Free Triple Trouble by Julia DeVillers

anchors will be . . .” We all held our breath. Then she announced four people who were . . . not me. Rats. I let out my breath. I’d really been hoping. I saw Nick shoot me a glance of pity. I tried to put a smile on my face like it was no big deal. After the meeting ended, Nick came right over.
    â€œHey, I’m sorry,” Nick said. “I know you wanted to be an anchor.
    â€œOh, it’s no big deal,” I said.
    Nick looked at me.
    â€œOh, okay, it is a big deal,” I confessed.
    â€œWhy don’t you go ask Mrs. Burkle about it?” Nick asked. “Not to complain, just to ask if there’s something you can do to get the anchor spot next time.”
    â€œWell.” I looked over and saw that Burkle was standing by herself.
    â€œI have to grab something from my locker, but text me how it goes,” Nick said. “See you.”
    I said bye to Nick, then took a deep breath and approached Burkle.
    â€œMrs. Burkle?” I asked her. “ ’I’m not complaining, but I was wondering if there is something I can do differently so I can be an anchor next time?”
    â€œOh, Payton, I’m glad to see you express an interest. Well, I did just give you the plum interview opportunity for the breaking-news feature, interviewing the triplets.”
    Ergh. I couldn’t tell her that was Emma, not me! It was so unfair!
    â€œA little constructive criticism: The interview was a little choppy,” Mrs. Burkle said. “I’d like you to work onyour closures and also looking at the camera more.”
    ERGH! Now it was REALLY unfair! I was being judged for Emma’s work! Nooooo!
    â€œMay I have a chance to show you I can do better?” I practically begged.
    â€œWell, I am looking for exciting features. The triplets story did generate a lot of interest. Perhaps we can pursue that further?”
    â€œI have an idea,” I said. “I’m going to a multiples festival! I can report from there.”
    â€œWell, I was thinking more of an in-depth interview with our own students,” Mrs. Burkle said.
    â€œWell, the triplets will be there,” I said. “Their aunt is one of the people who runs it. And Emma and I are both going. We could have our first VOGS on location!”
    â€œWe haven’t gone on location before.” Mrs. Burkle looked thoughtful.
    I held my breath. It would be like I was a real news reporter, reporting news from exotic places all over the world. It would almost be like having my own show.
    â€œDidn’t you say you’re looking for exciting ways to expand VOGS, right?” I asked her.
    â€œThat is very true!” Mrs. Burkle nodded. “I think it’s an idea worth exploring further. Bring me a plan. Dates, times,students’ names, story ideas. I’ll ask the principal about field trip permissions, liabilities, logistics, and chaperones.”
    â€œOkay!” I nodded so hard I thought my head would fall off.
    This would be awesome. I’d be the first traveling news correspondent for VOGS! If I could prove myself, Burkle would have to let me be the anchor next semester, wouldn’t she?
    â€œI’ll head straight to the principal’s office to propose this. I have some boxes to bring there anyway. Would you kindly assist me?” Burkle asked.
    â€œSure. I’m going that way anyway to catch the late bus,” I told her. She handed me a filing box, and we walked down the hallway.
    â€œSo Emma and I will go. And the triplets. Also, would it be okay if I could pick the cameraperson for the segment?” I asked her.
    â€œPerhaps are you referring to Nicholas?” Burkle smiled knowingly.
    I felt myself turn red. Even the teachers knew we liked each other?
    â€œI’ll put Nick on the request list,” Burkle said.
    We walked down the stairs, and I heard some familiar voices echoing down the hall. It was Mason and Jason.As I turned the