Chapter 9

Chapter 9 Okay, Now You Need a Cold Drink. Hopefully with a Little Umbrella! This time, Harper and Theo took their time in the hall, conserving energy as the vents blasted hot air. Every move made them sweat, and the air was so heavy with heat and moisture it felt like walking through soup. Other students still here for afterschool activities were coming out of classrooms to ask what was happening, look for fans in their lockers, and change into gym clothes.

Harper stayed optimistic. She hoped Principal Ferris would act logically. His love of the cold was a surprise, but the school was far from cold now; it was hotter than standing on the beach! As they opened the door and asked Principal Ferris for the password, Harper was certain it would work this time. "What could possibly be wrong with the heat?" Principal Ferris asked. He wasn't surprised to see Harper and Theo again, but his answer was the same. "The heat is fantastic. It's healthy, relaxing, and in most cases, motivating." He took a sip of ice-cold water from a glass on his desk. "The

heat will inspire students to drink more water, which is good for them. They will be less rowdy and keep a safe distance in the halls. Perhaps they'll even start to wear more multipurpose attire, like mine." He had changed into a lightweight, breathable linen suit. "And to be honest, it reminds me of my childhood." "I thought you lived above an ice cream parlor!" Theo said. "The other side of my house was above my other grandparents' pizza parlor. The heat from the ovens would rise up into my bedroom, filling it with the sweet smell of tomato and warm cheese." He closed his eyes as if transported back there. "My favorite…was…"

"Pepperoni?" Harper guessed. "No. Cheese. Pepperoni was my second favorite." "So you're not going to give us the password?" Harper asked. "You're just going to let the school's temperature change back and forth like this forever?"

"Sudden change is a part of life! Here at Ironsword we try to teach our students to be prepared for everything. Perhaps you, Harper, wouldn't be so worried if you had been a little more prepared yourself." "This was the ONE DAY—" Harper started, but Theo was already tugging her arm out the door.

"ThankyouPrincipalFerris‐ thatisverywisewewilldobetter‐ nexttimegoodbye!" Theo rushed through before pulling the door closed behind them. They were leaving so quickly they almost ran into someone waiting outside, a student with round glasses and a handheld fan blowing directly at his sweating face. "Oh! Hi, Will!"