Chapter 18

Stephanie and the kids were playing soccer on the sports field. The ball went out of bounds and Pixel was going to go after it when it suddenly bounced back in bounds.

"Sportacus!" Ziggy shouted.

"Hi guys! Got room for one more player?" Sportacus smiled.

"Of course Sportacus, as long as you are on MY team." Stingy said.

"Stingy!" Trixie scolded.

"All right OUR team." Stingy said. Sportacus laughed and said, "So where can I play?"

"Well I'm playing goalie. Pixel and Ziggy are on one team and Trixie and Stingy on the other team. The first one to score a goal wins. It's like a mini game of World Cup. You could be on my team and then we wouldn't need a goalie. Plus then the first team to score gets to be first and the other two teams could play for second. " Stephanie explained.

"Ok sounds good." Sportacus said. Pixel grabbed the ball and threw it to Stephanie.

"Punt it, Stephanie. That way we can start." Pixel told her. Stephanie nodded. She put the ball in her two hands, held them out in front of her body and brought her leg up with all her might. The soccer ball soared into the air and everyone watched as it came down near mid-field.

"Wow! What a kick from the goalie box!" Sportacus exclaimed. Stephanie came out and joined Sportacus in trying to get the ball. Pixel passed it to Ziggy. Ziggy wasn't paying attention and the ball hit him in the head. The ball sailed toward the net and Stephanie jumped in front of it. It bounced off her chest and Sportacus brought the ball down with his chest. Once the ball was at his feet he passed it to Stephanie. She planted her left foot and plastered the ball with her right. The ball sped toward the net and Trixie tried to block it. She just missed and the ball hit the back of the net.

"Yeah!" Stephanie cheered. Sportacus gave her a high five.

"Good shot!" Sportacus said. Pixel was over with Ziggy.

"Sportacus, I think you need to look at Ziggy's head." Pixel said. Sportacus came over and saw a big goose egg forming on Ziggy's head.

"Stephanie, can you go get some ice for Ziggy's head?" Sportacus asked.

"Sure." Stephanie responded and ran off to her Uncle's house. While she was gone Sportacus made sure Ziggy didn't have a concussion and then explained his plan to the kids. They agreed to his plan just as Stephanie was returning with the ice.

"Here you go Sportacus." She handed him the ice. Sportacus put the ice on Ziggy's head.

"How does that feel, Ziggy?" Sportacus asked.

"Better." He said.

"You know you're being very brave Ziggy." Stephanie said.

"Yeah, that looks like it hurts a lot." Trixie said.

"I think we should get Ziggy home to rest." Sportacus said as he scooped Ziggy up. The rest of the kids agreed and they walked to Ziggy's house. After dropping him off, Stephanie realized what time it was.

"I have to go home. Uncle Milford needs me to help him with something." she said. Stephanie took off leaving Stingy, Trixie, Pixel, and Sportacus to put the plan into action.

"Stephanie is going to be so surprised." Trixie said.

"I hope so." Pixel smiled.

"You guys get the decorations going and I'll get the tables set up." Sportacus said. The kids got together and started to make the banner. Once they finished that they got balloons and streamers together. Sportacus had the tables set up and went to make a few phone calls.

They had everything together by six o'clock and Sportacus told Pixel to go get Stephanie and the Mayor. Pixel left and the others made sure things were in place. Pixel arrived at Mayor Meanswell's house and rang the doorbell. Stephanie opened it.

"Hi, Pixel. Good timing we just finished." Stephanie said.

"Can you and the Mayor come out?" Pixel asked.

"Sure." Stephanie gave him a look of confusion.

"Close your eyes Stephanie." Pixel said. She did as she was told and Pixel let her to the sports field. Mayor Meanswell smiled and followed them.

"Surprise!" Everyone shouted. Stephanie opened her eyes and smiled.

"Oh guys! This is for me?" Stephanie asked.

"We thought you deserved it." Sportacus explained.

"A party for me? Why?" Stephanie asked confused.

"Because you brought everyone back to their senses." Number 9 explained.

"Oh, we have a special surprise for you." Vigdís smiled. Just then Amanda and Doug came out from behind the gate at the opposite end of the field.

"Mom! Dad!" Stephanie ran over to them.

"Surprise sweetheart." Amanda said. They hugged and the party got under way.

It lasted long into the night and Robbie wasn't happy. Well I'll just have to plan something really rotten for them, Robbie thought. Then he remembered his job that he had to do in a couple of days and decided better of it. "I will get you next time, Sportakook!" Robbie shouted.

The night ended when Stephanie got up in front of everyone and thanked them for the party. Then Stephanie smiled and sang:

"Bing bang diggiriggidong

Funny words I sing when I am dancing.

Bing bang diggiriggidong

Silly words that can mean anything.

Get on up it's time to dance yeah.

It's so much fun being up on our feet.

So we go

Up up – do the jump

Move around and clap your hands together.

Down down – turn around

Having fun is what it's all about."

See you soon!