“Ug-Ug-Ug,” grunted Zak, in what may have been a zombie chuckle.
Maud looked down at her exercise book again and continued to read. “I know that what I did was cowardly and stupid. I dashed for the nearest cupboard instead of facing the Beast. I am incredibly ashamed, and I now see how pathetic I was.”
Maud looked over at Penelope, who was scowling.
“I am just lucky that Wilf was there,” read Maud. “While I cowered in the cupboard, he attacked the monster. Thinking nothing of the Beast’s swiping claws and snapping teeth, he ran forward and walloped it. The Beast backed off and came again, drool spilling between its black lips, and flames shooting from its nostrils. Wilf stood tall and struck it again. They fought long and hard, but in the end Wilf prevailed. The Beast let out a piercing cry and ran back into the forest.”
Everyone in the class turned to look at Wilf, who shrugged casually.
“Seeing the Beast of Oddington gave me the fright of my life. I reacted like a scared little bunny rabbit, but thanks to Wilf’s bravery, I’m here to tell the tale.”
Maud closed her book, and the class applauded. Billy Bones and Zombie Zak got up to slap Wilf on the back. Only Penelope refused to join in.
“Settle down,” said Mr Von Bat.
Maud returned to her seat. She watched Mr Von Bat intently, as he considered her essay. He rested his chin on his hands.
“Well, I don’t think you behaved in a very monstrous fashion, Maud,” he said. “Have all my Fright classes been for nothing?”
Maud’s heart sank. It seemed as though all the effort she’d put in hadn’t been enough.
“On the other hand, your essay was definitely very original,” said Mr Von Bat. “And it certainly got the biggest reaction from the class. So I suppose I’ve got no choice but to give you full marks. Ten out of ten!”
“Monstrous!” shouted Maud, and her friends applauded all over again.
She was staying with her classmates!
Just then, the bell rang, and the other children leapt up from their desks and filed out of the classroom.
As Maud passed Mr Von Bat’s desk on the way out, he beckoned her over. “Well done, Montague,” he said. “You might not have been very brave when you met the Beast, but at least you had the courage to admit it to the rest of us.”
“Thank you, Sir,” said Maud, grinning.
As she made her way over to the door, Penelope shoved past, stamping on her foot.
“Hey! I kept my promise, didn’t I?” asked Maud. “I didn’t mention you at all in my essay.”
“I know you included all that stuff about the cupboard just to humiliate me,” said Penelope. A nasty smirk spread across her lips. “But at least it means you’ll be staying in our class. Where I can keep a close eye on you.”
Penelope clutched her Weather Spells for Beginners to her chest and dashed off. Maud stepped into the hallway, where Wilf was signing his autograph on Zombie Zak’s exercise book.
“Sign one of my ribs next,” said Billy Bones, handing him a felt-tip.
“This is monstrous!” said Wilf. “I’ve never had anyone think I was brave before.”
Wilf scrawled his name on Billy’s top rib and returned the pen.
“Cool,” said Billy, rushing down the stairs. “I’m never going to bleach myself again.”
Wilf saw Maud, raced over, and gave her a firm high-five. “Well done on your full marks!”
Paprika shuffled over to join them. “I’m so glad you’re staying with us, Maud.”
“Me, too,” Maud replied. “Rotwood just wouldn’t be the same if I didn’t have my best mates with me.” Wilf and Paprika smiled.
“I just had an idea,” said Wilf. “We’re going to Lost Lagoon in Dour Valley for our next holiday. You could both come along if you like.”
Paprika’s eyes widened. “I don’t know … They say there’s a really vicious colony of squirmy swamp things there, with slimy skin and fishy eyes and jagged claws. It’s meant to be one of the most frightening holiday destinations in the entire world.”
“Really?” asked Maud. “The most frightening of all?”
“That’s right,” said Paprika.
“In that case,“ grinned Maud, “you can count me in.”
Other titles by A. B. Saddlewick:
ISBN: 978-1-78055-072-5
ISBN: 978-1-78055-073-2
ISBN: 978-1-78055-074-9
ISBN: 978-1-78055-075-6
ISBN: 978-1-78055-173-9
Horror Holiday Page 6
