9. The Bestest Gifts

9 The Bestest Gifts The next morning, Mother gave me a five- dollar bill for the gift shop. I looked at it in my hand. "Big whoop," I said. I would not actually recommend saying that comment. I got marched to my room for a timeout. While I was there, I unzipped my backpack. And I checked on my coal. It was still safe and sound in its plastic baggie. After that, I got the five dollars Grampa Miller gave me. And I added it to Mother's

money. And I hid all of my dollars in the bottom of my shoe. Hiding money in your shoe is a good way to keep it safe from pickpocket people. I saw that on the Travel Channel. But I must have done something wrong, I think. On account of my dollars got very wadded up at the end of my sock. And they pressed against my little piggy toe. That's how come—when I got to Room One—I took off my shoe. And I rubbed my toe all better. May looked over at me. She made a face and held her nose. "That is disgusting, Junie Jones," she said. "People should not play with their own stinky feet." I raised my eyebrows very curious. "Then whose stinky feet should we play

with?" I asked. May put her hands over her ears. "I am not going to listen to you today," she said. "Today is Secret Santa Day. And I am not going to let you ruin my happy mood." After that, she turned back around. And she tapped on Lennie's head. "Happy Secret Santa Day, Lennie! I can't wait for the party. Can you?" Lennie started to answer. But May interrupted. "I dressed all in red and green today," she said. "See my socks? One is red and one is green. See?" Lennie stared at her feet. "When my grandfather does that, we make him go back and change," he said. May did a giggle. "But I did it on purpose, Lennie," she said. "See the ribbons on my

braids? One is red and one is green… just like my socks. And see? My sweater is green. And my dress is red." She stood up and turned around. "This is how everyone should dress on Secret Santa Day!" she said. "Every time I think about our party, it makes my skin prickle. Want to see?" She closed her eyes for a second. Then she did a little quiver. "Woo! I felt it!" she said. "I felt my skin prickle again!" Lennie stared at her. I stared at her, too. 'Cause I never actually saw her happy before. "You are acting like a nut," I said. "How come you are acting like a nut?" May started to make a mad face. Then,

very quick, she smiled again. "Ha! See that, Junie Jones? See how fast I smiled? Even if you call me names, you still can't ruin my happy mood today." I made the cuckoo sign at her. But May kept right on smiling. Pretty soon, the bell rang to start school.

Mr. Scary took attendance. Also, we did opening ceremonies. Then hurray, hurray! He said it is time for Room One to go to the gift shop! I clapped real loud at that happy news. 'Cause pretty soon I would have my very own Squeez-a-Burp! And that is a dream come true! I sprang out of my chair. And I ran to the door. "Yay! Yay! Yay! I'm first in line! I'm first in line!" I called real joyful. Then I jumped up and down. And I twirled all around. Plus also, I skipped to and fro. Mr. Scary said to please settle down. But my feet would not stop bouncing! That's how come Mr. Scary finally gave up on me. And he held my hand. And both of us led Room One to the gift shop!