6 BLOWN AWAY

CHAPTER 6 BLOWN AWAY Aaah!" Alexander yelped. He fell out of his seat, squeezing mustard all over himself. "Run! It's the bumpy mummy!" BUMPY MOMMY Bubble-wrap warrior "What are you talking about?" asked Nikki, helping Alexander to his feet. "We flattened that monster ages ago."

"You just saw a monster?" asked Dottie. "Was it one of those snow-zombies?" "They're called snombies, Dottie," said Rip. "And no, Salamander didn't see a monster." Alexander wiped his face on his sleeve. His eyes stung from the mustard. "I did see one!" yelled Alexander. "If it wasn't a monster, then who passed me the mustard?!" He pointed over his shoulder. There was no one at the next table. "Why are you shouting, Alexander?" asked Dr. Tallow, rushing over. "Oh, my! You're covered in mustard!"

"I'm fine," Alexander said. "I just, uh, really like mustard." Dr. Tallow turned to Rip. "Dearie, could you help Alexander get cleaned up?" she asked. "Sure thing!" said Rip. "I'll clean this mustard off his chair and backpack," said Dr. Tallow. "No!" said Nikki. Dr. Tallow raised an eyebrow. "I mean, we'll clean his backpack," said Nikki, grabbing Dottie's arm.

"Come on, mustard-pants," said Rip. He dragged Alexander to the bathroom. Like the rest of their new school, everything in the bathroom was high-tech. Alexander splashed water on his face. "Rip, what is happening?" he asked. "First I see a balloon goon, and now a bumpy mummy!" "Salamander, you're seeing things," Rip said, frowning. "We already battled those monsters! You must've stayed up too late last night."

"Maybe you're right," said Alexander. He walked to the hand-dryer on the wall. Alexander hit the middle button. VWOOORRRRRR! A gust of oven-hot air blasted Alexander. He was dry in two seconds. "Whoa!" he said. "That dryer could cook a turkey!" Rip snorted. BRINNNGGGG!! "Recess!" said Rip, kicking open the door. "Come on, weenie! We're wasting valuable play time!"