Free How Lamar's Bad Prank Won a Bubba-Sized Trophy by Crystal Allen Page A

lucky winners.”
    Dad’s eyebrows rise, “ Oooh. That’s brutal. Have you finished your essay? You did enter the contest, didn’t you?”
    I’ve got enough money in my Bank of Lamar to buy half of a Pro Thunder right now. But that information is top secret.
    â€œI haven’t entered it yet. I hate essays. I may have to pass on this.”
    Dad wipes his mouth. “I don’t know, Lamar. You aced every essay you wrote in school this year. Winning should be a cakewalk for you. Plus, it’s Bubba Sanders!”
    I give Dad a high five. “I know, right?”
    There’s a goofy grin spreading across my face. It feels awesome. For the first time ever, I think Dad understands me.
    â€œSo Dad, just how good were you on the lanes?”
    He pokes another piece of steak. “How good? Try a two-oh-two average. Imagine that. After all these years I can still remember.”
    Xavier laughs and points at me, “Even if you tried out for some bumper bowling squad, you’ll never top Dad’s old scores. I can’t believe Mom thought you’d ever be a superstar. Super loser maybe. Now there’s a trophy that already has your name on it.”
    I point my fork at him. “Leave Mom out of this!And Dad was talking to me.”
    Dad holds up a hand. “Hey, hey, okay, settle down, you two.”
    X rolls his eyes and restarts another basketball conversation with Dad. My brain flips the switch, too. I work on my girl’s poem.
    What rhymes with Makeda ?

Chapter Ten
    E arly Saturday morning I crank through my chores like a walking energy drink. I take extra time for my breathing exercises. Standing in front of the mirror, I breathe in through my nose, out through my mouth. My lungs need to sound excellent today.
    When Dr. Avery puts that stethoscope on my chest, he needs to hear nothing. No wheezing, no weird stuff. In through my nose, out through my mouth. I check my watch: eleven o’clock. I’ve got two whole hours to roll a game or two at Striker’s before my appointment.
    I make a quick sandwich and burn off. It’sperfect weather outside today. That’s got to be a sign. It’s going to be a yes day for me. I feel it.
    Once inside the bowling alley, I head straight to the snack bar. There’s Sergio. Tasha’s not with him. Being the man that I am, I strut over to my boy.
    â€œWhat’s up, Sergio.”
    He shrugs. “Nothing much, just waiting for Tasha to get back.”
    â€œWhere’d she go?”
    â€œTo some fashion store. I gave her thirty bucks to buy a pair of jeans she saw in the window.”
    I smile at him. “Sergio, the way you give that girl money should be against the law.”
    He raises a brow. “Don’t worry about what I give my girl. You need to worry about what your girl is giving you.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    â€œShe’s ruining your rep. Don’t you get it? People are going to talk about you and Fivehead. Aw, man, you’re on your way to a really bad crash and burn.”
    Something has just crashed and burned all right, and it may have been our friendship. I’m tired of him talking bad about Makeda when his girl’s middle name is ATM.
    â€œTasha’s not perfect, Sergio. And today, I’m going to ask Makeda to be my girl. If you don’tlike it, too bad. And don’t call her Fivehead when you’re around me.”
    â€œI’m just trying to help you out, Lamar. I told you what girls look for in a guy. I didn’t know I needed to tell you what guys look for in a girl.”
    I bang the table. “You’re supposed to be my best friend. You should be happy I’ve got a honey. Thanks for the support, Sergio.”
    The conversation freezes. Sergio takes a sip of his drink, and I take a puff of my inhaler. I bob and sway to the song playing through the speakers. Finally, he holds out his fist to me.
    â€œYou’re right, bro. I