Dad was going to his annual conference for high school guidance counselors in Atlanta He promised to bring me back a Falcons shirt Dad kissed Auntie Stella’s cheek I’m honored you broke your rule for me He pointed to the newspaper You haven’t even looked at your horoscope yet She picked up the paper and swatted Dad Well then get going so I can read in peace She winked at me Dad patted my head Be good buddy Whatever Auntie Stella says is the law around here Got it Got it I said Good said Auntie Stella Cause there’s a new sheriff in town And I’m as tough as nails 6
Dad wasn’t out the door two seconds before Auntie Stella climbed up on the step stool and opened the cabinet over the fridge Bags of candy cookies and chips came crashing down on her head My secret stash she whispered She pulled out a box of doughnuts from the 7
pile on the fl oor and plopped them on the table Have two She slid the box toward me My rules this week I loved when Auntie Stella was in charge She let me stay up late and watch movies with her bought me candy and taught me how to play poker Did you get any I began But she held up her hand and yawned Then she fl ipped through the newspaper I fi gured I had to wait at least ten minutes before I could talk again But I was wrong Ohhhh we both have excellent horoscopes today she said Mine says It’s time to make an exciting change in your life She nodded slowly Interesting Very very interesting Then she pointed to my horoscope Yours is You will be 8
the center of attention today Smile and enjoy it Maybe I’ll win the spelling bee I said But she wasn’t listening She was too busy reading the paper and doodling By the time I got to school everyone was already on the playground Nice hat said Ethan I was wearing my Atlanta Falcons knit cap My dad got it during last year’s conference Thanks Then everyone started to ask me about my hat I really was the center of attention Until Livvy Armstrong walked over Salutations TJ said Livvy Did you hear the news She crossed her arms over her chest and waited for me to answer It’s terrible news Really it is Just terrible 9
