The BEDMAS Conspiracy by Deborah Sherman

Lisa, Janine, and Sarah were organizing the festivities. Amazingly, Principal Losman agreed to cancel last period so we could all meet in the gym and celebrate. But first, he insisted on having a meeting with the band.
    â€œHe wants to see us during lunch time,” said Daniela.
    I swore I saw Sludge elbow Eldrick in the ribs.
    â€œWe can’t make it, man,” said Sludge.
    â€œWhy not? This is important,” I told them.
    â€œWe, uh...umm. We, uh…” Sludge fumbled for words.
    â€œI’m tutoring Sludge in geography,” said Eldrick.
    Something sounded fishy. “You’re tutoring a grade eight when you’re only in grade six?”
    â€œI’m a land-and-water whiz,” offered Eldrick.
    Why would Sludge want to spend extra time with that twerp? Something was up, but I didn’t have time to get to the bottom of it. Lisa was insisting on going over the party plans.
    â€œWe’ve asked everyone to come dressed in either yellow or blue,” she said excitedly. “Isn’t that cool?”
    â€œSure, I guess so,” I said reluctantly. My favourite colours were black and green.
    â€œYellow and blue,” she said, eyeing me with exasperation. “The national colours of Sweden. We’re going to arrange everyone in the bleachers so we make a human flag. Don’t you think Olaf will love that?”
    â€œHe’ll love it—if he can make it,” I told her. She had caught me a bit off guard. “He’s got a big report due in Stockholm this week.”
    Lisa’s face crumpled up. “He has to come!” she wailed. “The party’s in his honour! Sarah! Janine! Olaf might pull a no-show for his own party!”
    Janine and Sarah showed up out of nowhere. “What do you mean he won’t be there?” They were getting hysterical.
    â€œOkay, okay,” I said trying to diffuse the situation. “I’ll see what I can do. Maybe he can finish his report tonight.”
    â€œHe has to come,” cried Sarah.
    â€œHe is the band,” sniffled Janine. “It’s called Olaf ’s Army, not Adam ’s Army.”
    I got her message loud and clear. The awesome support we got at the District Donnybrook was because of our tall, Swedish, lead singer. Without him, we’d just be another band. I was in a bit of a pickle. Olaf’s Army was the key to our success. I had to keep them happy, even if it meant making Daniela hobnob with her fans.
    â€œI’ll make sure he’s there,” I told them.
    Daniela was going to kill me!

    In the end, I was the only one who met with Principal Losman. Sludge and Eldrick had their mysterious tutoring session. Beena and Meena were busy giving an interview to the school newspaper. And Daniela was too furious to speak to anyone.
    â€œI am not going to any stupid party as Olaf,” she had huffed when I told her. “I don’t speak Swedish and I don’t want Janine Stroop hanging off of me.” She stomped off angrily. I headed to the office by myself.
    Principal Losman led me into his room. “Congratulations on your victory.”
    â€œThanks,” I said. “And thanks for letting us celebrate during last period tomorrow.”
    â€œThat’s what I want to talk to you about,” said Principal Losman, getting straight to the point.
    â€œAdam,” started Prinicpal Losman. His tone made me think of my parents—not a good thing. “Maybe it’s time to end this charade. The school is going wild for a student who doesn’t even exist. I think it’s becoming too much.”
    Janine’s words, “ It’s called Olaf’s Army, not Adam’s Army, ” echoed in my mind. I knew what would happen if our hoax was revealed.
    â€œPlease, Principal Losman,” I begged, “let Sick on a Snow Day compete in the City Championship with Olaf as lead singer. I know I promised you he would be 33,000 feet in the