Chapter 8

8 "I can't get sick." Aria was finally able to spit out the words. She lifted her arm slowly and pointed toward her hologram. "It's really, really not good." "Oh, don't worry," Violet began. But Aria interrupted. "I have to worry. If I get a bad cold, I don't stay at home for a week." She turned and looked Violet straight in the eyes. "I go to the hospital for a week." Violet tried to search for the right words. But the only thing she could say was "Why?"

Aria let out a low sigh and replied, "Well, we don't really know. It has something to do with my germ-fighting cells. They have a harder time getting rid of bacteria and viruses that get inside me," Aria explained. "The doctors say I'm medically fragile." Then she adjusted her glasses and stood tall. "But I don't think I'm fragile. I think I'm tough." "Stronger than steel!" said Dr. Crisp, flexing both of her arms. Aria laughed. But her laughter was interrupted by a loud sneeze from Violet. "Achooooo!" Aria's eyebrows crinkled, and she frowned. "That's why it's important to stay home if you're still sick." "But, Aria, I promise!" Violet insisted. "I felt sooooooo much better. I was fine yesterday. I just get like this in the fall. It's the trees or something." "Violet wouldn't lie." Pablo put his hand on his best friend's shoulder. "But there aren't any trees here!" Aria said.

Squeak! The Makers grew silent. Dr. Crisp's ears lifted as she listened closely. "What was that?" asked Aria.

"I haven't the slightest clue…," replied Dr. Crisp. Squeak! "There it is again!" said Pablo. "Look!" said Violet. She pointed to Dr. Crisp's lab coat. Peeking out of the front pocket was the new class pet, Max the mouse! Dr. Crisp looked down and yelped, "Jumping Jupiter!" Her cheeks turned redder than the red stripe in her hair. "How did he…ummm…errr…?"

"Maybe he snuck out of his cage and followed us through the—" began Violet. "Achoooo!" "Violet!" said Pablo. "That's it! It's Max!" "Max?" she repeated. "Maybe you're allergic to Max," Pablo continued. "That would explain why you started sneezing once you got back to school!"

Violet's eyes widened as she bit her lip. "I think you're right. I'm definitely allergic to my cousin's pet gerbil!" "Maybe you're allergic to rodents?" Aria suggested softly. Violet tilted her head back and moaned. "I feel like I'm allergic to everything!" Aria looked down at her feet. "I'm sorry I made you feel bad for sneezing and coughing. I really thought you were still sick."