فصل هجدهم

Chapter 18

From around the corner of the brick building, Bradley watched the end of Jeff’s basketball game. Every time Jeff took a shot, Bradley prayed he’d miss. When the bell rang, he hurried back to class ahead of Jeff and the other boys.

He sat at his desk—last seat, last row—and took out one of his books; it didn’t matter which one. He stared at it very intently as Jeff sat down next to him.

Well, maybe it was okay for Jeff to have other friends, he decided as he turned a page. I’m still his best friend. That’s what he told the principal. Jeff wouldn’t lie to the principal! Maybe I’ll get to play basketball with his new friends, too, like Carla said.

“Jeff,” he whispered.

He wanted to tell Jeff that everything was still okay, that they could still be friends.

“Hey, Jeff!”

Jeff didn’t look up from his work.

Jeff works hard, Bradley realized. That’s how he gets all the gold stars.

He had to wait until after school.

“Hey, Jeff,” he said as soon as the bell rang.

Jeff picked up his books and started out the door.

Bradley hurried after him. “Jeff!” he called. “Wait up.” Jeff stopped and slowly turned around.

Bradley suddenly felt very nervous. “Do you want to do our homework together?” he asked. “I can come over to your house if you want, or you can come over to mine. We can use my book. See.” He showed Jeff his book.

“Hey, out of our way, Chalkers,” said Robbie as he and Brian pushed past him.

“Chicken Chalkers,” said Brian.

“Yeah, Chalkers,” said Jeff.

Bradley walked away. He heard Jeff and his new friends laughing behind him.

But when he got home, his own friends were very glad to see him.

“We’re so glad you’re home,” said Ronnie. “We missed you. We’re glad you didn’t go over to Jeff’s house.” “You’re our best friend,” said Bartholomew.

“Hooray for Bradley!” shouted the wooden hippopotamus. “Hip … hip …” “Hooray!” yelled all the other animals.

“Hip … hip …”

“Hooray!”

“Hip … hip …” said the hippo one last time.

“Hooray!”

“Let’s play a game,” said the donkey.

“What do you want to play?” asked Ronnie.

“Anything but basketball,” said Bartholomew. “I hate basketball.” “Basketball is a stupid game,” Ronnie agreed.

“It’s the worst game in the world,” said the hippopotamus.

“Why would anybody want to play basketball?” laughed the ivory donkey.

All the other animals laughed too.