air right now, but I never expected to make it this far. Daniela still needs him. Our band still needs him. The whole school is supporting our group, and Olaf is the star attraction. Please let us take the final step. Weâve worked so hardâall of us. And nothingâs ever meant more to me.â And I meant it.
Principal Losman looked thoughtful for a moment. âIn the nine months that Iâve known you, Adam, youâve been in my office quite a few times. I have to say, itâs nice to see you getting involved in an appropriate school activity. Your teachers are still concerned about your tendency to daydream in class, but so far, your marks are holding steady. And, albeit in a strange way, youâre demonstrating some fine leadership skills.â He took a deep breath.
âSchool spirit has definitely been high over the past few weeks, too. Thatâs certainly worth something. So, letâs play it by ear for the next little while. Olaf is welcome to appear at the rally tomorrowâbut then youâll need to send him off on a field trip for a few days.â
âThanks, Principal Losman,â I said as he shook my hand. âWeâll keep everything under control. I promise!â
So, Olafâs invitation was extended! Now I just had to figure out what to do about the assembly. And Daniela.
I t was party time! The gym was packed when we arrived. Since we were being treated like rock stars, we decided to act like rock stars. Instead of going through the front doors, we snuck through the back and took the stage. The curtain was drawn. Had it been open, all of Wilcott would have seen that we were ready to rock. It was Eldrickâs idea to treat the school to a quick set of songs. As much as I hated to admit it, it was a great idea: It gave Olaf maximum separation from his adoring fans and made it easier for us to keep up our end of the bargain with Principal Losman. Olaf could appear onstage and sing, but then he had to disappear. Even Daniela was convinced that the plan was solid, so she had agreed to perform.
On cue, the room went black. Meena drew back the curtains and picked up her guitar. Olaf grabbed the mike and the crowd went crazy. Daniela was worried about being recognized so Olaf was wearing his signature over-sized shades and a funky scarf. Beena had wound the scarf so far up his neck that it covered his chin. Combined with the huge sunglasses, it made an effective disguise. We breezed through âDetention Blues.â
I knew Lisa planned to present Olaf with flowers after the show. But I was ready to foil her plan. We launched into âBig Elephants Can Always Understand Small Elephants.â Olaf sounded great. He got to the final chorus and belted it out: Big Elephants Can Always Understand Small Elephants. Yeah Yeah Yeah...
Suddenly, the curtain was drawn again. When it opened again, Sick on a Snow Day was a five-piece orchestra. Olaf was nowhere to be seen.
Lisa approached the stage with a big bouquet of flowers. Confused, she looked around the stage. She climbed over Sludgeâs drum kit and under my keyboard. But her search turned up empty. Olaf had left the building.
âWhere is he?â she whined.
âIâm sorry,â I said into the microphone so the whole school could hear, âbut Olaf has an appointment for a Swedish massage and sauna.â
A big sigh of disappointment travelled through the room. I cleared my throat to get everyoneâs attention. âHe said to tell you he was sorry, but itâs very important that Swedish rock stars have massages and saunas to keep them in good rocking condition. He says heâll see you at the City Championship. Go Wilcott !â
Just mentioning the final talent competition brightened the mood of the room.
âWe had a special surprise for Olaf,â said a visibly disappointed Lisa. âWeâll just have to give it to the rest of the band. Sarah, unveil the
Marion Faith Carol J.; Laird Lenora; Post Worth