by Heather Trent Beers –
Kayla and her mother taped orange and black balloons to the front door and planted a sign in the yard. It read, “Kayla’s Monster Bash Here.”
“The troll I rented will be here any minute,” Kayla said. “Thanks for letting me have this party, Mom.”
“Not a problem, kiddo. I’ll be next door if you need me.” Kayla’s mom waved good-bye, and Kayla dashed inside.
The doorbell rang. Kayla jerked the door open and gasped. There stood a witch, glaring at Kayla.
“I’m here to ruin your party,” the witch cackled.
“You’re too late,” Kayla said. “It’s already ruined. No thanks to you. Honestly!” she fumed. “What kind of business are they running, anyway?”
Kayla grabbed the surprised witch and pulled her inside.
“Little girl, what are you doing?”
Kayla propped her hands on her hips. “I asked the party company for a troll, not a witch. Trolls are cheaper, and I can’t afford a witch.” Kayla paced. “What am I going to do? My party starts soon.”
“I don’t care about your party. I only need one more ingredient for my Princess Vanishing Potion. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll get me a quart of gecko guts. Now.” The witch stooped close to Kayla and breathed heavily, giving Kayla her best ‘evil eye’ stare.
Kayla waved her hand in front of her face and held her nose. “Wow. I am sorry,” She pushed the witch to the hallway bathroom. She rummaged through a drawer and pulled out an old toothbrush and tooth paste. “Here, take these and brush your teeth right away or you will not be getting a tip.”
Ding-dong.
“That must be my friends. Now hurry up.” Kayla shut the witch in the bathroom. She hurried to the door and smoothed her hair. Smiling wide, she opened the door.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Kayla stared open-mouthed at the creatures on her porch: one unicorn, an ogre, a werewolf, a mummy, and a vampire bat which rested on the werewolf’s shoulder.
“Do you people think I’m made of money or something?” Kayla pulled the werewolf inside and motioned impatiently for the others to follow. “Don’t move and don’t open that door. Do you understand?” Each monster nodded. Those with hands crossed their hearts.
Kayla tromped down the hallway. “Witchie!” she yelled, “You’ve got some explaining to do. Come out here!” The witch opened the bathroom door and peeked into the hallway. White foam covered her mouth and chin.
“Can I take this stuff with me?” she asked, licking her lips and holding a half-empty tube of toothpaste.
Kayla sighed. “Whatever. Just get out here with your friends and tell me what is happening before my friends get here.” The witch licked the toothpaste cap and followed Kayla.
“Somebody better start talking,” Kayla announced, eyeing the group. Each monster talked loudly all at once.
Covering her ears, Kayla shut her eyes and yelled, “Quiet!”
Everyone stood still. The bat stopped squeaking and landed on the unicorn’s horn.
“Well?” demanded Kayla, looking at the witch.
“Gecko guts,” she said. “Give us gecko guts, and we won’t bother you ever again.” All the creatures nodded.
“That’s right,” the ogre agreed.
“Yep,” said the werewolf.
The unicorn nodded vigorously as the bat hung on tight.
“Well, if you promise,” Kayla said.
“Oh, we do. Yes indeedy!” the witch said, clapping her hands.
“Fine,” Kayla said. “Stay here. And don’t touch anything.” She narrowed her eyes and glared at each one. “I’ll get the gecko guts. For that ‘Princess Potion.’ ” The monsters giggled and cheered.
Hmm…gecko guts. What do we have that looks like gecko guts? Kayla quickly gathered instant oatmeal, leftover broccoli from dinner, purple grape juice, and red pepper flakes. She mixed the ingredients with her mother’s potato masher and poured equal amounts into six baggies. Ick. This could definitely pass for gecko guts.
“Here,” she said, handing a bag to each creature. “Don’t forget your promise.”
“A witch’s promise is a witch’s promise!” the hag said, flicking a booger onto the ground and stomping on it as if to seal the deal.
“Uh, yeah. Goodbye then.” Kayla pushed them outside and closed the door.
Ding, dong!
Kayla smoothed her hair, smiled, and opened the door. A teenager, dressed as a Cyclops, stood on the porch. “Is this the place for the kid party?” he asked.
Kayla looked at him from head to foot. “What part of ‘troll’ don’t you people understand?”
Kayla slammed the door and fished her cell phone out of her pocket.
“Mom? How do you feel about dressing up as a troll for my party? You will? Thanks!”
Smiling, Kayla hung up. Frowning, she dialed her phone again.
“Party Monsters, Inc.?” she said. “I have a bone to pick with you.”
the end.
Question Time:
1. Who is Kayla waiting for?
2. Who shows up instead?
3. What does the witch want?
4. What does Kayla do to get rid of all the real monsters?
5. Was Kayla scared of the monsters? Why not?
