Ch. 6

Even without his aunts barging into his room at the crack of dawn, James never had trouble waking up in the morning. Sometimes, after a particularly bad nightmare, it took the little boy a bit longer to feel awake, but for the most part, James usually woke up before his alarm clock rang.

Such was the case that Monday morning. Despite his nightmare, James woke up roughly five minutes before his alarm was due to go off and yet he still felt rested. Rubbing at his eyes, the little boy sat up and shut his alarm clock off. Outside, the winter sun was shining brightly, but the frost on the window glass indicated that said winter sun would offer almost nothing in the way of warmth. With that in mind, James quickly grabbed some of his warmest winter clothes and dressed quickly; despite the warmth in his room, there was still a hint of a chill coming from the window. And according to Centipede, it was going to get even colder.

Oh well, Centipede also said the really cold weather wouldn't happen until the weekend. That meant James wouldn't have to worry about walking to school in the freezing cold and could stay inside by the fire. In fact, that was probably how he would be spending his weekend because his family wouldn't want him going outside if it was too cold. James couldn't really object to that, though; at least he wouldn't have to shovel snow for hours in between polishing a rusty car or clearing debris from the yard.

Having finished dressing, James put his folded pajamas away and made his bed. Opening his bedroom door, James could hear the familiar sound of pans rattling in the kitchen as well as the sound of some of his family moving about in their rooms. The bathroom door hung open and James darted inside to finish getting ready for the day. As he brushed his teeth, James noticed several still-damp towels hanging over the rim of the bathtub. Were those all because of Dylan? Well, he'd certainly been thrashing around last night before and Miss Spider had mentioned something about Mrs. Ladybug needing more than one basin of water. Judging by the amount of towels, James was willing to guess there had been a good amount of water spilled during Dylan's bath. Turning on the sink to wash his face, James couldn't help grinning a bit at how ridiculous the whole situation was. Dylan had complained about having to go to bed because he was older than James and yet he had spent the whole evening acting like a baby.

Spoiled little brat.

James bit his lip as he dried his face and reached for his comb. Okay, the whole situation was kind of funny now, but James didn't like the idea of Dylan throwing another tantrum tonight and he very much doubted his family wanted to go through that whole ordeal again either. But Dylan was already upset at the fact that he had to go to school; would he wake up wanting to protest that all over again? Come to think of it, was Dylan awake? James couldn't tell, but he did know that Dylan would have to wake up soon since they needed to get to school on time.

Hopefully Dylan would be too tired to protest this morning. All that yelling and screaming and kicking must have been hard work because as far as James knew, the older boy hadn't woken up in the middle of the night despite not being used to going to bed at a regular time. Maybe he really had worn himself out and wouldn't have the energy to throw another tantrum. Not that it would be much fun for Dylan, if that was the case; being too tired to do much, but still having a full day ahead of you was hard.

But Dylan did it to himself.

Well, okay, yes. But the older boy had been pretty upset and in a strange new place.

But your family isn't barging into his room to call him names and threaten to beat him if he doesn't get up.

No, they most certainly were not going to do that.

And Dylan isn't tired because he had to stay up late doing chores. And he's going to get breakfast.

James shuddered as he left the bathroom. Going to bed hungry was bad enough, but working for hours handling heavy tools or cleaning on his hands and knees after going over a full day with no food? James would never forget the hunger pangs or the lightheadedness or how Spiker would sip lemonade with a sneer while Sponge ate enough to make anyone else sick right in front of him. After that, James had been grateful to get any kind of food, even if it as just a few crumbs or scraps from whatever his aunts didn't want.

And they never left anything sweet, so Dylan wouldn't have liked that either.

Very true, James thought as he grabbed his backpack from his room. Thankfully, neither he nor Dylan had to worry about going hungry now, but come to think of it, the older boy hadn't really eaten that much at dinner last night and he'd been too angry about going to school to notice he'd been given dessert. James cast a sympathetic glance down the hall toward the still-silent guest room; poor Dylan would probably be really hungry when he woke up. Bad behavior or not, James didn't think anyone deserved that!

Heading downstairs, James could already hear Mrs. Ladybug, Mr. Grasshopper and Earthworm talking. Or rather, the two older insects were talking while Earthworm was busy listing off a host of issues.

"-and it wasn't just the screaming, but all that banging and kicking." I could feel it every time he slammed his hands and feet against the floor. Mrs. Ladybug, isn't there something you could give him to-"

"Ah, good morning, James. How are you, my boy?" The relief in Mr. Grasshopper's voice was evident.

"Good morning. And I'm alright."

"Are you?" Mrs. Ladybug stepped away from the stove to pull James to her. "Did you sleep well?" There was a worried look in Mrs. Ladybug's eyes and James knew why.

"Yes, I'm okay, really." James hoped his voice was light enough to convince all three of his guardians that this was the truth. "I didn't have any more bad dreams after I fell asleep again."

"Thank goodness for that."

"And thank goodness you got your proper rest, James. Don't know what we would have done if that racket had kept you awake and-"

"Thankfully, Dylan wore himself out as Centipede said he would," Mr. Grasshopper intervened as he poured himself a steaming cup of tea. "And today is a new day; let's hope he's learned his lesson."

"So you say," Earthworm muttered, slinking back to his place at the breakfast table.

"Speaking of Dylan, did you happen to hear if he was awake, James?"

"No, I couldn't tell. I can go check, though."

"Thank you, dearie, but you go ahead and have your breakfast." Mrs. Ladybug was already back at the stove and setting out several plates. Onto them, she dished out servings of fresh eggs scrambled with cheese and several slices of toast. "Here you are and here's yours, Mr. Grasshopper. Butter, jam, and orange juice are on the table already."

"Thank you, Mrs. Ladybug."

"Yes, thank you, my dear lady. But are you certain you don't want our help this time?"

"Not right now, but I may need your help later today. For now, best go and eat while it's hot." Mrs. Ladybug turned down the stove's heat, wiped her hands on a dish towel and vanished up the stairs. James and Mr. Grasshopper took their plates of food to the table and sat down. Across from them, Earthworm was already nibbling away at his own toast and eggs, but his head was cocked to one side, clearly on edge for another of Dylan's tantrums.

James glanced up as he felt Mr. Grasshopper's hand on his shoulder.

"Are you alright, my dear boy?" the older insect asked, his face creased in concern.

"I am, really," James answered. "I... I guess was just thinking of ...of them too much before I fell asleep," the little boy admitted softly.

Earthworm started to speak up, but Mr. Grasshopper drummed a few fingers against the table, forestalling him.

"Is something bothering you, James?"

"Huh, I would think that's obvious."

"Earthworm!"

"Not really. It's just..." James let his voice trail off, but Mr. Grasshopper nodded.

"No, I understand. And I think I speak for all of us when I say that yesterday gave us all a little more stress than we would have liked. But I promise, my boy, that nothing Dylan does reflects badly on you. And I know for certain that I speak for all of us when I say how proud we are of you for handling yourself the way you did. Thank you, James."

James smiled, but couldn't help asking,

"Do you think Dylan will be alright?"

"If I think Dylan will behave himself, I most certainly hope so. I'd rather not put up with that kind of behavior again."

"You can say that again. There's only so much dirt can muffle, y'know."

"Either way, he's quite lost the privilege to stay up an hour later than you do, James. And if I'm being honest, an earlier bedtime might be what that boy needs tonight." Mr. Grasshopper tousled James's hair with a smile. "But like I said, let's hope for the best today."

Earthworm gave an light groan, but said nothing else as James and Mr. Grasshopper dug into their own breakfasts. The hot eggs and cheese were delicious, especially combined with the crispy toast. James was halfway through with his food when the sound of a muffled whine echoed from the upstairs hall.

"Ugh, here we go again."

"I'm not sure." Mr. Grasshopper looked up from spreading blackberry jam on a piece of toast. "Hmmm, I don't think Dylan has quite the same energy this morning."

James listened as well, but all he could hear were the familiar sound of footsteps from the second floor as the rest of the family moved about to get ready for the day. "I hope Dylan's not too tired. That's never good."

"No it isn't, but he only has himself to blame if that's the case. And perhaps he'll come to appreciate a decent bedtime after this. Blackberry jam, my boy?"

"Yes please."

"Here you are." Mr. Grasshopper passed his son the jar of preserves. "Enjoy that. I have a feeling we're going to have a rather ruffled guest at the table soon."

Mr. Grasshopper's words proved correct. Just as James was finishing his breakfast, Mrs. Ladybug led a very grumpy-looking Dylan into the kitchen. The older boy's face and eyes were puffy and his lips were set in a pout. He was wearing a different wool sweater and a pair of knit corduroy trousers and while his face looked washed and his hair combed, the expression on Dylan's face all but confirmed that neither of those actions had been done voluntarily.

"Good morning, Dylan," James greeted, trying to smile at the older boy.

Dylan said nothing, plopping into a vacant seat with a groan. "I'm tired," he whined.

"I imagine you are, after last night's display," Mr. Grasshopper said with a wry smile. "So we'll have to make sure you get to bed early tonight."

"Nooooo, no fair." Dylan slumped forward, burying his face in his arms. "I wanna sleep now."

"You have school."

"I don't wanna go."

"Well, you have to." Mrs. Ladybug was back, this time carrying several plates. Setting them down, she pushed one in front of Dylan, gently guiding him back into a sitting position. "Now eat up. You need a good breakfast to start your day."

Dylan whined, rubbing at his eyes. He really did look tired, James noticed, almost as though he hadn't slept at all. But Dylan was awake enough to glare down at his plate, just as he had done at dinner the night before.

"Ugh, eggs!"

"What's wrong with eggs? They're good!" Centipede had tromped into the room. Flopping into the seat next to Dylan, he grabbed his fork and took a bite of his own breakfast. "Ahh, just the way I like 'em."

"I hate eggs!" Dylan snapped, making both James and Earthworm wince at his tone.

"Manners, young man, I won't tell you again." Mr. Grasshopper frowned at the older boy. "It's fine not to care for something, but you must be polite about it."

Dylan scowled back at Mr. Grasshopper, slumping down in his seat and crossing his arms.

"There's toast as well." Mrs. Ladybug had taken her place at the table and was spreading butter on her own piece of browned bread. "Eat something, Dylan; you'll need it."

"I don't wanna go to school," Dylan whined again, drawing out the words as long as he could.

"So you have said, but such a choice is not yours to make, Dylan." Miss Spider emerged from the kitchen with cups of coffee for her and Centipede.

"Grandma lets me stay home if I'm tired. You should too."

"Nice try, kiddo. Not happenin'."

"Why?"

"Eat your toast, Dylan."

"I don't wanna."

"Have you much to look forward to today, James?" Miss Spider ignored the older boy's whining as she took her own seat next to her son.

"I think so. Ms. Devon said we would be doing something fun that would last the whole week."

"Yeah? Any idea what?" Centipede asked.

"I don't know, but she said it would have to do with history."

"Boring!" Dylan poked at his eggs with his fork.

"Dylan!"

"History's boring!"

"Not the way Ms. Devon teaches it," James said. "Last month, we got to-"

"Who cares?"

"That's enough!" Mr. Grasshopper fixed the older boy with a steely eye as James fell silent.

"What?"

"You were being very rude, Dylan." Mrs. Ladybug was also frowning at him. "Apologize to James."

In response, Dylan folded his arms and scowled again. An awkward moment of silence passed as the adults gave Dylan warning looks, but before anyone could say anything else, the clock in the downstairs hall chimed once.

"7:45? Goodness, we must all be on our way," Mrs. Ladybug said with a sigh. Pushing away from the table, she hurried into the kitchen adding,

"Bring in your plates and leave them in the sink. James, Dylan, I have your lunches."

"Very well. We'll deal with this later, young man." Mr. Grasshopper frowned at Dylan, but kept a hand on James's shoulder as the two of them headed for the kitchen.

"Here you are, dear." Mrs. Ladybug handed James a neatly packed cloth bag that was cool to the touch. "Tuna salad today and that cooling pack will keep it fresh."

"Thank you."

"Of course." Mrs. Ladybug hugged James briefly and kissed his cheek. "Have a good day."

"Indeed." Mr. Grasshopper lightly ruffled James's hair once more. "Enjoy your day at school, James, and don't worry about what Dylan said. Or about his conduct, for that matter."

"I won't. And thanks."

"Ready when you are, kid!" Centipede called. "You comin', Angel?"

"Yes, I will walk with you this morning."

"Dylan, come get your lunch!" Mrs. Ladybug called.

"No! I'm not going!"

"Yes you are!"

"You can't make me!"

"Hey, Dylan, if I gotta sling you across my back and carry you that way, I will."

"No fair!"

"Then go put your coat on." Mrs. Ladybug emerged from the kitchen with a second bag and set it in front of the defiant boy. "And here's your lunch. Ms. Gould said you like peanut butter and strawberry jam so that's what I made you."

"I don't want it. I can't go to school anyway!"

"And why can't you go to school?" Mr. Grasshopper asked.

"'Cause I don't have my school stuff, so there!" Dylan stuck out his tongue.

"You mean this?" Miss Spider picked up a backpack laying by the coatrack.

"But... how'd you get that?" Dylan asked, wide-eyed.

"Ms. Gould brought it over, remember?"

"No fair! She wasn't supposed to do that!"

"Ah, the old leavin' stuff behind trick?" Centipede laughed as he pulled on a heavy winter coat. "Yeah, if you're gonna do that, you gonna need to make sure your goods are stashed safely, Dylan."

"Don't be givin' him ideas, Centipede," Earthworm groused.

"Just sayin'."

"And I am saying it is time to go." Miss Spider gently straightened James's scarf. "Come and get your coat and hat, Dylan."

"I don't wanna!" Dylan's lip quivered, but he couldn't force tears into his eyes.

"Either dress yourself or we will," Mrs. Ladybug ordered as she stepped back into the kitchen.

"And hurry up; we ain't got all day."

To everyone's relief, Dylan complied, but while he tried to take his time pulling on his coat, Miss Spider was only too happy to pull the older boy's hat over his head and wind a scarf around his neck.

"Hey!"

"Time to go."

"Uggggh, I don't-"

"Yeah, we know. But you can walk or ride, your choice." Centipede waved a few of his arms at Dylan. The older boy fell silent, but held out his backpack to the many-armed bug.

"Carry this!"

"Nope!"

"It's heavy!"

"It is not." Miss Spider opened the front door, motioning James to follow her. The little boy obeyed and to his relief, Centipede and Dylan followed quickly after, though mainly because Centipede had a few arms on Dylan's back and was gently pushing him along.

"It's coooooooollllld!"

"Good thing the school's close. We'll be there before you know it."

"Do you get to do any fun projects in the third grade?" James asked as the family left Central Park.

"No. Just boring stuff."

"Oh? Did not every class get to help paint the mural in the entryway this fall?"

"That's right. My class got to paint the sky."

"Yeah, and all you kids ended up with blue on your faces and in your hair that day."

"I know, but it was fun. What part did your class do?"

"I dunno."

"Ahh, perhaps a day when you stayed home?"

"Probably."

"That's too bad you missed it, Dylan. It was fun."

Dylan ignored James as he was trying to walk even more slowly. In response, Centipede easily lifted Dylan by the back of his coat, holding his feet just above the pavement.

"Hey!"

"Nice try. C'mon, we're almost there."

"I hate school!"

"And no doubt your teacher's gonna have a new reason to hate Mondays. Now let's go."

"I don't think Dylan's class is as boring as he says," James said to Miss Spider as the two followed after Centipede. "He probably misses the fun stuff if he gets to stay home all the time."

"I am thinking you are completely correct, James," Miss Spider replied. "And to Dylan, all of school is less pleasant than sitting at home all day."

"I hope he gets to do something fun today so he can see it's not all bad."

Miss Spider nodded, but kept her eyes on the older boy still struggling in Centipede's grip. James fell silent as the group turned onto the street that housed the elementary school both James and Dylan attended. Already, the sound of children calling to friends could be heard over the early morning traffic and the cars on the street had slowed to a crawl as families allowed kids of all ages to spill onto the sidewalk.

"I think I see some of your friends, Jimmy-boy."

"I see them too. Why don't you go and join them, James?"

"Okay. Do you want to come too, Dylan?"

"I wanna go home!" A fake sob had worked its way into Dylan's words.

"You go ahead, kid, have fun." Centipede threw a few free arms around James in a brief hug. "Don't you worry about Dylan."

"Indeed. Have a good day, James." Miss Spider enfolded the little boy in a hug of her own and kissed his cheek. "And stay warm when you go out today."

"I will. Bye!"

James dashed off to join his friends. Behind him, Dylan twisted in Centipede's grip.

"I'm not gonna go in! You can't make me! You-"

"-are gonna drop you right at your classroom."

"What? You can't do that!"

"I think you will find we can."

"No! No! No!"

But Dylan's please came to naught as he was carried kicking and screaming straight to the third grade classroom which was, thankfully for James and his friends, on the fair side of the school.
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"Whoa, he did that?" Ricky's eyes were wide as he, James, and Tessa settled into their desks.

"Yes."

"Because he only got to stay up an extra hour?"

"And because he didn't like dinner. Or breakfast today, either." James fiddled with his pencil, tapping it against his notebook and neatly stacked books. "I don't think Dylan was happy at all except when he was watching TV."

"I thought Dylan was older than us. He's acting like my little cousin and she's two," Tessa said.

"Hey, at least Dylan didn't throw his plate at the wall or anything."

James looked over at Adam. "Who did that?"

"My little sister. She was mad that Mom made green bean casserole."

"But she's three, right? Still younger than Dylan," James noted.

"Yeah, but my dad said that kids who get to do whatever they want stop growing," Ricky said. "At first I thought that meant they didn't get bigger, but I think he means that they act like little kids no matter how old they get."

"It's not just kids," Tessa replied. "My big sister's fifteen and she yells and screams all the time."

"Wait, really?"

"Yeah. Mom says it's just a phase, but I don't know. I hate it when she throws fits."

"I didn't like hearing Dylan yell and scream last night either," James said, giving Tessa a small smile. "And I know my family didn't either."

"Boy, am I glad my brothers don't do that."

"Me too. It's bad enough when my little sister throws a fit. Mom usually just tries to calm her down right away, but she was real mad about the plate. I think it was the first time my sister got in big trouble."

"What... what did your parents do?" James asked, forcing the words out of his suddenly dry mouth.

"They made her go to bed right away, but it took awhile for Hannah to stop screaming." Adam laughed a bit. "Dad said it was because she was trying to get us to pay attention to her and he told my mom to ignore her no matter how much she cried."

"Maybe your family should do that with Dylan," Tessa said.

"It was pretty hard to ignore him last night, though."

"Don't worry, you get used to it."

James nodded at Adam's words, but looked back down at his notebook. Somehow, James didn't think he'd ever get used to hearing Dylan's yelling, screaming, kicking, knowing that punishment was waiting-

No! James gave his head a quick shake. No, not like that. Nothing his family was going to do would be like that. Okay, yes, Mr. Grasshopper had told Dylan he and the others would deal with Dylan's breakfast behavior later on today, but so far, the worst that had happened was Dylan losing his chance to stay up late. Maybe now Dylan wouldn't get to have dessert or watch TV or something like that. Yes, James thought with a slight smile, yes, that was probably what was going to happen. There was nothing to worry about, no need to be nervous.

Everything was fine.

"Good morning, everyone!"

James looked up as Ms. Devon entered the room with a smile.

"I hope you all had a good weekend because we're going to have a very fun week. And before we get started with our regular lessons, I want to tell you about the surprise project I have ready for you."

James listened eagerly for news of the surprise and by the time his teacher had outlined the project in question, he couldn't wait to get started. And judging by the look Tessa gave him, neither could she.