Chapter 13

CHAPTER 13 Three things won't surprise you. The first is that Michael didn't leave himself enough time to read before bed. That, combined with the fact that he'd been sleepy all day to begin with, meant that what he did read didn't sink in. By the time he drifted off, he couldn't have told you the difference between Black Dog and Billy Bones. "How'd your reading go?" Justin asked cheerfully as he entered the Gomezes' kitchen the next day, carrying another package. "Okay, I guess," Michael fibbed between bites of Cocoa Fluffies. "What's in the box?" "Another package at your door." Justin shook the box. "I bet it's a drone!" Because the package was the exact same size and weight as the first one, Justin's guess wasn't much of a stretch. Sure enough, it was another drone. "This is nuts! Who is sending all these drones? Have you gotten any?" Michael asked. "I wish," Justin replied. "Well, you can borrow one from me sometime if you want," Michael offered as the boys headed out for school.

The second thing that won't surprise you is that Michael had a terrible day at school. Not only did he learn that Sadie was now two levels ahead of him in Super Squish Squids, but the class discussion of Treasure Island was a disaster. "One of the main themes in the book is introduced early on," Ms. McKay said to the class. "Who can tell me what it might be?" I don't know how they do it, but teachers always seem to know who did and didn't do the homework just by looking. Maybe it's the kids avoiding eye contact who give themselves away. "Michael!" Ms. McKay called out. "What do you think?" Michael's memory was a confused jumble of squids, drones, and pirates. After trying his best to remember anything at all about what he'd read, all he could come up with was, "Um... treasure?" The third thing that won't surprise you is that treasure was not the correct answer.

"Self-control?" Justin answered correctly. "Or, the lack thereof. Good job, Justin!" Ms. McKay beamed at Justin as Michael sank down in his chair.