8 ROUND AND ROUND

CHAPTER 8 'ROUND AND 'ROUND The sky was as dark as the blacktop in the school parking lot. The only stars out that night were on Alexander's pajama bottoms. "Nice pants, weenie," said Rip. "Thanks," said Alexander, giving Rip the stink-eye. The boys got in line behind Nikki to board the school bus.

"I didn't see anything this afternoon," said Alexander. "No crawling hands. No mummies. And no more missing stuff." "Well," said Rip, "during dinner, my mom said her trumpet had disappeared." "And my ice skates are missing!" said Nikki. The bus door opened. Alexander's dad leaned out. waving like a beauty queen. "Howdy, kiddos!" he said. "I'm Dr. Bopp, Alexander's dad!" Everyone in line gave Alexander a look. At least. that's how it felt to him. The students climbed on the bus. Mr. Hoarsley started the engine as Mr. Plunkett took attendance.

Alexander plopped down beside Rip and Nikki. "Your dad is so cute," said Nikki. "And his pj's match yours, starpants!" said Rip. "Yeah, yeah," said Alexander. The three friends looked out the window as the bus left the parking lot. "Yikes," said Nikki. "That old hospital is really falling apart."

The bus drove along. it passed a brand-new building. Look at our new school!" said Alexander. "It's so clean and perfect," said Nikki. "And not smashed up by monsters," said Rip. "At least, not yet." "It's song time!" Alexander's dad called out from up front. "Here's one I learned at dental school." He took a big breath. Alexander tried to melt into his seat. It didn't work.