The Mealworm Diaries by Anna Kerz Page A

can’t! Tell him I can play!”
    â€œHe can’t.” Tufan jumped in. “It’s not because we don’t want him to play,” he went on smoothly. “He just can’t. He can’t catch a ball or throw it, and he can’t kick for beans. Besides, when we let him play all he does is crawl on the ground and pick grass. People trip over him. Isn’t that right, Jeremy? You tripped over him. He’s such a loser. Nobody wants him on their team.”
    Mr. Collins frowned at Tufan before he looked at Aaron. For a long moment he didn’t say anything. “I can see the problem, Aaron,” Mr. Collins finally began. “Games aren’t much fun for the rest of the guys if you can’t stay focused.”
    Aaron looked down to where the toe of his shoe was trying to poke a hole in the pavement.
    â€œBut there might be a couple of things we can do,” Mr. Collins went on.
    That got everybody’s attention.
    â€œIf you’re keen to learn, Aaron, we could spend a few minutes of each gym class practicing how to throw and catch a ball.”
    Tufan groaned and Aaron’s shoulders drooped.
    â€œIt’s a beginning,” Mr. Collins said to Aaron, trying to sound cheerful. “And we could pair you up with a buddy or two at recess.” He looked hopefully at Horace and Jeremy, but they glanced at each other and looked away. “Throwing and catching are not things you can learn in one lesson. It takes time, but if you’re willing to work at it…” Aaron’s head was still down. “What about home?” Mr. Collins went on. “Is there anyone at home who could help?”
    â€œMaybe. Maybe my big brother,” Aaron said, his voice a low mumble until he added, “He’s good at stuff like that.”
    â€œHe doesn’t have a big brother!” Tufan sputtered. He had been frowning since Mr. Collins suggested that the class might spend gym periods practicing how to throw and catch a ball. “He doesn’t have any brothers, not big or little. He doesn’t even have a dad or a mom.
    He lives with his grandmother ,” he said, making the word grandmother sound pathetic.
    â€œI do so!” Aaron shrieked. “I do so. Everybody has a mother and father or they wouldn’t be born.”
    â€œThat’s enough, Tufan,” Mr. Collins warned.
    â€œHe has a big brother,” Jeremy piped up. “I saw him.” He might have said more, but a look from Tufan silenced him.
    The school buzzer signaled the end of the lunch break. “We’re not done with this,” Mr. Collins said. “I want to talk to the four of you after school.” He rang the handbell.
    â€œAfter school?” Horace began as soon as Mr. Collins stopped ringing the bell. “But sir, we didn’t do anything.”
    â€œI noticed that, Horace. You didn’t do a thing.” He clanged the bell again, and with one hand still on Aaron’s shoulder, he led the way to the doors.
    â€œWhat did that mean?” Horace grumbled under his breath as he and Jeremy followed.
    â€œI guess it means we were supposed to help Aaron,” Jeremy muttered, but he was annoyed. Why should Aaron be my problem? he thought. I didn’t ask to be his partner. I’m not his friend. Why should I come to his rescue every time he gets himself in trouble?
    A heavy bump from behind sent him lurching forward as Tufan barreled past, then deked into line ahead of him. “You just remember whose side you’re on,” Tufan snarled over his shoulder.
    â€œI’m not on anybody’s side,” Jeremy said, furious now. “Besides, it’s your fault Aaron went nuts and started screaming. Why’d ya have to call him a bed pizzer?”
    â€œâ€™Cause he is. You can tell from the smell. It’s that ‘oh de pee.’ It stays with them.” Tufan snorted as he hurried into the school with Horace right behind