Junie B. Jones Is a Graduation Girl - Barbara Park [7]
“All rightie, Grampa,” I said. “You can put this back on the ’frigerator now, please.”
Then I smiled real big.
Because guess what else?
He did!
Room Eight and Room Nine practiced for graduation together.
We practiced on the stage in the auditorium. ’Cause a stage is where people get diplomas, of course!
Mrs. showed everyone how to walk up the steps without tripping. She played music for us to march in with.
And guess what?
Room Nine marched better than Room Eight. Except Paulie Allen Puffer kept bowing real silly. And Lynnie kept stepping on people's heels. Plus shy William ran out of the auditorium. And down the hall. And Gus Vallony had to chase him around the parking lot.
After that, Principal talked to William a real long time. Plus also, his mother was called in, I believe.
“I am not like William,” I told Lucille and Grace. “I am not even nervous of walking up on that stage, hardly.”
“Me neither,” said that Grace. “I am not nervous of walking up on that stage, hardly, either.”
Lucille fluffed her fluffy hair. “My nanna says that I was born to be on the stage,” she said. “Nanna says that people enjoy looking at me. Because I am a feast for their eyes.”
After that, Lucille wrinkled her nose very cute. And she skipped around and around in a circle.
Grace and I watched her for a real long time.
Then, finally, Lucille stopped skipping. And all of us hugged and hugged.
’Cause we are the bestest three friends I ever even saw.
Graduation week went by very fast.
Friday night came in a jiffy. I felt so excited, I couldn't even eat my dinner that good.
I got down from my chair. And I ran and ran all over the house.
“Settle down,” said Daddy.
“Settle down,” said Mother.
“Settle down!” I hollered.
Then I laughed real loud. ’Cause I am a hoot, that's why!
Finally, it was time to go.
Mother got my graduation box off the top of the ’frigerator.
I jumped up and down.
“Let me carry that, Mother! Please, please, please? I want to carry my box to Room Nine myself. ’Cause that's where all of us are getting dressed.”
Mother handed me the box.
Then Daddy said, “Settle down” again. And all of us drove to my school.
Grampa and Grandma Miller met us in the parking lot.
I hugged them hello. Then I zoomed to Room Nine speedy fast.
And guess what?
All of the children from morning and afternoon kindergarten were getting ready together!
I ran through the door. “IT'S ME, PEOPLE! IT'S JUNIE B. JONES! I AM HERE FOR GRADUATION!”
Lucille and Grace came rushing over.
They were already wearing their caps and gowns. And they looked marvelous, I tell you!
“Hurry up, Junie B.,” said Lucille. “Hurry up and put on your cap and gown. Our teacher is going to take our picture.”
“Yes!” said that Grace. “Hurry! Hurry!”
She quick grabbed my box away from me. And she took out my cap and gown.
Grace did a gasp.
“Oh no, Junie B.! What happened?” she said. “What happened to your cap and gown?”
My stomach felt squeezy and sickish. ’Cause that outfit looked spottier than I remembered.
“Put it down, Grace,” I said. “Don't show people. I don't want anyone to notice.”
Lucille laughed very loud.
“But that's so dumb, Junie B.,” she said. “How could people not notice? You colored big purple splotchies all over your graduation clothes.”
I did a huffy breath at that girl.
“Those are not big splotchies, Lucille,” I said. “Those are purple polka dotties that I drew to blend in my juice driblets. And that is a whole different ball game, madam!”
Just then, some of the children heard me yelling. They turned to look.
“Great, Lucille,” I said. “Now look what you did. You called attention to myself! And so now how can I even blend in?”
After that, I quick grabbed my graduation gown. And I ran to the back of the room.
Just then, I heard a voice.
“Junie B. Jones?”
I looked to the front of the room.
It was my teacher.
Mrs. stretched her neck to look back at me. “Is there a problem back there, Junie B.?” she asked.
I shook my head real fast.
“No, Mrs.! No!” I said. “There isn't a problem. I promise! And so please