Spirit Week Showdown by Crystal Allen

walking side by side with her, right to the front door of the Burger Bar.
    It’s packed with families, kids, and old people. Country music blares from the speakers, and a crowd of people two-step on the dance floor near the salad bar.
    â€œI’m going to grab us a table. Order me a banana-blueberry smoothie with whipped cream, please,” says Connie.
    Did she just say please to me? While standing in line to order, I look around for Naomi and the twins. They’re not here. I don’t know if I’m happy or sad.
    When our smoothies are ready, I take them to the table. Connie takes hers.
    â€œThanks, Tibbs. That sure was nice of your dad to buy us smoothies.”
    My mouth is open, trying to find the straw as I stare at Mean Connie. She said please and thank you. Bullies don’t say thank you. Mean people don’t say please, do they?
    â€œIf our dads went to school together, where have you been all of these years?” I ask.
    Mean Connie clears her throat. “Private school. I live on Bayou Bend, just three streets down from you. Let’s talk about the schedule. Monday is Dress Up Like a King or Queen. Do you have any cool ideas?”
    I shrug. “I’ve got a princess gown somewhere in my closet. I could wear that.”
    Connie gives me two thumbs down. “Lame. I hear you telling Naomi and the twins those silly taradiddles all the time about wild poker games.”
    I sit up. “You know what a taradiddle is?”
    Connie sighs. “Yes, but think about your poker-game taradiddles. What else has kings and queens?”
    I shrug. “Other than a deck of cards, I—”
    â€œExactly,” she says. “Last year, my parents went to a Halloween party dressed like the king and queen of hearts. They won a prize. I think we could win the five points on Monday if we wear those costumes. Yours will probably need some adjusting. You know anyone who can sew?”
    I lean back in my chair. “My mom is the best on the planet.”
    Connie nods. “Good. I’m going to bring you your king of hearts outfit later today or tomorrow. Andwhile we’re here, let’s talk about Tuesday. You got a problem with Little Bo Peep?”
    I glare at her. “Let me guess. For Mother Goose on the Loose Day, you want me to dress like a lost sheep, right?”
    She tilts her glass up to get the last drips of smoothie, then puts her cup down. She’s got a smoothie mustache above her lip, but I’d never tell her that to her face.
    â€œYep, I need you to be the lost sheep, okay? I’ve got an amazing blue gown that’s perfect for a Bo Peep costume. If you can nail the sheep’s outfit, we might have a shot at winning that day, too! Are you okay with that? You like the idea?”
    I want to hold up my fist for her to bump it, but I think about that bully bacteria Naomi was talking about and change my mind. “It’s a really cool idea,” I say.
    I’m not absolutely sure, but I think I just had a good conversation with the baddest bully in Bluebonnet.

Chapter Ten
    S unday afternoon, Connie drops off the king of hearts costume. I take it to Mom. “Can you make this fit me by tomorrow?”
    She holds it up. “Isn’t it a bit early for Halloween?”
    â€œTomorrow’s Dress Up Like a King or Queen Day on the Spirit Week schedule,” I say.
    Mom grins. “Now this is very creative. I’ll take it to my magic sewing room. You’re going to look so cute! And you should wear your black leggings. Then you’ll really look like a walking king of hearts! Wait until Naomi sees you. How’s she doing?”
    I feel a sad spell coming. “Naomi’s fine. I’m going upstairs to find those leggings.”
    Just as I open my bedroom door, the tears come again. I miss my best friend so much. I know Skye misses me, but Starr is really mad about the Fall Festival tickets. Maybe I’d be mad, too, if I were