1Chapter 3
Hornet rolled over on her mattress. The stars outside the window twinkled and winked at her. The moon stared at her as if to say, 'You knew it Caterina, you know you knew it.' Hornet groaned and picked up a random book. She couldn't take in a word.
She knew it was wrong to eavesdrop on Scipio and Prosper, and she had the smallest temptation to listen at the door, but she couldn't face the guilt of Prosper's cutely flushed face and Scipio's awkward glances. She wanted to know what Prosper and Scipio had been talking about, but she was way too guilt-filled. She couldn't handle this.
"What the heck is wrong with me?" Hornet whispered as a white cloud passed by the moon. She was going crazy. She listened to the lapping water of the canal, watched the stars, and smelled the saltiness of Venice. She was insanely mental for a few minutes, until she had an idea.
What if she tricked it out of Scipio? Lured him into telling her what Prosper and he had said. She smiled to herself and fell asleep with still more moonlight to shine.
"CATERINA! PROSPER! SCIPIO! MOSCA! RICCIO!" yelled Ida as a pidgin passed Prosper's window. "SCHOOL!" Prosper yawned and sat up. Scratching his back, he walked downstairs as he, Hornet, Scipio, Riccio, and Mosca trailed downstairs like zombies.
He regretted telling Scipio about his 'crush' on Hornet. Scipio was known for blackmail, and this was not good. Scipio kept passing him glances that said, 'haha I know something hornet doesn't know.' Prosper wanted to wipe that look off his face.
"Sheesh, what a bunch of zombies!" complained Ida as she filled their plates with scrambled eggs. "Can't you at least act like your listening?" Bo wandered downstairs, his cat Blacky in his arms.
"Ida, when do I have school?" he yawned.
"Not until 9:00 Bo!" Ida said as she cleaned off a pan with left over eggs. Hornet finished first, and raced upstairs to get ready.
Prosper was very aware of how the other kids at school pointed and whispered about Hornet and him. They knew that Prosper and Hornet were orphans, and they knew that they were close friends. They had laughed at Hornet for her nickname, laughed at Prosper for his real name. Kids.
After everyone got ready, they all headed to school. Bo waved goodbye from the window.
"Prop, what do you think of the new Thief Lord?" asked Hornet as she glanced at Scipio. Prosper stared at her. Was she flirting with Scipio?
"Nice Scip," muttered Prosper, angry and jealous. Scipio turned and looked at Prosper's hurt look, so he instead avoided Hornet.
"Welcome to Pidgin Poop Prep, the greatest school in Venice!" announced a sarcastic Hornet. Humored, they all walked in.
Prosper and Hornet led Scipio to the main office, where a cheap looking secretary snapped on a piece of gum.
"Mrs. Pertz, our foster mother Ida adopted a kid last weekend, and hoped he could come to school here..." Hornet said, presenting a nervous looking Scipio.
"Scipio Spavento now, eh' boy?" asked the woman. "He an' join yours home room Caterina," the secretary said.
"Ok thanks I'll tell Mrs. Tribbini ," Hornet said. She grabbed Scipio's hand and led him to Prosper and Hornet's home room. Wait? GRABBED HIS HAND?! Prosper glared at Scipio. Scipio looked back apologetically.
"Welcome to school Scip," muttered an angry Prosper.