Chapter Eight

An Angel After All

Angela parked her bike outside our garage and grinned. “I made it!” she said happily.

“I knew you could do it,” I said.

Angela threw her arms around my waist and squeezed. “Thanks for helping me,” she said.

“You’re welcome,” I croaked. Angela’s hug was cutting off my air.

“Can I have some milk and cookies?” Angela asked. “Who figured out that milk and cookies go great together? I bet it was a girl. Boys eat too fast.”

I laughed. There were some things about Angela that I had always liked, even though she was a brat.

But we didn’t have time for cookies. We only had enough time to clean up, change, and get to the art show. I knew we needed to move fast, so I tried something I’d seen Claudia do with Nick.

“Bet I can get ready faster than you!” I yelled. I ran inside.

“Bet you can’t!” Angela laughed and chased me.

I pretended that I had to stop to tie my shoe. Angela rushed past me.

“Don’t forget to clean your knee!” I shouted.

“I won’t!” Angela shouted back.

I paused to catch my breath. It had been a long, tiring day, and it wasn’t over yet. I grabbed clean clothes and took a quick shower. Then I went into Angela’s room.

“Can I wear sandals to the art show?” Angela asked. “They look nice with my sundress.”

“Sandals are perfect,” I said. I put ointment and a bandage on her knee.

Messages to MonicaLuvsHorses

	GrandpaJones1945 said: I’m still in the tournament. The finals are at 4.
	GrandpaJones1945 said: I could use some cheerleaders . . .

“I want to watch Grandpa play bingo!” Angela exclaimed.

“We can’t,” I said. “We have to go to Becca’s art show.”

“Can’t we go to the art show later?” Angela asked.

“They’re announcing the prize winners at four,” I explained.

“I don’t want to disappoint Grandpa or Becca, but we can’t do both,” I said. “We have to choose.”

“Rats.” Angela frowned. Then she looked up. “I have an idea.”

“What’s your idea?” I asked.

Angela said, “I’ll watch Grandpa, and you go see Becca.”

“Angela,” I exclaimed, “that’s a brilliant idea!”

Angela beamed with pride.

“Are you sure you don’t mind?” I asked. “Bingo might be kind of boring.”

“I don’t mind,” Angela said. “Bingo and art shows are both boring.”

Messages to GrandpaJones1945

	MonicaLuvsHorses said: I have to go to Becca’s art show, but Angela wants to watch your bingo game. I’ll drop her off on my way.
	GrandpaJones1945 said: I just lost the last round. I’m not in the finals, just watching my friends. You girls go to the art show. I’ll see you later. Have fun!

“Grandpa isn’t in the finals,” I told Angela.

“Oh, goody!” Angela squealed. “I can go with you!”

I sighed. “You have to be good even if you’re bored,” I said.

“I will,” Angela agreed. “Just don’t treat me like a little kid.”

“Deal!” I told her. I raised my hand for a high five.

Messages to Artistic_Becca12

	MonicaLuvsHorses said: Angela and I are on our way!