TJ Zaps the One-Upper #2: Stopping One-Upping and Cell Phone Bullying
Someone better bring it shouted Auntie Stella Then she added If you know what’s good for you Auntie Stella isn’t my real aunt But she’s been helping my dad take care of me ever since I was born Dad always says we can’t live without her and she can’t live without us I think he’s right The boss has spoken said Dad He covered the toilet paper with the tissue box Ready I was ready two years ago Danny pounced on me the second I walked in his garage Long time no see I stared at Danny He looked old And pimply And tall I didn’t even come up to his shoulder Yep I said It’s been two years 6
Dad put his arm around my shoulder TJ’s excited you’re back He hardly slept last night My face burned I had to think fast I snatched the basket from Dad Here’s some toilet paper Now Danny’s face turned red Thanks I guess While Dad talked to Danny’s parents I glanced around the garage Hey I said pointing to his bike I have the same one Danny made a duh face That’s my old bike He pointed to a sleek black-and silver mountain bike near the window That’s my new one A King Cobra I walked over to get a closer look You’re so lucky The King Cobra was on my Christmas list Again 7
Danny dropped the basket onto a shelf Want to ride it It cost 400 bucks Maybe later I said as I ran my hand over the seat Danny leaned on my shoulder I’m not sure your feet would reach the pedals anyway he said as he slapped my back and laughed 8
Ha ha I said Danny laughed even louder I thought it was funny Then he tossed me a basketball You still playing But before I could answer he said You’re looking at the star of my basketball team I made the fi fth grade travel team last year Then he pretended to shoot a basket You’re too young for travel aren’t you You’re in what fourth grade Danny was a year older than me but two grades ahead I nodded But last year I was voted MVP for the Hornets Danny didn’t look impressed I remember the fi rst time I was voted MVP He ran his fi ngers through his hair Of course it felt even better the second time I led the league in rebounds and scoring He twirled the ball on his index fi nger I averaged seventeen points a game I 9
