"Paul- "
"But the game's almost over-"he hollered back.
"Paul, this is important."
My dad reluctantly joined us, clutching the remote like it was a lifeline.
"It's about Raven visiting the Mansion," my mom said. "I think until Alexander moves, it is best they spend time over here."
"You can't ban me from the Mansion!" I exclaimed.
I had no idea my plan would work so well. But now it was working against me.
"That house is in dire straits," my mom went on.
"I thought it was pretty sound. It was old and dusty, but I think it was as sturdy as a castle," my dad said.
"See!" I pleaded.
"But there were bats," my mom argued. "You both saw them."
"But I love bats."
"They are flying rodents," she challenged.
"Not all of them."
My parents both looked at me curiously.
"Sarah, can we discuss this later?" my dad suggested.
"Mom, those are just rumors. You've taught me all my life not to believe the negative gossip in this town. Are you telling me, in this case, that your own advice has been wrong?"
For a moment, my dad was no longer interested in the game's outcome, only in my mother's response.
"Fine.Rumors are just that. I was inside the house, too. And it was a wonderful house."
"Thanks, Mom," I said, and took off for my room.
"But just as a precaution," she called, "maybe you and Alexander could start hanging out in his gazebo."
Chapter 23 The English Inquisition
I had never been so eager to return to school as I was the next day.
I blabbed about Alexander's haunted, smelly, or leaking mansion (depending on my mood) in the cafeteria, gym, and hallways. The day flew by and I happily headed for sixth bell, until someone stopped me on the stairs.
"Listen, Monster Girl," Trevor said. "I should have known when I picked you as a partner that I was picking the bottom of the barrel. But even I didn't realize how deep that barrel was. Either you meet me today or I'm heading straight for Mrs.Naper ."
I was grateful to Trevor. Though I'd never tell him that, I felt confident that Alexander would now remain in Dullsville. I hated to do the paper, much less see Trevor, but it was something I had to complete. And there wasn't any reason to postpone it any longer.
"Sure, today is as good as any," I said.
Trevor was surprised by my positive response. He glared at me skeptically. "I know... you're not going to show up."
"Why would I do that?" I asked. "That's so third grade."
I wanted to meet my nemesis at a neutral place. Ididn'i want him to use this as an opportunity for him and his soccer-snob posse to ambush the outsider. I neededsomi protection-a place I knew people would be around.The town square.The main library.The police station.