Alexis Gets Frosted by Coco Simon Page A

totallyspaced that we have the math rally on Thursday, and unlike some people, it is not my best subject. I need to study.”
    â€œOkay. I totally understand. Thanks, you guys. Thank you all so much for helping me.”
    â€œIt was fun!” said Katie, shrugging on her jacket.
    Everyone cleaned up a little, but I shooed them out and did the rest myself. This way, I figured, if any more gingerbread broke, I’d only have myself to blame. I was so grateful to them for helping me, and I felt terrible that it was basically a three-night project. I knew I’d taken on too much—cheered along by Katie’s enthusiasm and willingness to help—but now I’d have to see it through. However, I didn’t foresee what would happen next.
    Late that night, I was just about to shut down my computer when I spotted an IM from Katie. It said:
    OMG Alexis I am so so so so sorry, but my mom quizzed me on my math, and I did so badly, she said I have to come straight home from school tomorrow and study. She’ll quiz me when she gets home, and if I do okay, I can come help you, but otherwise I have to stay home. I’m so sorry! Call me if you get this before 9:30.
    I looked at my watch: 10:20.
    I sat heavily on the edge of my bed. What was I going to do?
    This was something that quacking would not help.

    I was still sitting there ten minutes later, lost in thoughts of possibilities, when my mom came in to say good night.
    â€œMy goodness! You’re not even in bed yet and it’s ten thirty!”
    I looked up, startled.
    â€œWhat’s wrong?” she said, sitting down on my spare bed to face me.
    â€œI have to build this gingerbread house all by myself tomorrow, and I have no idea what I’m doing.”
    â€œWhat happened?” she asked, and I explained.
    â€œListen, sweetheart, do you absolutely have to do this immense and difficult project? Can’t we just quit while we’re ahead and help you with a pretty costume?”
    â€œNo!” I said forcefully. This presentation was going to kick butt. It had to.
    â€œOkay, that’s pretty definite,” said my mom.
    Then the two of us sat there for a minute, thinking.
    Finally, my mom said, “What we need is someone who isn’t at work, doesn’t have homework, and knows how to build.”
    And at the exact same minute our heads snapped up, and we looked at each other. “Granddad!”
    She jumped up from the bed. “I’m going to call him now!” she said.
    â€œAt ten forty?” I cried as she fled out of my room.
    â€œThey always stay up for the eleven o’clock news. Anyway, this is an e-mer-gen-cy!” she trilled as she ran down the stairs.
    I sat on my bed, too nervous to chase her and listen in. I just focused all my energy on hoping Granddad would be free and able to come. I crossed every finger and toe and squeezed my eyes tight. Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore. I left my room and tiptoed to the top of the stairs, where I could just make out my mom’s end of the conversation.
    â€œYes, she gets out at three. That would be perfect. Thank you so much. Oh my gosh, we can’t tell you how much we appreciate this. Thank you!”
    I pumped my fist in the air. Victory!

    The next morning at school, I told my friends how my granddad was coming and that they could have the afternoon off. I was actually relieved, because it just didn’t feel right for them to spend so much time on my project. Katie insisted she’d come by after she was done, but I asked her to save the trip until Thursday, when I’d really need her.
    I walked quickly to math, knowing who would be there and on my team for the math rally practice too. I just wanted to get it over with, though. I hated Mr. Donnelly for a minute right then, for putting Olivia and me together. It was such a total downer. But the sooner it was finished, the better.
    In the classroom, he’d already moved the