance. It was all because of Bob that things changed.
Kat and Lily stood off to the side of the party and watched. The girl scouts were teaching others how to make their very own Bobs. Michael was showing Fluffy off to everyone. Even Ms. Catarinas and Ms. Ululani showed up. Uncle Chad tried to work his magic with Ms. Ululani and explain exactly what went in to being the World’s Strongest Man.
Kat laughed and enjoyed the fact that she finally felt at home.
“So,” Ms. Catarinas said coming up to the friends. “It looks like my plan worked all along.”
“Plan?” Kat asked.
“For the project,” Ms. Catarinas said with a knowing smile.
“You planned for all of this to happen?” Lily asked in shock.
Ms. Catarinas laughed. “This is pretty amazing, but no. I planned for this,” she said pointing at Lily and Kat.
Lily and Kat looked at each other. Only a week ago they wouldn’t have been within ten feet of each other.
“You mean you set us up as partners on purpose?” Kat asked.
“The sticks never lie,” Ms. Catarinas said repeating herself.
Lily looked at her in disbelief. “How did you know we’d become friends?”
“I didn’t,” Ms. Catarinas said. “I could only hope.”
Kat and Lily smiled. Some teachers were just too amazing for words.
“Although I do hope your project is finished,” Ms. Catarinas said. “You present first thing Monday morning.”
Kat and Lily looked at each other with alarm. They had spent so much time trying to save Bob that they hadn’t really researched Bob. They only had today and tomorrow to finish.
“Not a problem,” Lily said.
“Definitely,” Kat agreed. “I’ve got a great partner!”
The superintendent of schools quickly got in contact with both Ms. Ululani and Ms. Catarinas. He offered Ms. Ululani the job of principal at Edgeview, hopeful that she would set things right. The budget would need some tweaking, but he promised her whatever kind of supplies she needed.
For Ms. Catarinas the story was a little different. She broke down on the phone and explained her situation. The superintendent was mortified by Principal Benbrook’s actions.
“Don’t even worry about your review,” he told her. “My family lives in Texas and my brother is a principal down there. I’m sure we can work something out.”
As for the fourth graders at Edgeview Elementary, this was a time to party. They had made the local news and parents from all over took their complaints to the school board. Bob was safe and
‘The Rules’ were broken forever.
An impromptu celebration was had at Jacob’s house. The children danced and laughed out in the mid-November air. Only nine days ago, Bob had made his appearance. It was all because of Bob that things changed.
Kat and Lily stood off to the side of the party and watched. The girl scouts were teaching others how to make their very own Bobs. Michael was showing Fluffy off to everyone. Even Ms. Catarinas and Ms. Ululani showed up. Uncle Chad tried to work his magic with Ms. Ululani and explain exactly what went in to being the World’s Strongest Man.
Kat laughed and enjoyed the fact that she finally felt at home.
“So,” Ms. Catarinas said coming up to the friends. “It looks like my plan worked all along.”
“Plan?” Kat asked.
“For the project,” Ms. Catarinas said with a knowing smile.
“You planned for all of this to happen?” Lily asked in shock.
Ms. Catarinas laughed. “This is pretty amazing, but no. I planned for this,” she said pointing at Lily and Kat.
Lily and Kat looked at each other. Only a week ago they wouldn’t have been within ten feet of each other.
“You mean you set us up as partners on purpose?” Kat asked.
“The sticks never lie,” Ms. Catarinas said repeating herself.
Lily looked at her in disbelief. “How did you know we’d become friends?”
“I didn’t,” Ms. Catarinas said. “I could only hope.”
Kat and Lily smiled. Some teachers were just too amazing for words.
“Although I do hope your project is finished,” Ms. Catarinas said. “You present first thing Monday morning.”
Kat and Lily looked at each other with alarm. They had spent so much time trying to save Bob that they hadn’t really researched Bob. They only had today and tomorrow to finish.
“Not a problem,” Lily said.
“Definitely,” Kat agreed. “I’ve got a great partner!”
Friday, November 26, 2010
Very Proud
Alright, well I know that I still have two more chapters to write with Bob, but they are the easiest out of the 28 total.
It seems pretty crazy that Bob started as a real daddy long legs that found himself in the sink in my own fourth grade classroom. He got stuck above our door frame for two days before we let him go. But he inspired a book in me.
It started as a picture book, but grew to be something bigger. I'm excited to start on my next two novel ideas as well.
But more than anything I feel so proud of myself for earning this!
Chapter Twenty-Six - A Revelation and A Revolution
“Good morning Fairfax, this is Deborah Grossman, coming to you live outside of Edgeview Elementary, where it seems that the whole school is gathered to save one of their own. His name is Bob and he’s not your typical fourth grader. These children today are out here fighting against the unfair treatment of a daddy long legs.”
The cameraman panned across the crowd of rioting children. Their picket signs were painted in vivid colors and coated in clouds of glitter. As the students tromped around and shook their signs, glitter rained down onto the sidewalk below them. Their signs were about more than saving Bob. Some said ‘Insects have feelings too’. While others said ‘Paint and Glitter Forever’. It was an amazing thing to see so many children fighting for their rights.
“Here we have Ms. Lana Ululani,” Michael’s mother continued. “She teaches art here at Edgeview. Can you tell us exactly a little more about this protest going on today.”
Mrs. Grossman shirked away from Buttercup and chose to give Ms. Ululani the microphone.
“We’re here to restore things to their proper place,” Ms. Ululani said. “Children need to be able to explore, to learn, to get messy. School is a safe environment for that. Principal Benbrook’s strict no art supply and no animal policy harms our children. We’re here to save Bob, Buttercup, and Art!”
Ms. Ululani threw another passionate fist in the air and joined the throng again.
Lost in the middle of the crowd, Kat stood staring at her father.
“I don’t understand what is going on Kat,” he said. “This isn’t you.”
Kat frowned. She had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from crying.
“I know I’m letting you down, but I can’t let another person die.”
“Another?” her father asked even more confused.
“I left the window open the night mom was bitten by the spider,” Kat finally admitted. “It’s my fault we’re here.”
The rest of the protest seemed to fall away for Kat and her father. Months of grief came pouring back over them.
“Honey,” her father said taking her hand. “It’s not your fault.”
Kat let the tears run. “Yes it is.”
Her father held her tight and kissed the top of her head.
“Kathryn, you mother was bit outside in the garden. She was in bed that night because she didn’t feel well.”
Kat looked up at her father in awe. For months, she had been carrying something that didn’t belong to her.
“Your mother got an infection from the bite. She was actually listening to you play the airplane game while she was in bed. She loved that game more than anything else. She was happy the window was left open. That was one of her favorite memories.”
“Me too,” Kat said trying to regain herself.
Her father placed his hand under Kat’s chin and looked her in the eyes. “Is this bug really that important to you?”
Kat looked around her. Lily was on her side. People were finally breaking ‘The Rules’ on purpose. In the distance, she saw Ms. Catarinas walking towards her class. Two words were proudly displayed across her shirt. SAVE BOB.
“More than you know,” Kat whispered.
“And you don’t mind living with Uncle Chad a little longer?” her father asked.
“I think there are still a lot of stories I need to hear,” Kat said.
Her father smiled. “Then hand me a sign.”
“We’re still here bringing you the latest on the protest at Edgeview Elementary. We’ve spoken with various parents on the subject of Eugene’s Benbrook’s rules and here is what just a few have to say about it.”
The cameraman turned to the left and focused his shot on three parents. One held a screaming baby and looked like she wished she could just go change his diaper.
“I think these rules are outrageous,” one father said.
“Who bans art supplies,” one mother said. “Is that even legal?”
The mother with the baby cringed as he went into another set of wails. “I heard even babies are banned. And Jonathan really needs to be changed!”
Principal Benbrook stood in front of the school taking the verbal assault form his students. As soon as he saw Daniel Westwood grab a protest sign, Eugene Benbrook was pushed off the edge. He stormed through the crowd and confronted him face to face.
“What do you think you are doing Mr. Westwood?” Principal Benbrook demanded.
“Focusing on my family,” Kat's father said smiling at Kat. Even Uncle Chad had picked up a protest sign and was marching hand in hand with Ms. Ululani and Buttercup.
“I will make sure you get first this instant,” Principal Benbrook screamed as he pulled out his cell phone. “Protesting over bugs. You’re just as dumb as your daughter.”
The entire protest went quiet. Sophie looked at the home made Bob in her hand. It wasn’t heavy, but it was enough. Out of the silence, she threw her crafty daddy long legs at Principal Benbrook. It hit him square in the eye and temporarily blinded him. The other girl scouts took their cue and soon dozens of little black daddy long legs bombs were being launched at Principal Benbrook.
The crowd of students fell into chaos. Several had brought contained of glitter and were throwing them around. The air around the protest shimmered like snow.
“And here we are with Elizabeth Catarinas, homeroom teacher of Bob himself,” Mrs. Grossman continued on. “What do you think of this chaos?”
“When Bob first came to us, he caused nothing but trouble. It wasn’t his fault, it was the rules. That is the monarchy of King Eugene Benbrook. I try to tie my teaching to everyday life and to the past. I’m not trying to be disrespectful, but Bob was just another example. History has a funny way of repeating itself. Just like in 1776, it’s a revolution.”
A student ran by and bombed the cameraman in glitter.
“No fumigation without representation,” he screamed.
At the doors, parents began to ask Principal Benbrook angry questions.
“Why aren’t they allowed to have paint?”
“My daughter even had her lip gloss confiscated by you for glitter. She’s seven!”
“Can I please bring Jonathan in to change him? He’s really starting to smell.”
The noise was getting louder and louder. It seemed as if the whole school were outside screaming for equal right and equal supplies.
Above the chaos, someone yelled, “STOP!” It took a few tries to get everyone’s attention, but finally the crowd settled. Michael stood in the middle of the crowd, ready to talk terms to Principal Benbrook. He moved confidently towards Principal Benbrook until he was toe to toe with him.
“We’ll make you a deal Principal Benbrook,” Michael said. “You give us something, we’ll give you something.”
“What are you doing?” Lily said through gritted teeth.
“Trust me,” Michael whispered. “I’ve got this.”
“You better praying mantis boy!” Lily said and took a step back.
“Like I said Benbrook let’s make a deal.”
Principal Benbrook furrowed his eyebrows and frowned at Michael. The cameraman came in close and Mrs. Grossman leaned her microphone in as close as possible.
“What do you want?” Principal Benbrook asked regrettably.
Michael grinned. “You let us keep Bob and give Ms. Ululani all the paint she wants and we’ll walk away.”
Everyone held their breath. Kat held her father’s hand. She could even feel his own heartbeat racing.
“And that’s all?” Principal Benbrook asked folding his arms.
“Well,” Michael said stretching the negotiations. “There is one more piece. An offer of good will is what I think they call it on T.V.” Michael winked at the camera. His mom gave him a quick thumbs up and refocused the microphone.
“And what do I have to do?” Principal Benbrook asked.
“Just take a picture with my pet Fluffy,” Michael said calmly. “Show us that animals aren’t all that bad.”
Principal Benbrook laughed out loud. What kind of deal was this. Of course they could never hold him to it, he didn’t sign a contract.
Kids are so dumb, he thought.
“Fine, bring on Fluffy,” Principal Benbrook agreed.
“Are you nuts?” Lily asked Michael.
“Have a little faith,” he said as Jacob handed him Fluffy.
Lily took one look at Fluffy and had to hold back her laughter. “Oh! You’re good!”
Principal Benbrook was so focused on the camera that he never noticed that Michael had place Fluffy on his shoulder.
“There we go,” Michael said. “Now that makes a nice picture. Isn’t she pretty up there!”
Principal Benbrook looked away from the camera and froze when he saw Fluffy. He didn’t have to turn his head very far to see the hairy legs or to feel the furry body nuzzle against his face. Principal Benbrook looked down in terror at the eight large eyes of Fluffy the tarantula.
“Aw, they’re friends,” Sophie laughed.
“AH!” Principal Benbrook screamed.
Fluffy tensed up on his shoulder which caused to him scream even more.
“Get it off! Get it off!”
Michael gently removed Fluffy and everyone began to laugh.
“I quit!” he screamed. Principal Benbrook didn’t waste any time. He pushed over several sixth graders and a girl scout to get out of the mob. He didn’t stop running until he reached his car.
Within in seconds, he was gone.
“I guess that means we won,” Michael said smiling into the camera.
The cameraman panned across the crowd of rioting children. Their picket signs were painted in vivid colors and coated in clouds of glitter. As the students tromped around and shook their signs, glitter rained down onto the sidewalk below them. Their signs were about more than saving Bob. Some said ‘Insects have feelings too’. While others said ‘Paint and Glitter Forever’. It was an amazing thing to see so many children fighting for their rights.
“Here we have Ms. Lana Ululani,” Michael’s mother continued. “She teaches art here at Edgeview. Can you tell us exactly a little more about this protest going on today.”
Mrs. Grossman shirked away from Buttercup and chose to give Ms. Ululani the microphone.
“We’re here to restore things to their proper place,” Ms. Ululani said. “Children need to be able to explore, to learn, to get messy. School is a safe environment for that. Principal Benbrook’s strict no art supply and no animal policy harms our children. We’re here to save Bob, Buttercup, and Art!”
Ms. Ululani threw another passionate fist in the air and joined the throng again.
Lost in the middle of the crowd, Kat stood staring at her father.
“I don’t understand what is going on Kat,” he said. “This isn’t you.”
Kat frowned. She had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from crying.
“I know I’m letting you down, but I can’t let another person die.”
“Another?” her father asked even more confused.
“I left the window open the night mom was bitten by the spider,” Kat finally admitted. “It’s my fault we’re here.”
The rest of the protest seemed to fall away for Kat and her father. Months of grief came pouring back over them.
“Honey,” her father said taking her hand. “It’s not your fault.”
Kat let the tears run. “Yes it is.”
Her father held her tight and kissed the top of her head.
“Kathryn, you mother was bit outside in the garden. She was in bed that night because she didn’t feel well.”
Kat looked up at her father in awe. For months, she had been carrying something that didn’t belong to her.
“Your mother got an infection from the bite. She was actually listening to you play the airplane game while she was in bed. She loved that game more than anything else. She was happy the window was left open. That was one of her favorite memories.”
“Me too,” Kat said trying to regain herself.
Her father placed his hand under Kat’s chin and looked her in the eyes. “Is this bug really that important to you?”
Kat looked around her. Lily was on her side. People were finally breaking ‘The Rules’ on purpose. In the distance, she saw Ms. Catarinas walking towards her class. Two words were proudly displayed across her shirt. SAVE BOB.
“More than you know,” Kat whispered.
“And you don’t mind living with Uncle Chad a little longer?” her father asked.
“I think there are still a lot of stories I need to hear,” Kat said.
Her father smiled. “Then hand me a sign.”
“We’re still here bringing you the latest on the protest at Edgeview Elementary. We’ve spoken with various parents on the subject of Eugene’s Benbrook’s rules and here is what just a few have to say about it.”
The cameraman turned to the left and focused his shot on three parents. One held a screaming baby and looked like she wished she could just go change his diaper.
“I think these rules are outrageous,” one father said.
“Who bans art supplies,” one mother said. “Is that even legal?”
The mother with the baby cringed as he went into another set of wails. “I heard even babies are banned. And Jonathan really needs to be changed!”
Principal Benbrook stood in front of the school taking the verbal assault form his students. As soon as he saw Daniel Westwood grab a protest sign, Eugene Benbrook was pushed off the edge. He stormed through the crowd and confronted him face to face.
“What do you think you are doing Mr. Westwood?” Principal Benbrook demanded.
“Focusing on my family,” Kat's father said smiling at Kat. Even Uncle Chad had picked up a protest sign and was marching hand in hand with Ms. Ululani and Buttercup.
“I will make sure you get first this instant,” Principal Benbrook screamed as he pulled out his cell phone. “Protesting over bugs. You’re just as dumb as your daughter.”
The entire protest went quiet. Sophie looked at the home made Bob in her hand. It wasn’t heavy, but it was enough. Out of the silence, she threw her crafty daddy long legs at Principal Benbrook. It hit him square in the eye and temporarily blinded him. The other girl scouts took their cue and soon dozens of little black daddy long legs bombs were being launched at Principal Benbrook.
The crowd of students fell into chaos. Several had brought contained of glitter and were throwing them around. The air around the protest shimmered like snow.
“And here we are with Elizabeth Catarinas, homeroom teacher of Bob himself,” Mrs. Grossman continued on. “What do you think of this chaos?”
“When Bob first came to us, he caused nothing but trouble. It wasn’t his fault, it was the rules. That is the monarchy of King Eugene Benbrook. I try to tie my teaching to everyday life and to the past. I’m not trying to be disrespectful, but Bob was just another example. History has a funny way of repeating itself. Just like in 1776, it’s a revolution.”
A student ran by and bombed the cameraman in glitter.
“No fumigation without representation,” he screamed.
At the doors, parents began to ask Principal Benbrook angry questions.
“Why aren’t they allowed to have paint?”
“My daughter even had her lip gloss confiscated by you for glitter. She’s seven!”
“Can I please bring Jonathan in to change him? He’s really starting to smell.”
The noise was getting louder and louder. It seemed as if the whole school were outside screaming for equal right and equal supplies.
Above the chaos, someone yelled, “STOP!” It took a few tries to get everyone’s attention, but finally the crowd settled. Michael stood in the middle of the crowd, ready to talk terms to Principal Benbrook. He moved confidently towards Principal Benbrook until he was toe to toe with him.
“We’ll make you a deal Principal Benbrook,” Michael said. “You give us something, we’ll give you something.”
“What are you doing?” Lily said through gritted teeth.
“Trust me,” Michael whispered. “I’ve got this.”
“You better praying mantis boy!” Lily said and took a step back.
“Like I said Benbrook let’s make a deal.”
Principal Benbrook furrowed his eyebrows and frowned at Michael. The cameraman came in close and Mrs. Grossman leaned her microphone in as close as possible.
“What do you want?” Principal Benbrook asked regrettably.
Michael grinned. “You let us keep Bob and give Ms. Ululani all the paint she wants and we’ll walk away.”
Everyone held their breath. Kat held her father’s hand. She could even feel his own heartbeat racing.
“And that’s all?” Principal Benbrook asked folding his arms.
“Well,” Michael said stretching the negotiations. “There is one more piece. An offer of good will is what I think they call it on T.V.” Michael winked at the camera. His mom gave him a quick thumbs up and refocused the microphone.
“And what do I have to do?” Principal Benbrook asked.
“Just take a picture with my pet Fluffy,” Michael said calmly. “Show us that animals aren’t all that bad.”
Principal Benbrook laughed out loud. What kind of deal was this. Of course they could never hold him to it, he didn’t sign a contract.
Kids are so dumb, he thought.
“Fine, bring on Fluffy,” Principal Benbrook agreed.
“Are you nuts?” Lily asked Michael.
“Have a little faith,” he said as Jacob handed him Fluffy.
Lily took one look at Fluffy and had to hold back her laughter. “Oh! You’re good!”
Principal Benbrook was so focused on the camera that he never noticed that Michael had place Fluffy on his shoulder.
“There we go,” Michael said. “Now that makes a nice picture. Isn’t she pretty up there!”
Principal Benbrook looked away from the camera and froze when he saw Fluffy. He didn’t have to turn his head very far to see the hairy legs or to feel the furry body nuzzle against his face. Principal Benbrook looked down in terror at the eight large eyes of Fluffy the tarantula.
“Aw, they’re friends,” Sophie laughed.
“AH!” Principal Benbrook screamed.
Fluffy tensed up on his shoulder which caused to him scream even more.
“Get it off! Get it off!”
Michael gently removed Fluffy and everyone began to laugh.
“I quit!” he screamed. Principal Benbrook didn’t waste any time. He pushed over several sixth graders and a girl scout to get out of the mob. He didn’t stop running until he reached his car.
Within in seconds, he was gone.
“I guess that means we won,” Michael said smiling into the camera.
Chapter Twenty-Five - Watching the Clock
Kat sat at the breakfast table Saturday morning, slowly chewing on a strawberry Pop-tart. She looked at the clock. 8:15 am. That left only forty-five minutes until she had to be at the school.
Yesterday, she and Lily had spent all of recess and nearly an hour after school with Ms. Ululani. They designed colorful posters and even came up with chants to use at the protest. Ms. Ululani brought out Buttercup and introduced him to the girls. Although he was scary at first, Kat and Lily could see how beautiful he really was.
“It’s funny how people are always scared of what’s different,” Ms. Ululani said stroking Buttercup.
Lily looked at Kat. “I know what you mean.”
By 4:00 pm, the girls had made posters for all of the fourth graders in their class. They could only hope that they would all show up.
Kat took another slow bite of the Pop-tart and swirled it around her moth. She had to string out breakfast as long as possible. Dad hadn’t left yet.
“Hey there kiddo,” Uncle Chad said coming into the kitchen. “You sure are eating that Pop-tart slowly.”
“Guess I’m not hungry,” Kat said. She took another look at the clock. 8:20 am.
When is he going to leave, she thought.
“It’s cause of all that sugar,” Uncle Chad winked. “You’ll be too sweet if you finish it all.”
Uncle Chad laughed to himself and went about making his protein shake for the morning.
Kat smiled and began to tap her fingers on the table. Dad was never late.
“Is there a keyboard on that table or are you waiting on something?” Uncle Chad asked.
Kat curled her fingers up and smiled, embarrassed.
“Just waiting for my dad,” Kat said.
“Oh, he left ages ago,” Uncle Chad said sitting down at the table with his shake.
“What?” Kat said dropping her Pop-tart on the floor. Princess Puffball scurried under the table and pulled the Pop-tart away in her teeth.
“Yeah,” Uncle Chad said taking a drink. “He had to make sure that he had the right tools for the job. Said it’s a pretty big one this time. Lots of dead bugs.”
Kat hadn’t planned on this. Dad never left this early for a job. All of her plans were throw off now. She had to move quickly.
“Oh, we was supposed to drive me to school this morning,” Kat said slyly. She knew Uncle Chad wouldn’t catch on. The last time Kat and her dad had talked about Bob, Uncle Chad had been at the hardware store tossing fifty pound sand bags for fun.
“You still working on that bug project with that pest Lily?” Uncle Chad asked.
Kat froze.
“How’d you remember that?” Kat asked a little alarmed.
Uncle Chad laughed. “I do have more than just muscles you know,” he said. “I did get a college degree in history.”
“Is that why you’re so good at telling stories?” Kat asked.
“Telling stories and taking nieces to school,” Uncle Chad said.
Kat breathed a sigh of relief. 8:30 am. She’d be at school before her father. That’s all that mattered.
Kat ran to her room quickly and slid on her ‘Save Bob’ shirt. She took a look in the mirror and smiled. For once in her life she knew what a superhero felt like.
As Kat and Uncle Chad pulled up in front of Edgeview Elementary, they were greeted by more than just Lily.
Outside of the school, almost every single fourth grader stood in front of the school. Jacob stood with his sister Sophie at his side. She had invited her whole girl scout troupe to help save Bob. Each girl had made their very own Bob out of pom poms and pipe cleaners.
“What is going on?” Uncle Chad asked suspiciously.
Kat looked around at all of the students. Nearly half of the school was here.
“We’re going to save Bob,” Kat said proudly.
Uncle Chad parked the car and Kat quickly unbuckled herself. She ran to the front of the school and hugged Lily.
“This is amazing,” Kat said.
“I know,” Lily agreed.
All around them, kids were plastered in ‘Save Bob’ t-shirts. Confused parents waited around, ready to see exactly what their children were so angry about. In the bus loop, a lone reporter geared up with her cameraman.
“Wait a second,” Uncle Chad said once he caught up to Kat. “Isn’t this the school that your father is working on today?”
Kat turned to her uncle and nodded. It was the first time in her life that Kat had ever tried to stop her father from doing something.
“I don’t think this is such a great idea,” Uncle Chad said. “Your dad already has enough on his plate.”
Kat’s mind had already been made up. This wasn’t going to stop until Bob was safe and ‘The Rules’ were broken forever.
“Hi there,” Ms. Ululani said coming over to break the tension. She wore a bright yellow shirt that said ‘Save Buttercup’ across the front. Strung around her neck was Buttercup, flicking his tongue and tasting the air around him.
“Hi,” Uncle Chad said completely entranced. “I’m Kat’s uncle, Chad. Chad Westwood.”
“I’m Lana,” Ms. Ululani said. “The art teacher.”
“Art teacher?” Uncle Chad said. “You know I’ve got a great story about Picasso. You like nachos?”
Kat laughed. It was funny watching her uncle flirt. Uncle Chad looked at Kat and scowled.
“Maybe we can stay for a little bit,” Uncle Chad said, smiling to Ms. Ululani.
Yes, Kat thought.
The doors to the school clicked and unbolted suddenly. All of the children turned around and started to chant.
“One, two, three, four, we won’t squish Bob on the floor.”
Principal Eugene Benbrook stood in the main doorway of Edgeview Elementary. He stood calmly looking at the screaming children and their interested parents.
“Five, Six, Seven, Eight, we won’t kick him out to be bird bait.”
Principal Benbrook’s calm stare warmed into an evil smile as he looked past everyone there. A pick-up truck pulled into the parking lot in front of the school. Kat swallowed hard as she watched her father storm out of the car.
“What is going on here,” he said looking at the ever growing group of students. “There must be at least three hundred people here!”
Kat fixed her eyes on her father.
Sorry, she thought.
“We’re saving Bob!”
Yesterday, she and Lily had spent all of recess and nearly an hour after school with Ms. Ululani. They designed colorful posters and even came up with chants to use at the protest. Ms. Ululani brought out Buttercup and introduced him to the girls. Although he was scary at first, Kat and Lily could see how beautiful he really was.
“It’s funny how people are always scared of what’s different,” Ms. Ululani said stroking Buttercup.
Lily looked at Kat. “I know what you mean.”
By 4:00 pm, the girls had made posters for all of the fourth graders in their class. They could only hope that they would all show up.
Kat took another slow bite of the Pop-tart and swirled it around her moth. She had to string out breakfast as long as possible. Dad hadn’t left yet.
“Hey there kiddo,” Uncle Chad said coming into the kitchen. “You sure are eating that Pop-tart slowly.”
“Guess I’m not hungry,” Kat said. She took another look at the clock. 8:20 am.
When is he going to leave, she thought.
“It’s cause of all that sugar,” Uncle Chad winked. “You’ll be too sweet if you finish it all.”
Uncle Chad laughed to himself and went about making his protein shake for the morning.
Kat smiled and began to tap her fingers on the table. Dad was never late.
“Is there a keyboard on that table or are you waiting on something?” Uncle Chad asked.
Kat curled her fingers up and smiled, embarrassed.
“Just waiting for my dad,” Kat said.
“Oh, he left ages ago,” Uncle Chad said sitting down at the table with his shake.
“What?” Kat said dropping her Pop-tart on the floor. Princess Puffball scurried under the table and pulled the Pop-tart away in her teeth.
“Yeah,” Uncle Chad said taking a drink. “He had to make sure that he had the right tools for the job. Said it’s a pretty big one this time. Lots of dead bugs.”
Kat hadn’t planned on this. Dad never left this early for a job. All of her plans were throw off now. She had to move quickly.
“Oh, we was supposed to drive me to school this morning,” Kat said slyly. She knew Uncle Chad wouldn’t catch on. The last time Kat and her dad had talked about Bob, Uncle Chad had been at the hardware store tossing fifty pound sand bags for fun.
“You still working on that bug project with that pest Lily?” Uncle Chad asked.
Kat froze.
“How’d you remember that?” Kat asked a little alarmed.
Uncle Chad laughed. “I do have more than just muscles you know,” he said. “I did get a college degree in history.”
“Is that why you’re so good at telling stories?” Kat asked.
“Telling stories and taking nieces to school,” Uncle Chad said.
Kat breathed a sigh of relief. 8:30 am. She’d be at school before her father. That’s all that mattered.
Kat ran to her room quickly and slid on her ‘Save Bob’ shirt. She took a look in the mirror and smiled. For once in her life she knew what a superhero felt like.
As Kat and Uncle Chad pulled up in front of Edgeview Elementary, they were greeted by more than just Lily.
Outside of the school, almost every single fourth grader stood in front of the school. Jacob stood with his sister Sophie at his side. She had invited her whole girl scout troupe to help save Bob. Each girl had made their very own Bob out of pom poms and pipe cleaners.
“What is going on?” Uncle Chad asked suspiciously.
Kat looked around at all of the students. Nearly half of the school was here.
“We’re going to save Bob,” Kat said proudly.
Uncle Chad parked the car and Kat quickly unbuckled herself. She ran to the front of the school and hugged Lily.
“This is amazing,” Kat said.
“I know,” Lily agreed.
All around them, kids were plastered in ‘Save Bob’ t-shirts. Confused parents waited around, ready to see exactly what their children were so angry about. In the bus loop, a lone reporter geared up with her cameraman.
“Wait a second,” Uncle Chad said once he caught up to Kat. “Isn’t this the school that your father is working on today?”
Kat turned to her uncle and nodded. It was the first time in her life that Kat had ever tried to stop her father from doing something.
“I don’t think this is such a great idea,” Uncle Chad said. “Your dad already has enough on his plate.”
Kat’s mind had already been made up. This wasn’t going to stop until Bob was safe and ‘The Rules’ were broken forever.
“Hi there,” Ms. Ululani said coming over to break the tension. She wore a bright yellow shirt that said ‘Save Buttercup’ across the front. Strung around her neck was Buttercup, flicking his tongue and tasting the air around him.
“Hi,” Uncle Chad said completely entranced. “I’m Kat’s uncle, Chad. Chad Westwood.”
“I’m Lana,” Ms. Ululani said. “The art teacher.”
“Art teacher?” Uncle Chad said. “You know I’ve got a great story about Picasso. You like nachos?”
Kat laughed. It was funny watching her uncle flirt. Uncle Chad looked at Kat and scowled.
“Maybe we can stay for a little bit,” Uncle Chad said, smiling to Ms. Ululani.
Yes, Kat thought.
The doors to the school clicked and unbolted suddenly. All of the children turned around and started to chant.
“One, two, three, four, we won’t squish Bob on the floor.”
Principal Eugene Benbrook stood in the main doorway of Edgeview Elementary. He stood calmly looking at the screaming children and their interested parents.
“Five, Six, Seven, Eight, we won’t kick him out to be bird bait.”
Principal Benbrook’s calm stare warmed into an evil smile as he looked past everyone there. A pick-up truck pulled into the parking lot in front of the school. Kat swallowed hard as she watched her father storm out of the car.
“What is going on here,” he said looking at the ever growing group of students. “There must be at least three hundred people here!”
Kat fixed her eyes on her father.
Sorry, she thought.
“We’re saving Bob!”
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