15 TOSSED SALAD

CHAPTER 15 TOSSED SALAD As Alexander and Nikki sprinted through the greenhouse, Rip bolted from the construction site. "Let's hide in there!" Alexander shouted to Nikki. They squeezed into a patch of enormous sunflowers, each trying to catch their breath. "BOO!" The broccoli peeked in.

Alexander and Nikki tumbled out, scratching up their arms. "How are these monsters not getting tired?" Alexander said between breaths. "Rip had better hurry back!" The greenhouse was like a maze. They soon found themselves near a balcony overlooking the Chili Supper. "We're cornered," said Nikki, holding up her potato masher. Growling vegetables stalked in from all sides.

"Finally, after fattening you kids up on ice cream and pie, we can eat!" said the broccoli as it closed in on Alexander. "No more sundaes for me!" yelled Nikki. She was about to be squished by squash. A husk of corn pressed against Alexander, ear to ear. "Back off, weenies!" Rip jumped between Alexander and the corn. He held up something small and red.

"A regular radish?" growled the corn. "Is that supposed to scare us?" "Nope," said Rip. "But I'm guessing she will." Rip dropped his radish to the floor. The veggie monsters looked down to see a long trail of radishes. A moment later, Stermont Stella hopped into view. She picked up a radish and started nibbling. The vegetable monsters all ran screaming from Stella.

Rip and Nikki were shoved into a muddy pit, while Alexander got bumped outside, onto the balcony. Alexander looked over the rail. He could see the party lights below, and adults staring into empty bowls. And WHOOSH! he felt a breeze from the huge windmill, spinning nearby. "Salamander!" yelled Rip.

Alexander looked into the greenhouse. Stella was taking a nap! The veggies were closing in on Rip and Nikki, who were hip-deep in mud. "Hey, veggies!" Alexander shouted from the balcony. "You've already trapped those two! Bet you can't catch me!" A cucumber turned toward Alexander. "He's right, guys. LET'S GET HIM!" The vegetables rushed the balcony, and, as one bunch, took a flying leap at Alexander. He took a step back, and WHOOP! slipped on a giant pea.