iv. birthdays and brontosauruses

"MCKENNA!" I heard Mommy shout.

"What is it?" I asked. I was in my room reading with Bronto, but I was sure Noah would burst in at any moment. I was wrong. Mommy wanted to talk to me.

"I heard you got in trouble at school today," Mommy said.

"Aaron did it," I said.

"Don't lie to me McKenna. Remember, lying is bad."

"It's true. Aaron ripped Mrs. Stumph's brontosaurus. I didn't do anything."

"McKenna! Don't lie to me! We both know that you did it."

"Mommy, you don't understand," I said.

"I know what I'm talking about," Mommy said. "Remember what I told you McKenna. You have to be on your best behavior at school."

"Okay Mommy," I said. "I won't do it again."

"Good," Mommy said.

I wasn't sure why Mommy was so mad at me. Aaron really did do it.

"Now for what I was really here to discuss," Mommy said. "Your birthday's coming up."

"Nine days!" I said. I knew. I had been counting for the last two months.

"Yes, nine days," Mommy said. "You said you wanted a party, right?"

I never said that. Really, I just wanted my presents. "No," I said.

"Oh come on," Mommy said. "Of course you want a party. I rented out the bowling alley and I invited the entire class."

The entire class? I didn't know any of them. Why couldn't it just be me, Mommy, Daddy, Noah, and Bronto?

"Don't look at me like that," Mommy said. "I know you want a party. Besides, I already sent out the invitations."

I nodded. Why couldn't Mommy just listen? I liked the idea of a party, but I didn't want to invite the entire class. But this could be okay. Maybe. I'd get lots of presents at least.