Freaked Out by Annie Bryant Page A

happy.”
    â€œHe’d have had to limber up a little,” Avery said. “But he was tall enough.”
    â€œWho’s ready for pizza?” Nick asked.
    â€œOr nachos,” Dillon suggested. “Let’s go to Anna’s.”
    â€œLet’s vote.” Avery looked around, counting the scores. “It’s pizza.”
    Village Fare was small, but luckily not too crowded. They moved tables together until they all could sit at one big one.
    â€œOur treat, girls, since Maeve treated for the movie.” Nick collected money from the boys and ordered three pizzas. “We’ll order another if we’re running out.”
    â€œDo you really believe Frankenstein got lonely?” Pete asked.
    â€œWhy not? Monsters have feelings.” Maeve never once doubted that Frankenstein needed a bride. She thought it was sweet of Pete to ask.
    Conversation flew around the table about the movie, then moved to sports, school, teachers, and inevitably to the party.
    Avery didn’t know whether to be quiet and listen or protest and start another conversation. She realized any mention of the party bothered her, even when she’d resolved it wouldn’t. She threw out the idea of Frankenstein playing basketball with the Crow. Soon they were laughing so much, they could hardly eat.
    It was a good way to put a finish to the evening, their own impromptu movie and pizza party. Maeve was happy.
    CHAPTER 7
Family Day
    W hen Maeve got home from Charlotte’s the next morning, she was feeling much more like her old self. She opened the door to immediately hear the sound of a vacuum. Uh-oh, her mother was on one of her cleaning rampages. When Ms. Kaplan cleaned, everyone cleaned.
    â€œHi, Maeve,” her mother said, shutting off the noise so they could talk. “Did you have fun?” She didn’t even wait for Maeve’s answer. “I need you to clean your room and then the afternoon is yours. Don’t set that down there! Take it to your room.”
    Maeve clutched her favorite Think Pink overnight bag to her chest. “Can we go shopping this afternoon? I need something new, even one thing, for the party next weekend.” Maeve wasn’t sure this was a good time to ask her mother for a favor, but her mother was so busy during the week, there didn’t seem to be very many times when she was available.
    â€œWell, I could use one new outfit for work. And you’re so good at picking out clothes that look good on me. But Idon’t think I’ll have time today. I have to do the laundry, finish cleaning the kitchen, go grocery shopping, and make some lasagna and meat loaf for dinner next week. Maybe I can pick you up one day after school. I just can’t believe how I’ve let everything here go.”
    Hoping for the best, Maeve cleaned her room, cleaned the guinea pig cage, and made lunch for her mother and Sam. She had to admit that she felt bad for her mother, who never seemed to have any free time anymore.
    After lunch, she called around, but no one was home. Katani was shopping with her mom and sister Kelley. Charlotte and her dad had gone to the Aquarium. Avery was playing basketball, probably shooting hoops with Dillon. Maeve wasn’t jealous, since she knew Avery and Dillon were only friends. Avery had a knack for making friends with boys. Maybe it was because they all had sports in common. Isabel said she had to help her mother do her physical therapy today.
    Okay, that settles it! I’ll go practice my dance moves , Maeve thought. She had way too much energy left, and if they weren’t going shopping, she had to find a way to use it up.
    As she entered her room, a rustling sound from her closet made her curious. She looked at Elle and Bruiser. No, they hadn’t gotten loose. Maeve had made sure the door to their cage was secure after she’d cleaned. She reached for the closet door.
    â€œAiiiii!” Sam screamed and jumped out at