CHAPTER FIVE

Stop Talking

At school the next day, everyone was buzzing about the League of Lizards. People were curious and excited about their strange arrival. Some kids were spreading a rumor that the lizards were really humans in disguise and it was all part of some big publicity stunt. That seemed a little far-fetched to me. Sure, they had appeared out of nowhere, but the lizards seemed like they genuinely wanted to help. After the itchy insect invasion, we certainly could use some pest control around town.

After the bell rang, I was walking out of class with Chloe and Sandro when Miss Dullworth called out to me. “Peter? Can I see you for a moment?”

Oh no. With all the League of Lizards excitement, I’d completely forgotten about my report and the note from my parents and the whole lie situation.

“Hi, Miss Dullworth,” I said. “I’m sorry to tell you this but… I don’t have the note.” It felt good to get that off my chest. But with her giving me the evil eye, I got nervous. And when I get nervous, I sweat and I talk. I should have stopped talking when I had the chance. “You see, my parents were so worried about Grandpa that they couldn’t stop crying.”

“Oh dear!” Miss Dullworth said.

I hadn’t planned on telling another lie, but it’s like I heard a sports guy in my head saying, Go big or go home!

“Yeah, there were so many tears. Grandpa isn’t doing well. My parents were at the hospital all night. I stayed home so I could take care of my dear, sweet siblings, of course.” I looked over at Chloe and Sandro. They were waiting in the classroom doorway. Chloe was shaking her head and mouthing, Stop talking.

“That is terrible,” Miss Dullworth said, putting her hand on her heart. “I can’t imagine what you’re going through, Peter. Stay strong, and if you need anything, just ask. But I will take your science report now, if you don’t mind.”

Not only did I not have the note, I had forgotten to rewrite my assignment. I couldn’t believe this was happening. One lie led to another. I couldn’t stop myself.

“You’re never going to believe this, but I left it at the veterinarian’s office,” I said.

“The vet?” Miss Dullworth said. “I thought you were at home?”

I’m caught! I thought. And for a second, I was relieved. But then more lies flew out of my mouth.

“Oh, well, that is, our family dog, Gavin, has really bad fleas. And ticks! Plus, he smells awful, so we took him to the vet, and he’s sick too,” I added. At least there was one true thing in there. Gavin did stink.

“Uh-huh,” Miss Dullworth said. Doubt was creeping into her gaze. “Well, I need you to turn it in tomorrow. So please make sure you bring it. With the note from your parents.”

I nodded politely and walked out of class.

Chloe leaned over and whispered in my ear. “This is going to end very badly for you, Peter,” she warned. “Think about what you’re doing.”

“You should have given her some money,” Sandro said, chuckling. “My dad says you can get away with anything if you give people money.”

“That’s terrible advice, Sandro! And it’s wrong. All of this is wrong,” Chloe protested. “Peter, you need to come clean and tell Miss Dullworth the truth. Otherwise it’s going to turn into an even bigger mess than it is already.”

“Chloe, you’re right,” I said. “I’m going to tell the truth. But I think I’ll do it tomorrow.”

“Why tomorrow?”

“Because maybe by then some miracle will happen, and I’ll find a way out of this mess.”