Free Astrid Maxxim and Her Amazing Hoverbike by Wesley Allison Page B

grandma.  I guess if she decides she does n’ t want me, I’ ll have to go to an orphanage or something.  Do they still have orphanages ? ”
    “ I do n’ t know ,” replied Astrid.  “ I guess so; or something like them . ”
    They were both silent for a few minutes.  Austin finally broke the silence, when he picked up Astri d’ s MX-360 from beside her computer.
    “ These are pretty cool . ”
    She nodded.
    “ Small thoug h— easy to lose . ”
    “ Did you lose yours already ? ”
    “ N o… i t’ s not lost.  I t’ s around somewhere . ”
    “ We can just log onto the Maxxim website and click o n‘ find my M X’ .  All you need is your serial number.  Do you know yours ? ”
    “ No . ”
    “ Well, i t’ s on the paperwork the school gave you ,” said Astrid.  “ If you have any problems with it, call me . ”
    Austin nodded, but sat quietly.
    “ So, do you have any homework you need to do ?” asked Astrid.
    “ I have to study Greek roots and practice my viola ,” he said ,“ but I’ ll do both of those tonight after I get home . ”
    “ Why do n’ t we go down to the family room and play some video games.  W e’ ve got a bazillion of them.  What kind do you like ? ”
    “ I like just about all of them ,” he said, perking up.  “ Do you have Cannibal Apocalypse ? ”
    “ No . ”
    “ How about Killer Pimp Showdown ? ”
    “ U m… W e’ ve got Ms. Pacman and Tetri s … oh, and Golden Gloves Boxing . ”
    “ Tha t’ s cool . ”
    They shot downstairs, neither bothering with the stair elevator.  As they passed through the kitchen, Astrid stopped and grabbed a quick snack of cheese and crackers for the two of them and two glasses of juice.  Then they spent the next hour fighting it out in the video gam e’ s virtual boxing ring.
    They had just finished the last match with Austin the victor, when Mrs. Maxxim entered.
    “ Austin, yo u’ re staying for dinner with us . ”
    “ Um, I have to ask my grandm a’ s permission, and um, well I do n’ t think she likes to eat alone either . ”
    “ Your grandmother will be joining us ,” said Mrs. Maxxim.  “ Astri d’ s father is picking her up on his way home from work . ”
    An hour later found them all seated around the dining room table.  It was unusual enough just eating in the dining room, as it was seldom used at all.  The group gathered together was unusual too.  Dr. Maxxim and his wife sat at opposite ends of the table.  Austin and his grandmother sat on one side, while Astrid and Mr. Toulson sat on the other.
    Astrid had met Mrs. Tretower once before, but she still noted how different she was than she had expected.  Not having any living grandparents of her own, she was surprised to find that Mrs. Tretower did n’ t seem that old.  She did have grey hair, but wore it long and straight.  She seemed not weak or feeble, but strong and capable.  She looked like she could beat her grandson in a foot race.
    “ Mrs. Tretower ,” said Dr. Maxxim, as he cut thick slices of pork roast for each of the diners.  “ I feel terrible that we have n’ t had you over for dinner before.  I’ m afraid I’ m not much for keeping up with the social graces . ”
    “ Yo u’ re just like your father ,” said Mrs. Tretower.  “ And call me Pearl.  I have n’ t been sitting around my house alone anyway.  I’ ve spent most of my years since retirement traveling.  Now that Austin is here though, I’ m looking forward to a little relaxation . ”
    Austin looked up, but did n’ t say anything.
    “ I can tell by your accent, Mr. Toulson, that yo u’ re from Great Britain ,” said Astrid.  “ Is this your first time in the states ? ”
    “ Oh, I do n’ t think we need to bore these good people with my resume ,” said Toulson.  “ And call me Charles.  Do n’ t worry though.  You and I will have plenty of time to get to know each other.  I’ ll be coming to school with you tomorrow . ”
    “ Oh goodie