12 BLAH BLAH BLOB

CHAPTER 12 BLAH BLAH BLOB I can't believe Nikki got in trouble," said Dottie, putting on her backpack. "Yeah," Rip said. "A whole day in Vanderpants's office..." "Maybe we're wrong about Dr. Tallow," said Alexander. "Maybe she isn't being fair to Nikki." "No way!" Rip said. "Tallow rules!" "Let's just find Nikki so we can walk home," said Dottie.

"You guys go get Nikki and meet me back here," Alexander said. "I need to ask Dr. Tallow something." Dr. Tallow was in the classroom-pet zone. Alexander walked inside. "Uh, excuse me," said Alexander. Dr. Tallow dropped a cucumber slice into the hamster cage. "Yes, dearie?" she said, without looking up.

"Well, it's about Nikki," said Alexander. "I think maybe you were too hard on her." Dr. Tallow stroked the hamster's back. Then she looked at Alexander. She was frowning. "You're right," she said. "I should apologize." Alexander blinked in surprise. "I've been stressed lately, and I'm taking it out on Nikki," said Dr. Tallow. "And the reason I'm so stressed is—oh, you wouldn't believe me." Dr. Tallow sniffled. Her eyes filled with tears. Alexander wasn't used to seeing grown-ups get upset. "Uh, it's okay," he mumbled. "I have a secret that I cannot tell anyone. Especially other grown-ups—they'd never believe

me," said Dr. Tallow. "But you, Alexander... I hope you will believe me. I've been seeing... monsters! All over Stermont!" Alexander's mouth fell open. "First I saw a tall, wiggly balloon creature," Dr. Tallow continued. "Then I saw a mummy and a giant carrot." "I believe you!" cried Alexander. He dropped his voice to a whisper. "And I can help you. I'm a member of the Super Secret Monster Patrol. We fight monsters—with this!" He pulled the notebook from his backpack. Dr. Tallow's eyes grew extra-extra-extra wide. "May I see that?" she asked, reaching for the notebook.

Nikki burst into the room, with Rip and Dottie in tow. She snatched the notebook from Alexander's hand. "I've told you before!" Nikki shouted. "You need to be careful with this!" Dr. Tallow dropped her cucumbers and turned to Nikki. "You foolish jampire! Good monsters are the worst!" she yelled. Her face turned bright pink. "My boss wants that book! I must have it NOW!" "Huh?!" said Alexander, taking a step back.

"Alexander, if I had to grade you on monster- fighting, I'd give you straight Fs," said Dr. Tallow. Her face twisted into an angry scowl. "You've overlooked the one monster who's been in front of you for months..." Dr. Tallow's face drooped. Her arms wobbled. she melted into a blob of pink goo, with mean, yellow eyes.