Chapter 8

CHAPTER 8 "Can you hand me one of those curvy tubes?" Merle asked. The hamster house was starting to take shape. Pearl handed Merle a tube while Michael sat on the bed, thinking. "But it's not like it makes that much difference if Mom knows I broke the elephant," Michael said. "Hey, guys!" Justin burst through the door. "Your mom tells me— oh, cool!" Justin exclaimed as he noticed the hamster house. Michael kept talking to Pearl. "Plus, it's no big deal for Jane to be grounded. She already went to the birthday party. Her favorite thing to do is stay in her room and play with Mr. Nemesis, anyway." "What are you talking about?" Justin asked. But before Michael could answer, Mrs. Gomez entered the room. "Oh, that's coming along really nicely!" Mrs. Gomez said, watching Merle snap two more tubes together. "You're very good with your paws, Merle!"

"Thank you!" Merle replied. "So... I guess you filled your mom in on the squirrels?" Justin said. "Yes," Mrs. Gomez said. "He told me last night, and we're going to tell his dad tonight, right, Michael?" "Oh," Justin said, with a hint of fear in his voice. "Yeah, I guess," Michael said. "Is there anything else you'd like to share?" asked Pearl. Michael glared at her. There was an awkward pause. Finally, Justin broke the silence. "I... was actually wondering if you guys wanted to go to the park and play soccer?" "Yes!" Michael said immediately. If he told his mom the truth about the table now, he would be grounded for sure. He needed to get out of the house as soon as

possible. "Oh, I love soccer!" Merle said. "How do you know about soccer?" Justin asked. "Come on! Let's go before it gets dark!" Michael grabbed his soccer ball and rushed out the door. Justin looked after him, puzzled. "It's only noon."