Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6 'I can't believe who can actually prove your story is real,' said Flora, with a disbelieving shake of the head. 'Nor can I,' said Mohsen, also with a disbelieving shake of the head. 'I actually can. I believe you, Charlie,' said Wogan, scowling at Mohsen and Flora. 'I mean, come on, guys– it's terrible that, after all that apologizing, you're saying you don't believe Charlie again. We've been through this.' 'No! We do believe Charlie! It was just a phrase. We only meant it's surprising that it's Dylan,' said Flora. Wogan looked slightly blanker than usual, if possible.

'Never mind, Wogan,' Flora said, looking at him like he was a puppy with three legs learning to walk. 'Anyway,' she continued, 'we now know that Charlie changing wasn't just a one-off. It's happened twice. Charlie– you need help. We need to work out what exactly is going on with you. And then maybe we can find a cure. So I have constructed a plan. We are going to use Science!' 'Yes!' said Mohsen, thumping a fist into his palm. 'Yes!' said Charlie, clapping his hands. 'Yes!' said Wogan. 'Of course! We can draw a picture of the water cycle! And then we can– hang on, what use is science?' 'Because, Wogan, science is what we use when there is a mystery,' replied Flora patiently. 'Science gives us answers to questions. If it wasn't for science we'd still be living in caves, spending all day hunting sabre-tooth tigers and lying around in mammoth- wool underpants.'

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'That actually sounds pretty wicked-cool,' replied Wogan. The others couldn't help but agree. 'And there'd be no school,' Wogan continued. 'And we wouldn't have to get jobs when we're older. In fact, I don't think I like science very much.' Flora sighed. 'What about medicine? And space travel? And the internet? Or PlayStation? That's ALL science. And now we're going to use science to work out what on earth is happening to Charlie,' Flora said firmly. 'And we need to do it super-fast too,' agreed Mohsen. 'You know, before Charlie changes again. In case he doesn't change back to a human.' Charlie groaned. 'Oh, thanks a bunch, Mohsen. I hadn't even thought of that happening. That's ANOTHER thing for me to worry about. But you're right. We need to work out what's going on quickly. It's the school play in two weeks, and I can't be turning into an animal in front of the whole school.' 'The school play where you're starring as Sad Potato Number 1?' said Mohsen.

'Yes. That's right, Mohsen. The school play where I'm starring as Sad Potato Number 1,' replied Charlie. 'It's an important role. Do you have anything to say about that?' 'No,' Mohsen replied in a small voice. 'Well, it might be good if you did change,' Wogan said. 'You know, if you became a tiger or a T. rex or something and scared everyone away, then at least I wouldn't have to do my final song and kiss Cara Cotton.' 'Don't be daft, Wogan,' said Flora. 'We've been through this before. It would not be good at all. What will happen to Charlie if he suddenly turns into an animal in front of the whole school?' 'He could do a poo on–' 'No, Wogan. You are poo-obsessed. I'll tell you what will happen. If Charlie changes into an animal at the play, the teachers will call the police and the police will call the government and the government will call the scientists. And then Charlie will get taken away and experimented on. He'll get operated on, Wogan. Dissected.' 'THANK YOU VERY MUCH BUT CAN YOU ALL STOP GIVING ME NEW THINGS TO WORRY ABOUT

THAT I HADN'T EVEN THOUGHT OF!' Charlie shouted. 'Don't panic,' said Flora confidently. 'We're going to use science so you don't have to worry!' 'So…' Wogan was thinking hard. 'We're going to use science to stop the scientists? If science is so good, shouldn't we just, you know…?' 'No, I don't know, Wogan,' said Flora, getting more and more agitated. 'Are you suggesting we