14 ALEXANDER'S WISH

CHAPTER 14 ALEXANDER'S WISH Alexander! Go protect your father from the gloomp!" said Ms. Vanderpants. "Mr. Hoarsely will drive you three home, while I do a quick sweep of the school for hidden monsters." Mr. Hoarsely's hair turned a shade whiter. "What?! No way!" he said. "I just got you back, Ms. Vanderpants! I'm never leaving your side again!" "Sheesh! I'll drive!" said Rip. "I already drove once today. It's easy." Everyone looked at Ms. Vanderpants. She sighed, shrugged, and tossed Rip a set of keys.

A minute later, Rip was behind the wheel of the school bus. He stood on the gas pedal all the way to Alexander's house. SCREEEEEECCCN! The tires squealed as Rip slammed on the breaks. The bus stopped in Alexander's driveway. At least, one wheel was in the driveway. "Everybody out!" said Rip. He opened the bus doors. "Dad! Where are you?" called Alexander, jumping off the bus. The three friends raced inside the house.

"SURPRISE!" yelled Alexander's dad as he jumped out of a closet. Alexander looked around. No sign of the gloomp yet. "Dad!" he shouted, and bear-hugged his dad. "Are you alright?" "Sure I am, kiddo!" said his dad. "It's cake time! And your timing is perfect! 4:56— two minutes until your actual birthday!" He turned off the lights and ran into the kitchen to get the cake. Alexander looked at Rip and Nikki. "I guess this is good-bye," said Nikki. "If you can't see monsters anymore, will you also forget everything you know about monsters?" asked Rip. "Will you remember that Nikki likes strawberry gummies?" "Or that Rip likes to smash stuff?" added Nikki.

"I don't know," said Alexander. "But I will remember that you're my two best friends." He gave Rip and Nikki a hug. "Good luck fighting the boss-monster. And, uh, don't get eaten." Alexander's dad came in, carrying a birthday cake with eight glowing candles. He set it in front of Alexander. "Make a wish, AI!" Alexander looked at Nikki. She smiled back, showing her fangs. He looked at Rip. Rip nodded. So did the ant on his shoulder. Alexander made his wish. The clock changed to 4:58 and he blew out his candles.