A Lot to Tackle by Belle Payton Read Free Book Online Page A

remember, because I never get Cs! Alex wanted to shout. But she didn’t. How mortifying that she’d have to show this grade to her mom and dad. She wanted to crumple the test and shove it in the trash.
    â€œWhat if I correct all my mistakes, and you give me half credit for each one?” Alex offered.
    Madame Knowlton held up her hands. “No deal.”
    â€œOne-third credit?” Alex tried.
    â€œNo more negotiating, Alex.” The teacher pointed her toward the door.
    Alex sighed. Could this week get any worse?
    She wandered down the quiet hallway toward the front of the school. She texted her mom that she’d take the late bus home. Then she stopped in the media center and used the computer to submit the design for the Booster Club banner, all the while seething over Madame Knowlton’s study guide trick and the fact that she had to have a parent sign her test. She wouldn’t dare bother her dad. He was stressed over the championship game, and it was still over a week away. She hoped her mom would see the injustice.
    â€œWhat were you doing in there ?”
    Alex had stepped out of the media center and nearly collided with Chloe.
    â€œI was just”—Alex blinked, suddenly realizing that it was Wednesday afternoon—“Oh no! Did I miss the student council meeting?”
    â€œYes! You finally convinced me last night me to vote for your Variety Show theme. I gave up my perfectly good idea to vote for yours, and then you don’t even show up!” Chloe narrowed her dark eyes. “I don’t get you.”
    â€œI needed to talk with a teacher.” Alex pressed her hand against her forehead. How had she forgotten this meeting, of all meetings? “Did Adventure of a Lifetime win?”
    â€œSeriously? Without you there to talk it up? Everyone figured you didn’t care or were angry or something.” Chloe adjusted her book bag. “We’re doing Sage’s idea. Wild Wild West. At least it’s better than Tessa’s Magical Creatures. It was close, Alex.”
    Alex groaned. Her idea had been so good.
    â€œAnd Ms. Palmer was looking for you, because you were supposed to coordinate the bake sale,” Chloe added. “She seemed kind of annoyed.”
    Alex cringed. The sign-up sheet she’d made last night was tucked in her backpack. “I’m sorry. Is Ms. Palmer still here?”
    Chloe pointed out the huge glass windows by the main office. “There’s no time, Alex. The late buses are about to leave.” Chloe sprinted out the door. The buses revved their engines.
    Alex had no choice. She had to get on her bus. She’d apologize to Ms. Palmer tomorrow. What a mess!

    â€œWell, look who’s here!” Mrs. Sackett put down her fork and grinned at her husband.
    â€œCoach!” Ava cried with delight. She’d barely seen him since the weekend, and it was now Wednesday night. He’d been at the school and on the field preparing for the big game.
    â€œI was craving a home-cooked meal,” he said, closing the back door. He dropped his bag, washed his hands, and pulled out his chair at the table. Then he reached over and ruffled Alex’s and Ava’s hair.
    â€œDaddy! Quit it!” Alex brushed his hand away.
    Coach had been doing this since they were babies. Even though she was probably too old for it, Ava still liked it. She didn’t care if he messed up her hair. But Alex hated having her hair touched. Plus, Alex had been grumpy all day.
    Coach lifted the serving bowl of pasta. “Got here just in time, I see. The Eating Machine hasn’t devoured everything.”
    â€œYet,” Ava said knowingly. Tommy’s appetite was enormous. “He’s building strength for Austin. Do you think you’ll put him in?”
    â€œMaybe,” Coach said. “But he needs to improve his footwork. He’s got to tighten the progression and solidify his base.”
    â€œTrue. Then