Mia's Recipe for Disaster by Coco Simon Read Free Book Online

like putting out a fire, because I have to get it done really fast.”
    â€œActually, that’s a simile,” Dan said, with a mouth full of chicken, and we all stared at him.
    He shrugged. “What? She used ‘like’ to compare the two things. Just because I play basketball doesn’t mean I don’t know what a simile is!” Everybody laughed.
    â€œPoint taken,” Eddie said. “And, Mia, I understand what you mean.”
    â€œJust take it slow,” Mom advised. “If you go too fast, you’ll make mistakes.”
    â€œBut I have to go fast, or I won’t get it done,” I said, standing up from the table. “Anyway, if you let me stay up an hour later each night, then I could go slower, and—”
    â€œNo,” Mom interrupted, shaking her head. “Sleep is important, Mia. And I really don’t wantthis contest to affect your schoolwork.”
    â€œBut I’m getting all my homework done after school!” I protested.
    â€œI know, but you also need to be awake and alert during the day,” Mom said. “And if I let you stay up late, you’ll be too tired to focus.”
    I sighed. I knew it was no use arguing with Mom.
    â€œFine,” I said. “But if I don’t get my dress done on time, it will be your fault!”
    I stomped upstairs, angry, even though deep down I knew it wouldn’t be Mom’s fault at all. I was just freaking out about the whole thing, and I guess I wasn’t being very rational. Then I sat down at my machine and started sewing, and right away the satin lining started to bunch. Frustrated, I had to carefully pull out the stitches and then try again.
    â€œDeep breaths, Mia.”
    I looked up to see Mom in the doorway. Even though I had just acted like a jerk to her, she had a kind expression on her face.
    â€œI know this is stressful for you, sweetheart,” she said. “Just take it slowly, okay?”
    â€œI know you’re right,” I admitted. “It’s just so hard. I don’t have enough time to get everything done.”
    â€œWell, I’m here if you need help,” Mom said, and that made me feel better.
    I took her advice and really tried to slow down. It paid off, because by the time I was supposed to go to bed, I had finished the cape for the dress. I put it over my shoulders and modeled it in my mirror.
    â€œGorgeous!” I said, and I started to feel excited about the contest again. I just knew I was going to win. . . .
    And then Tuesday night, I was sure I was going to lose. I followed the same schedule: school, homework, dinner, sewing. I took deep breaths and did things slowly. But I was working on the long dress, and that wasn’t quite as easy as the cape.
    My biggest problem ended up being the slit going up the side of the dress. I wasn’t sure how to finish the seams with the lining so that you couldn’t see the stitches when the lining showed. It was really tricky. Mom came in and showed me how to do it, and even though I kind of got the hang of it, it didn’t look as perfect as I wanted it to. And I was behind schedule.
    I leaned back in my chair, looking at all the fabric piled around me, and the cut threads dangling everywhere, and the disorganized fabric pieces splayed out on my bed.
    â€œThis is a recipe for disaster!” I cried, but there was nothing I could do about it. I had to be in bed in five minutes, and I was so tired, I didn’t want to stay up anyway.
    The next day at school, all I could think about was the dress. In math class I tuned out Mr. K.’s voice until it sounded like bees buzzing in the background. In English class, we were supposed to be reading, but I just kept sketching my dress over and over again. And when we played basketball in gym, I wasn’t paying attention when Katie passed me the ball, and it hit me right on the head!
    â€œOh my gosh, Mia. I’m so sorry!” she cried,