The Naked Mole-Rat Letters by Mary Amato Page A

haven’t been working. Could it be because she’s a good person who doesn’t really care about drooling or money or snotty noses? There must be something that would turn her off. What would turn off a really goodperson? I wanted to figure this out, but I kept getting interrupted.
    I managed to get through the rest of the day by looking interested in my teachers. It’s called acting, and I am very good at it, which is why I should have been given the role of Annie Sullivan.
    P.S. At lunch I had a fight with Beth. She told me that she signed up for stage crew. I can’t believe it. Why would anyone want to be involved in a play with Melinda Bixby as the lead? Beth said she thought it would be “fun” and “educational” and a way to get on Mr. Haxer’s “good side.” I felt like handing her my fork and saying, Go ahead; stab my heart. She doesn’t get it.
3:15 P.M .
    Mr. Horrible Haxer just ran into me in the hall.
    â€œGood news, Frankie,” he said. “I hear that it’s okay with your dad for you to be in the play. Come to my room to pick up the rehearsalschedule. The librarian said you already have a script, right?”
    I shifted my backpack. “I can’t come. If my father told you I can come it’s because he’s ashamed of his condition. He doesn’t want people knowing that he is having a nervous breakdown, which is why it wasn’t very nice of you to tell Ms. Young.”
    Mr. Haxer’s horribly handsome face turned as red as a baboon’s butt. “I only mentioned your situation to Ms. Young because she cares so much about you, and—”
    I took off down the hall before he could say more.
    Trying to get out of the play and keep Dad and Ratlady apart is a full-time job. As soon as I get home, I’m going to take care of things once and for all. I know I said that I wasn’t going to lie anymore, but that was before finding out that they’re carrying on a secret correspondence at Heartstrings. I have thought of something that will definitely work on The Rat. This will be the last lie.
    Over and out.
    Â 
To:
Ayanna Bayo
From:
Robert Wallop
Sent:
Tuesday, Oct. 21, 3:45 P.M .
Subject:
Serious News
    Ms. Bayo:
    There is news that I thought you should know about. My father is going to get married again. The wedding date is set for Thanksgiving Day because we are all so very thankful.
    She is a beautiful young woman who has many talents. The only problem is that the special drugs my father is taking sometimes confuse him. He says (and writes) things to other women, thinking that he is really saying (or writing) them to her. So if my father should ever say (or write) anything romantic to you, please ignore him for the sake of his fiancée.
    You are obviously a good person. I’m sure you will do the right thing.
    Helpfully yours,
    Frankie
    Â 
To:
Robert Wallop
From:
Ayanna Bayo
Received:
Tuesday, Oct. 21, 5:00 P.M .
Subject:
To Frankie
    Dear Frankie:
    Your father didn’t mention anything about a fiancée, and he certainly doesn’t seem like the kind of man to keep secrets. I can’t help wondering if you are making up things to put me off.
    Can you talk to your dad about your feelings?
    Ayanna
    Â 
To:
Ayanna Bayo
From:
Robert Wallop
Sent:
Tuesday, Oct. 21, 5:10 P.M .
Subject:
No!
    Ms. Bayo:
    I am angry and a palled by the fact that you don’t believe me. What does it take? I guess you need evidence.
    No, I can’t talk to my dad about my feelings. My dad and I don’t talk about anything.
    Frankie
    Â 
To:
Robert Wallop
From:
Ayanna Bayo
Received:
Tuesday, Oct. 21, 5:30 P.M .
Subject:
Honesty
    Dear Frankie:
    I’m sorry that you are appalled by my suggestion that you created a fictional fiancée to put me off. I wanted to be honest with you about