I call, explaining that I left important papers in the backseat of a convertible. I get through to four of the five companies. None of them found a package of plays. When I dial the fifth company, Rent-a-Dream, an answering machine comes on and I leave my phone number. I go back to my room and wait for them to call back. A pebble hits my window. Brendan leans against his bike in the middle of the backyard. Today’s shirt reads, “Yes, I’m spoiled, so what’s your point?” “Hey!” he yells. “What’s happening?” “I’m grounded. Aren’t you?” “No.” That is so unfair! “Want to take a ride to Antonia’s?” “I’m grounded,” I repeat. “On a spunkiness scale of one to ten, that would be a negative two,” he says, grinning. “But then, spunkiness needs constant practice.” “I’m in enough trouble. Besides, I have to wait to hear back from a car rental company.” “Too bad,” he says. “But, of course, if you’d rather sit inside and watch the rest of us carrying on with our lives…”
