How Lamar's Bad Prank Won a Bubba-Sized Trophy

How Lamar's Bad Prank Won a Bubba-Sized Trophy by Crystal Allen Read Free Book Online

Book: How Lamar's Bad Prank Won a Bubba-Sized Trophy by Crystal Allen Read Free Book Online
Authors: Crystal Allen
of my fro, and break the news.
    â€œI’m not writing one. I’ve found another way to get a Pro Thunder.”
    â€œHow? Is your dad buying you one?”
    I think about Dad’s bad luck and know I’m making the right choice.
    â€œBilly made me his partner. I’m going to roll with him this summer. I’m talking crazy mad cash, Sergio. Told you I’d pay you back. I’ve got it right now.”
    There’s more silence than an unplugged telephone. Then Sergio comes down hard.
    â€œI don’t want that money! I can’t believe this! What’s wrong with you?”
    â€œNothing, except I’m tired of begging for money. You should be happy for me.”
    â€œI would be happy if you had a real job.”
    â€œIt is a real job! And while I’m telling you stuff, I didn’t give Makeda the boot.”
    Now the silence gets ugly. I hear hard air pushing out of Sergio’s nose before he unloads again.
    â€œYou’re not thinking, bro. Billy’s been in and out of juvie since he was born. Fivehead is the easiest joke in school. Your reputation is heading downhill instead of up. Is that what you want?”
    I fire back. “Billy’s never done anything to me. And her name is Makeda.”
    â€œThis is the worst news ever! I’ve got a bad feeling. You better watch yourself. Don’t ever say I didn’t warn you.”
    â€œWhatever, Sergio. There’s not going to be any drama. I’ll talk to you later.”
    â€œYeah, whatever, Lamar.”
    I slam the phone down. My left eye twitches. My teeth clamp. Then I remember Sergio’s never worked for anything in his life. The phone rings again and this time, I pick it up and blast him.
    â€œNo need to call me back, because you’re not going to change my mind.”
    â€œIs this Lamar?”
    â€œIs this Sergio?”
    â€œNo, this is Billy. I’ve got us a gig tomorrow. We bowl at eleven thirty. Is that cool?”
    I drop my attitude down a few notches before answering.
    â€œYeah, it’s cool. I’ll be there.”
    â€œExcellent. Later, Washington.”
    â€œYeah, later, Billy.”
    I hang up, open my closet, and grab the empty shoe box that my Jordans came in. I toss the two twenties inside and place it back on the shelf. I made forty bucks in less than an hour. If I keep this up, I’ll have my Pro Thunder before Sergio gets a stamp on his essay envelope. If Billy keeps lining up games, even after I get my ball, I’ll have thousands of dollars left over.
    I snatch my sunglasses off my desk, slide them on, and stare at myself in the mirror. I pretend my arm is around Makeda’s shoulder at the mall and she’s looking at jewelry.
    â€œYou want the diamond earrings in the window? Go ahead and get ’em, baby. And let’s buy the electric company for my dad so he won’t have to worry about that bill ever again. I can do all that and more, because I own the Bank of Lamar.”
    Yeah. That’s what’s up.

Chapter Six
    F riday morning the garbage truck roars down the street. I grab the trash and open the door. Dad shuffles by.
    â€œWhere are you going?”
    â€œI finished my chores. I’m going to Striker’s.”
    He yawns. “Hey, wait. I know things are a little tight, but on my next day off, let’s hit the lanes, okay? You and me.”
    I shrug. “Sure, okay. Later, Dad.”
    Just as I open the door he calls to me.
    â€œDon’t forget about your brother’s basketball game. I’m leaving at four o’clock. We cango together. You did your breathing exercises, didn’t you?”
    â€œYes, sir. See you later.”
    I wish I had more time to talk with Dad, but it’s already eleven twenty-five. Billy might be mad if I’m late. I drop the trash at the curb and get moving. Mrs. Ledbetter isn’t outside, so that’s a plus. Ms. Gibson is asleep again, so I ease on by. Five

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