10 CRASH COURSE

CHAPTER 10 CRASH COURSE Sorry, Dr. Tallow!" said Alexander. "Are you all right?" Dr. Tallow's glasses were off-kilter. "Help me up, dearie!" Alexander helped steady his teacher as she got to her feet. Her hand felt dry. "Now, why on Earth were you running so fast?" she asked.

Alexander gulped. Then he spoke, quietly. "Um, er... did you see a..." he began. Dr. Tallow straightened her glasses, and peered over them at Alexander. "A what, dearie?" she asked. "Um..." Alexander swallowed. "A snowman?" Dr. Tallow laughed. But then she noticed Alexander was not laughing. "No," she said. "No snowmen up here—just me." Alexander gave her a weak smile. "You seem jumpy today," Dr. Tallow said. "And yesterday, too, come to think of it." She rubbed lotion on her hands.

"Oh, I'm fine," Alexander said. "I know it can be hard to ask for help," said Dr. Tallow. "But please know that I'm here if you need me." She squatted down to look in Alexander's eyes. "Actually, I was hoping to ask you for help." "Me?" said Alexander. "Yes," Dr. Tallow said. "I'm afraid your friend Nikki doesn't like me. Could you try talking to her?" "I guess so," said Alexander. BRINNGG! Dr. Tallow smiled. "It looks like we're both late again," she said. "Come on, let's get to class."