04-AH, PETUNIA

AH, PETUNIA Right at that moment, my cell phone rang. "Hello. This is Stilton, Geronimo Stilton," I said. A sweet voice answered on the other end. "Hi, G!" It squeaked. I immediately blushed. Thank goodness, the caller couldn't see me! It was my fascinating friend Petunia Pretty Paws. She's a TV reporter who has dedicated her life to saving animals and nature. I have had a huge crush on her for the longest time. But whenever

I'm around her I turn into a babbling, blundering fool! "I just wanted to check on my favorite niece." Petunia squeaked into the phone. I didn't know what she was talking about. "Y-y-your niece?" I muttered, confused. Just then, BUGSY pulled at my jacket sleeve. "Is that Aunt Petunia?" she asked. My head was spinning. I couldn't believe it. How could such a beautiful, gentle, sweet mouse like Petunia have such a jumpy, loud, annoying niece like Bugsy? "Yes, Bugsy is my niece," Petunia was saying into the phone. "And I need you to do me a favor and take good care of her for a week while I'm away. Thanks, G. Bye-bye!"

I hung up the phone in a daze. Responsible for Bugsy? I wasn't thrilled about that, but I'd do anything for Petunia. "Hey, Uncle G, why are you smiling like that? Are you in love with my aunt? Will you marry her? Can I be your flower mouse? What kind of wedding cake are you going to have? Ooh, I have an idea! I'll call Aunt Petunia and tell her you're in love with her," Bugsy squeaked. I jumped to my paws. "No! NO! Don't call Petunia!" I shouted. Bugsy shook her head. "Face it, Uncle G, you're one lovesick mouse!" she insisted. My head began to pound. I felt like I was going to explode. "I am not your uncle! I am not sick!" I yelled. Just then, the phone rang. It was Petunia Pretty Paws again.

"G? I want to remind you to treat my niece well," she said. "She's such an angel." I shook my head as if in a trance. Then I hung up the phone with a deep sigh. What was it about Petunia that made me all weak in the paws? I caught Bugsy watching me. She had a smirk on her snout as she turned to Benjamin. "Do you know that when your uncle talks with my aunt, he really looks very goofy," she told my nephew. I pretended not to hear. What else could I do?