Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2 Math came much easier for Justin and Sadie than it did for Michael. For some reason, Michael had to study twice as hard to end up with the same grade. "This stinks!" Michael complained as he sat at his desk, staring down at his math book. "I just don't get this. Why don't I get this?!" "Let's have a look." Pearl hopped up onto Michael's desk. Pearl, a first-century rodent, was not schooled in formal mathematics. But she'd had to deal with limited resources her whole life, so she had a natural talent for counting and calculating. She peered at Michael's math book. "Hmm... this looks interesting. I think I might be able to figure this out." KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK! Someone rapped on Michael's door. Merle and Pearl looked at him in panic. "Hide!" he whispered. The two squirrels scurried under Michael's bed as he called out, "Come in!"

"Hey, buddy!" Dr. Gomez, Michael's dad, opened the door. "What are you up to?" Michael looked down at his math book. "Math," he said gloomily. "I have a test in a couple days." "Not your favorite subject, huh?" Dr. Gomez asked. "Not by a long shot. It's easy for Justin and Sadie. It's totally not fair." "Well, some things come easier for some people. That just means you have to work a little harder." "Like I said, totally not fair." Michael scowled. "Tell you what," Dr. Gomez said, taking out his wallet. "Here's a little motivation." He pulled out a $10 bill. "If you can get at least a B on your test, this is for you. I'll stick it to the fridge."

"Make sure it's high enough so Jane can't snag it," Michael said. Dr. Gomez smiled. "You're a smart kid. If you work hard, I'm sure you can get a good grade." "Thanks, Dad." Dr. Gomez ruffled Michael's hair. "Well, I'll leave you to it. Let me know if you need any help!" He left the room, calling over his shoulder, "If you need inspiration, check out the fridge!" Pearl and Merle came out of hiding. "Well, you heard the man!" Pearl said, hopping back up onto Michael's desk. "Ten dollars is a lot of money," Michael said. "Let's do this!" But Michael's enthusiasm for studying didn't last longer than 10 minutes. "Arrrgh!!!" Michael covered his face with his hands. "I don't get it!" "Let me see if I can help you figure it out," Pearl said. Michael slammed his math book shut. "I need a break. I'll do this tomorrow."