5 SHOCKINGLY LATE

CHAPTER 5 SHOCKINGLY LATE Alexander had almost gotten the hang of the super-fast escalators by the time he made it to the ninth floor. He scooted down the carpeted hallway to a big yellow door.

Alexander pulled the door handle. A jolt of electricity shocked his hand. MACK! he yelped as the door swung open. Everyone in the room looked up from their school books. Rip and Nikki waved from the back row. Actually, Nikki waved. Rip crossed his eyes and stuck out his tongue.

"Uh," said Alexander, tugging his backpack straps. "The door zapped me." Alexander's new teacher was writing on the board. She capped her marker and turned around. "Sorry I'm late," Alexander mumbled. STAR SHOW TOMORROW Dr. Tallow grinned so wide, it stretched out her face. "No worries, sweetie," she said. "It's only the first day of school." She spoke warmly, like someone lulling a puppy to sleep.

Alexander took a step into the room. It was cheery and warm— nothing like his old classroom in the broken-down hospital. Windows! Posters! Bookcases! New desks! Odd door...

Dr. Tallow led Alexander to a desk in the front row. Then she went back to the board. "Tomorrow," she said, "we'll see a Star Show in our planetarium." The ceiling lights began to flicker. "Not again!" groaned Rip. Alexander looked up at the lights. He could hear a faint humming sound. Dr. Tallow kept smiling. "Don't worry! If the lights go out, we have these sunny windows." She glanced at the clock. "But since the lights are acting up, why don't you head down to the second floor? We'll start lunch early." Everyone cheered for their new teacher. Except Nikki. She yanked her hoodie down over her face. All Alexander could see was her frown.