“Because she deserved it. Nobody bullies my little brother. That’s my job,” said Alexis.
It felt good to be loved!
Our last week of school flew by. Everyone forgot about FCI, grooming, and making money. It was glorious.
On the morning of the last day, Principal McCracken was standing front and center in our classroom. Huh? What was this all about?
“Good morning, students,” she said. “Please, everyone, take your seats. I realize this year has been, how should I say, interesting, but I want to take this time to clear up any rumors you might be hearing.
“First, I am delighted to tell everyone that Sir Lancelot is doing fine.
“Second, Mr. Jefferies is not pressing charges against FCI, Ms. Cane, or Kinney Elementary. Anything you hear about anyone going to prison is simply not true.
“Lastly, as of today, Ms. Cane is officially retired from teaching. However, I did want to bring her back this morning, because I think it’s only fair she be given an opportunity to speak to you all and say good-bye. Annabel, come on in,” said Principal McCracken, motioning toward the door.
Ms. Cane strutted in like she didn’t have a care in the world. Her hair was pinker than usual, and it even looked like she’d been working out. Obviously, she enjoyed being known around the globe as the crazy groomer.
Reaching into her pocket, Ms. Cane pulled out a piece of paper and began to read. Oh gosh, a prepared statement. What happened to the art of public speaking!
“I want to thank all of you for your hard work and dedication. Working with you guys has been a life-changing experience for me. I will never forget any of you kids, and I hope everyone was able to learn from what we accomplished in this class.
“As for me, today I leave for California to start the next chapter in my life. Why? Because you guys are looking at the brand-new star of Groomers Gone Wild!
“Yup, I know: crazy, right! I got my own reality-TV show on the Truest TV Network. We go into production next week and will air next fall, Tuesday nights, after Pampered Pageant Princess from Piscataway.
“Thanks again, everyone. I’m terrible at good-byes. Make sure to watch my show. Oh yeah, before I forget, you’ll find a little thank-you from me inside your desks. See ya, and have a great summer!”
Ajit was the first to open his desk. “WHAT THE . . . a MacBook Pro with a solar-powered charger. Are you KIDDING me!” screamed Ajit.
As I worked to open my box, I soon discovered a smaller box. Than another, and another, and another, until I got down to one the size of a small shoe box. It had some nice weight to it, so I knew it was still something of substance.
Ms. Cane was a funny lady. I guess in the end she really did appreciate my Boss of Buzz AWESOMENESS after all.
Lifting the lid on the last box, I slowly unwrapped the tissue paper and discovered Ms. Cane’s Question Rock hiding inside. There was no note.
All around me I could hear the sweet music of MacBooks firing up as I continued to stare down at my new doorstop.
Sitting at my desk and tossing the rock up in air, I immediately thought about running out to the parking lot and throwing it through the grooming van’s windshield. But that would make me no better than Ms. Cane. And if I was anything, I was better than that lady.
My mission was ultimate victory, which could take years to achieve. And yes, Ms. Cane, I will be watching your new show in the fall. But unfortunately for you, I have a feeling the online reviews for Groomers Gone Wild won’t be very good.
Jake Marcionette is an eighth-grader living with his mom, dad, and big sister in Florida. He wrote the manuscript for Just Jake when he was just twelve years old. His first book debuted at #7 on the New York Times Best Seller List. In addition to writing, Jake loves playing lacrosse and annoying his sister, Alexis. You can learn more about Jake at www.justjake.com.
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