Maddie's Big Test by Louise Leblanc Page B

How about that? I had figured out how to bargain with my father!
    I happily watched my show, but a terrible thought hit me as I turned off the TV. My math assignment! I had forgotten all about it. I was too tired now. I knew I would get a lousy mark on it.
    Only Clementine could save me!

    I called her up and began telling her a pack of lies. She agreed to give me a copy of her answers. I was amazed at how good I had become at bargaining.

    A few days later, I saw how well it worked. My mark on the math assignment was the best in the class. And I had never had more free time.
    In the evening after dinner, my mother went upstairs to study. My dad had to clean up in the kitchen and take care of Angelbaby. He was too exhausted to bug me.
    Gran took pity on him. Sometimes she would stay on to help him out. That gave me someone to talk to. She really listened when I told her about my career plans.
    â€œA singer, Maddie?” she exclaimed. “That’s not an easy job. Success is never guaranteed.”
    â€œThings have changed, Gran! All I have to do is win a contest. Then you become a star right away.”
    Gran was not convinced. I told her I would give her a demonstration of my talent. She thought that was funny and suggested we invite the rest of the family.
    â€œThey need something to cheer them up,” she said.
    Mom said no, because she had a test the next day. But everyone else trooped downstairs to watch Road to Stardom. Even my dad. Unbelievable.
    I put on quite a show for them. I sang and danced along with all the contestants. Angelbaby went wild. She shook her bottom and screamed at the top of her lungs. The others all clapped their hands. It was a fabulous party.

    Which suddenly ended when my mother burst into the room like a volcano erupting.
    â€œWill you please stop this racket? I can hear you from all the way upstairs. And it’s Angelbaby’s bedtime,” she told my dad.
    Then she stormed out.
    My dad sighed and picked up Angelbaby. He was beginning to understand that going to school is not always great for everybody.

3 Math Test
    I wasn’t really paying attention the next day in class. After my triumphs the day before, I had no more worries for the future. I could already see —
    Oops! Ms. Spiegel, standing in front of my desk.
    â€œClass is over, Maddie. Are you staying behind to study?”
    Very funny. Then she changed her tune and started lecturing me about how lazy I was, how I didn’t pay attention, blah blah blah.
    â€œ … try to do better before the meeting with your parents. You’ll have a chance to show that tomorrow.”
    I nodded mechanically. But I didn’t remember anything special happening the next day.
    When I got on the school bus, I asked my friends about it. Clementine was flabbergasted. She squeaked at me like a frightened mouse.
    â€œMaddie, don’t you remember? Tomorrow is the big term test in math!”
    It was like an electric shock! If I failed that exam, I would fail the whole year in math. Nicholas looked terrified, too. His face turned whiter than a sheet of paper.

    â€œThere’s no way you can review everything in one evening,” Patrick added helpfully. “I started last night and I’m already about to go under.”
    Clementine had no mercy.
    â€œI planned on four days of study and I made summaries of everything. All I have to do is review them this evening.”
    Nicholas and I stared at her like birds of prey. Either she didn’t get our message, or she was playing dumb. I gave her the final demand.
    â€œYou’re our friend, right? And you want to stay friends, right? So give us your notes for review.”
    The little mouse was caught in the trap.
    â€œUh, sure, okay. But everything’s at my house.”
    â€œEver heard of email?” asked Nicholas. He didn’t look so pale now.
    â€œI have a great plan for how to use Clementine’s stuff,” he whispered in my ear.