6. The Alternate

6/The Alternate The rest of the day was not that enjoyable. I got in big trouble. 'Cause Aunt Flo tattletaled to Grampa Miller. And Grampa Miller tattletaled to Daddy. And Daddy tattletaled to Mother. And Mother made a big issue of it at dinner. A big issue is the grown-up word for Mother keeps yelling and yelling and she won't let the matter drop. "It was wrong, Junie B. Jones," she said. "It was wrong to disobey your grandfather. And it was wrong to invite yourself to be in Aunt Flo's wedding." I sat up a little straighter.

"Flo," I said kind of soft. "F-l-o spells Flo." Mother sucked in her cheeks. "Yes… well, we're all thrilled that you're learning to spell. But this isn't about spelling, Junie B. This is about disobeying your grandfather." I hanged my head way down. "But I wanted to be a flower girl real bad," I said. "I wanted to wear a long dress and show you I'm a grown-up lady." Mother did a frown. "I'm sorry, but that's no excuse," she said. After that, I slumped way far over at the table. Only too bad for me. 'Cause my head got too close to my plate. And my hair got gravy on it. I stared and stared at my gravy hair. "Today is not actually going that well," I said to just myself.

Just then, the phone rang. Mother answered it. Oh no! It was Aunt Flo! And she wanted to talk to me! Mother handed me the phone. I shook my head real fast. "No, thank you. I don't actually care to speak to her at this time," I said. But Mother kept on shoving the phone at me. And so I didn't have a choice. My insides felt shaky and nervous. "H…h… hello?" "Why, hello, yourself!" said Aunt Flo. Her voice sounded jolly. "I'm sorry about what happened today, Junie B.," she said. "But I've got some good news for you. How would you like to be the

alternate flower girl? Do you know what an alternate is?" I shook my head no. "An alternate is like a substitute, sort of," she said. "Like if Bo gets sick and she can't be in the wedding… you will step in and be the flower girl! Do you understand, honey?" Just then, I felt a little bit happier inside. "I do, Aunt Flo. I do understand," I said. "But wait," said Aunt Flo. "I haven't even told you the best part yet! Because even if Bo doesn't get sick, we still want you to sit with the bridesmaids at the reception! How does that sound?" My eyes got biggish and widish. "Perfect! It sounds perfect!" I said real squealy. I jumped down from my chair. "Hey, Aunt Flo! This means I can still wear

a long dress, right? And who knows? Maybe Bo will even give me a couple of flower petals for my very own!" I kept on getting happier and happier. "Thank you, Aunt Flo! Thank you for making me the alternate flower girl! 'Cause this day turned out happier than I thought!" After that, I quick hanged up the phone. And I zoomed all around the house like a rocket! Also, I did a cartwheel! And I standed on my head! 'Cause now Mother will get to see what a grown-up lady I really, really am!