12 CLOWNING AROUND

CHAPTER 12 CLOWNING AROUND I've got terrible news," said Alexander's dad. "I can't get this bouncy castle all the way aired up." He pointed to a poster on a nearby tree. "But here's something even better: Pin the Tail on the Donkey!" He held up a cardboard tail attached to a long, sharp pin. "That looks dangerous!" said the clown, taking a step back. Alexander's dad removed his tie. "Nope!" he said. "Here. Blindfold me I'll show you!" The nervous clown tied the blindfold. Then Alexander's dad spun around three times. He smiled and began marching in a straight line away from the donkey.

"Dad—" Alexander said. "I can do this!" his dad said. "Watch the master." Alexander, Rip, and the clown all watched Alexander's dad walk across the backyard and around the corner of the garage. The clown tugged nervously on his suspenders. "Maybe we should practice more balloon animals until your dad comes back." Rip elbowed Alexander in the ribs. "Tell him, Salamander." "Um, Mr. Clown," said Alexander, "you know those balloons in my front yard?" "Yes?" he said. "I know this sounds crazy," Alexander said, "but Rip and I" he leaned in— "we think they're alive. They're monsters!"

"I believe you, Alexander. I'm the one who wrote on your napkin." "Huh?" said Alexander. "Wait, you were at the cafeteria?" The clown looked straight at the boys. "And even if I didn't believe you before," he whispered, "Ummm... Turn. Around. Slowly." Alexander and Rip turned. A white balloon goon was dragging itself along the ground. It was floppier than the others. The clown's makeup turned two shades paler. "Their secret is in these woods, behind your house." The clown was backing away. "They'll do anything to protect it. RUN FOR YOURLIVES!" Alexander watched as the clown jumped out of his shoes and ran, faster than any clown has ever run from a balloon.