Clear For Take-off

Clear for Take-off

MISCHIEF MURPHY CLEAR FOR TAKE-OFF

WRITTEN BY: BRYAN BRAMMER

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TaBlE oF cOnTeNtS

WeLcOmE

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So BoRiNg

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MaMmA mIa

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DaD’s OfFiCe

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LiFt OfF

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ReInFoRcEmEnTs

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SeArCh AnD rEsCuE

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MiSsIoN aCcOmPliShEd...MaYbE

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LaSt OnE sTaNdInG

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BuStEd

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Let the mayhem begin!!

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WeLcOmE Colorville is a small town. It’s the kind of town where everyone knows your name. No one is a stranger and no one is forgotten. Red Road is located smack dab in the middle of town with only one traffic light dangling from a wire. The street is never empty but always filled with smiles. Yes, this is the sort of place where everyone wishes to visit and nobody wants to leave. Colorville is a small town. A busy town. A friendly town. Welcome.

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OnE| sO BoRiNg

Thump.

The silver marble bounced off the wall, hit the dresser and landed on the floor right next to the boy’s head.

Thump.

Another marble, this one orange, followed the same path. It nearly hit the boy in the eye. That was close, he thought to himself.

Thud.

Bull’s eye. The blue marble smacked him in the middle of the forehead. That’s gonna hurt for a little while. Throwing round metal objects in the dark was probably not the best idea.

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Murphy Parks turned his head slightly to the right and watched the marble disappear under his bed and into the black abyss. “Uhhhh…,” he grunted. Murphy violently let the back of his head hit the hard wooden floor in disgust. He placed his right arm over his forehead and closed his eyes. He had to defeat this monster that was haunting his thoughts and dreams. This monster never went away. It was always looking for its next victim. Boredom was its name. “Chuck the Marbles Off the Wall” was the only game that kept Murphy from going crazy. He knew Mom didn’t approve of his newly invented game but he was so incredibly bored. He was trapped. He was doomed. “Murphy! What are you doing?” Mom shouted from downstairs. He had forgotten how easily sound traveled through the house. Plus, Mom had some kind of supersonic hearing ability. If she was on the other side of the world and Murphy sneezed, he would probably receive an envelope in the mail that had a tissue and a card that said, “Bless you!” Yep. That good!

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“Nothing, Mom! Absolutely nothing,” Murphy shouted back. It was the truth. The sunlight was shinning through the bedroom curtains. The blue jays were chirping away in a tree outside the window. It was clearly a beautiful day yet there was nothing to do. Roy and Jake were not going to be home until after lunch and watching the ceiling fan spin around in circles was making him sick. “Well then, what is all that noise?” Mom hollered back.

Man she asks a lot of questions.

Murphy was just a kid. It’s a kid’s job to make noise and worry his parents. It’s not like he was creating a plan to take over the world. “The noise?” Murphy asked. “Yes, Murphy, the noise. The sound of something breaking!” Mother blurted out. Murphy could tell she was greatly annoyed. Either way, he couldn’t help himself. “Ohhhh…that noise. It’s just the sound my brain makes before it explodes. That’s all!” “Tell your brain to be quiet or it’s grounded for a month. Got it?”

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“Got it!” Murphy said without hesitation. He knew responding that way was a bad idea. Murphy always had to have the last word. He reached for his last marble, the black one, and tossed it against the wall. He watched as it slowly rolled under his bed to join his blue friend. “Wonderful,” he whispered. “You just had to throw it one more time didn’t you, Murphy?” Murphy decided to collect the rest of his marbles and put them away. He didn’t stop playing with his marbles because Mom threatened to ground his brain. He stopped because his right arm was really sore from throwing the marbles for so long. Now that he thought about it, he really couldn’t feel his arm anymore. Did my arm fall off? he thought. Oh well.

I’ll get another one later.

Murphy rolled to his right onto his belly. He glanced under the bed. Blackness. “Uhhhh…,” he grunted again.

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He slowly stood to his feet, grabbed his tiny flashlight from his underwear drawer and pressed the black button. A beam of light lit up the entire room. He dropped to his knees and flopped onto his stomach again. He took a second look into the darkness and shinned the flashlight under the bed. A small blue glimmer appeared in the corner where his bed sat against the back wall. “Where are you, you little rascals?” He whispered to his lost marble. Murphy used his hands and feet to slowly slide his body across the wooden floor and under his bed. The blue marble sat between two dust bunnies as the black one was hiding right behind it. He stretched his left arm out and reached as far as he could. Murphy’s finger tips touched the top of the marble. CRASH!! A loud noise came from the other side of the wall. Murphy’s heart leaped out of his chest.

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Oh great! First I lost my arm and now I’ve lost my heart. No worries. I’ll just add it to my “body parts to find” check list.

Murphy’s little sister’s bedroom was located on the other side of his wall. The noise could have woken the dead.

Clickity clack. Clickity clack.

The sound of small paws running past Murphy’s bedroom door echoed through the hall. “Link!! Look what you’ve done!” Murphy’s sister shouted. Murphy used his arms to push himself out from under the bed. He sprang to his feet. Took one step and tripped over those same feet. SMACK! His chubby little face hit the floor.

That’s gonna leave a mark!

“Murphyyyyy…?” Mom called out. “It’s okay Mom. Don’t worry. Nothing is broken,” he responded.

Except for maybe my entire face.

He lifted himself up from the ground and walked toward the door. Murphy peeked into the hallway just in time to see a tiny little

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tail wagging as it disappeared down the stairway. Yep! Link was up to no good alright! The faint sound of someone crying came from his sister’s room. Murphy casually walked down the hall as he rubbed his sore check. He came to a stop and stood in the middle of her doorway. A small stream of red liquid flowed toward his feet and divided between his toes. This “special tea” of his sister’s was dripping from her white tea table and onto the tiled floor below. Blue and yellow plastic tea cups were scattered across the room. Her stuffed animals sat quietly, waiting for their tea. “Hey, Mags,” as he called her. “What’s all the noise? What happened in here?” Maggie slowly lifted her head and looked Murphy straight in the eyes. Her long blond pigtails swayed from side to side. Tears filled her big blue eyes as her face turned pinkish in color. She was trying to fight back her tears. She didn’t want to cry in front of her big brother. I could use a hug right about now, she thought.

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Sniff, sniff.

“Oh… hi, Murphy,” she said. “Sorry for being loud.” Maggie was a gentle and obedient little girl. Her rabbit shaped nose and soft blue eyes made her so innocent. No one could ever blame Maggie Parks for anything. How could you? “No big deal, Mags. Mom yelled at me for it already. Taken care of,” Murphy said in return. “But what happened?” “I was setting up a tea party for my stuffed animals and then Link ran in and jumped on my table. He wrecked everything, Murphy!”

Sniff, sniff. Don’t cry Maggie. I hate seeing you cry.

Being the loving and caring brother that he was, Murphy decided to comfort her. He walked towards his sister, picking up tea cups along the way. “What am I going to do now Murphy? My animals love my special tea,” Maggie whined as she bent over to pick up one of the yellow cups. “Isn’t your tea really just cherry Kool-aid. I mean, that’s really not all that special.”

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Maggie bowed her head and began to cry again.

Good one, Murphy. That probably wasn’t the best choice of words.

He quickly blurted something out that he hoped would brighten her spirits. “Uh… I―I mean… it’s better than special… it’s AWESOME!” A smile slowly formed from Maggie’s pink lips.

Close call. Good job, Murphy. Problem avoided.

“So, Mags… you need something to do, huh?” Murphy asked with a small grin. “Yeah. I guess. I can’t have my tea party anymore,” Maggie answered. “Here’s an idea. You can help me try to find my arm and my heart.” “Huh? That doesn’t make any sense―” “Nevermind. Nevermind. That’s kind of a joke between me and myself,” Murphy responded quickly.

Wow, Murphy. Get a grip!

“I am bored out of my mind, Mags. I need you to help me become… well… unbored.” Maggie raised her left eyebrow at Murphy and looked at him as if he was nuts.

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“Unbored?” She questioned. “I’ve never heard of that word before.” Neither had Murphy. He actually thought about looking the word up in a dictionary.

Come on, Murphy. You were actually thinking about reading a dictionary. You need some serious help.

“My animals will be mad if they miss their tea time,” Maggie said as she placed her hands on her hips and gave Murphy a stare that sent chills down his spine. Maggie had a way of letting him know when she wasn’t happy. Murphy decided not to back down. He slowly leaned in closer and whispered in a quiet voice. “They’re not real. Your animals are big balls of cotton. They can’t eat. They can’t drink. They can’t do anything.” Tears began to fill Maggie’s eyes yet again.

You and your big mouth, Murphy. Say kind and helpful things.

But they look really cool and have pretty colors!” That same bright smile formed on Maggie’s face again.

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“Oh, thank you, Murphy. They are really pretty!”

Pretty? Pretty? Murphy, you just said the word pretty. Oh well. Whatever works. Once again, problem solved.

“Besides, even if they were real, what could they do to you? Stick cotton in your nose? Don’t worry about them. Worry about your big brother. I am going to die of boredom!” Murphy shouted. “Murphy, don’t die!” Maggie exclaimed. “It was another joke, Mags. Settle down. I’m gonna be okay,” he assured her.

Sheesh. Sisters. “Ohhhh…,” Maggie

responded. “That’s good news. But can I at least give my animals their nap first?” Murphy reached down to Maggie and patted her on the top of her head. “Yes, Maggie. You can put them to bed.” Maggie sprang to her feet, wrapped her little arms around her big brother and gave him a hug. She began picking up her stuffed animals one by one while placing them on the hammock made especially for them. It felt like days and months had passed.

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How many animals could a little girl possibly have? It’s like she has her own little zoo right here in her bedroom, Murphy

thought. She gently placed her final animal, Kirby the Kangaroo, in the hammock and walked toward the door. “Goodnight,” she whispered. Maggie hit the light switch and quietly closed the door behind her. Before Maggie could turn around, Murphy lifted her in the air, placed her on his back and started running down the hall. “Let’s go, Mags!” “Yay! Lead the way Cap’n!” Murphy sprinted through the hall and down the stairs. Maggie’s blond pigtails were smacking him across the face. His air supply was running low. Murphy was a chubby little guy so it was hard to breathe and run at the same time. It was hard to breathe and do anything at the same time. Murphy was determined.

Alright, Boredom. Come and get it!!

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TwO| mAmMa MiA! “Weeeeee!! Faster, Murphy! Faster!” Maggie shouted. “I’m going as fast as my short chubby legs will let me,” Murphy shouted back. Murphy turned the corner and headed into the living room. His black gym shorts brushed against the end table nearly knocking off Mom’s favorite lamp.

Slow down, Murphy. Slow down.

He slid half way across the living room.

I should have taken my socks off. This might not end well.

Suddenly, Murphy’s feet were no longer touching the floor. He was airborne. He was superman.

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As he flew through the air, a thought crossed his mind.

Did I forget something?

“Ahhhh…!” A voice came from above.

Oh, that’s right. Maggie was on my back. I wonder where she went? Poof.

Maggie’s body landed on the couch cushions.

There she is.

Maggie let out a soft giggle as Murphy’s body zoomed over the coffee table and headed straight for the floor.

And here I go.

SMACK! It wasn’t hard to guess what that sound was. Yep! That’s the sound of Murphy’s face smashing into the hard wood floor… again.

I wonder if you can break your face twice in one day, he thought. Oh well, it’s better than being bored, that’s for sure.

Murphy’s limp body lay motionless on the floor for about two minutes. “Murphy? Oh, Murphy?” His sister whispered. “Are you okay? What ya doin?” Murphy slowly turned his head to his right and noticed a pair of tiny pink shoes. That

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was as far as he could turn his head. Falling face first on the hard wooden floor must really hurt. He opened his mouth and spoke. “Oh, hey Mags. I just decided to take a short little nap that’s all.” “On the floor?” Maggie asked. “You are acting really weird. Do you feel okay?”

Weird? She gives her stuffed animals a tea party and I’m the weird one?

“Oh no, Mags, I am perfectly okay,” he said. “Then why are you talking to my shoes?” Maggie asked. “I’m up here.” “I know, Mags. I just can’t really move right now,” Murphy responded. “But can you maybe go into the kitchen and get me some ice?” “Why, Murphy? Are you hurt?” Maggie asked. “Uh-uh,” Murphy responded. “I’m just really thirsty. I read in a book somewhere that ice is better for you than water.” Murphy knew water and ice were the same thing. The ice was really for his face. But he couldn’t let Maggie know that he was hurt.

Be brave, Murphy. Be brave.

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“Okay, Murphy. I’ll be right back,” Maggie shouted. Maggie quickly turned around, sprinted past the TV and into the kitchen.

Please hurry, Maggie. I feel pain. Lots of pain.

Murphy’s neck was beginning to hurt. He decided to carefully turn his head back to the left to ease the pain. His chubby checks were now pressed flat against the wooden floor boards. After waiting for a couple of minutes, Murphy heard a noise. It sounded a lot like footsteps but they didn’t sound like Maggie’s. Out of the corner of his eye Murphy saw a tall, thin shadow getting larger and larger.

Oh no. Either Maggie grew two feet taller or this shadow belonged to…

“Murphy Parks, what are you doing young man?”

Mom. This definitely can’t be good.

“Mmmppffff…,” Murphy mumbled. “Turn over, Murphy. I can’t understand a word you’re saying,” Mom commanded. It was hard for Mom to understand what he was trying to say. His teeth were stuck

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to the floor. He rolled over on his back and opened his eyes. Two dark brown eyes were there waiting for him. This was probably the scariest moment in Murphy’s life. He took a deep breath.

Here goes nothing.

“Hey there, Mom. Whatcha doin?” He said with a wide grin. “I asked you first, Murphy.”

Oh… right.

“Uhhhh… I’m just lying here. Taking a little rest,” Murphy answered. “Oh really? Then why did Maggie ask for a bag of ice?” Mom asked while she helped Murphy to his feet. Murphy couldn’t let Maggie and Mom know he was hurt. He was eight years old. Eight year olds aren’t supposed to get hurt.

What to do. What to do. Think. Think. Think.

“Mags and I are doing an experiment and I needed some ice for a test,” Murphy explained. Mom folded her arms and began tapping her right foot.

Tap, tap, tap. Uh Ohhhh…

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She leaned forward and stared straight into Murphy’s soul.

NO! Not the “evil eye.” Don’t look at it Murphy. Look away. Look away.

Mom’s left eye got so big he thought it was going to eat him whole. He couldn’t look. He bowed his head and stared at a dark spot on the wooden floor. “Murphy, what’s really going on? The truth this time.” Murphy lifted his head, brushed the rest of the dust off his gym shorts and scratched his head. He always scratched his head when he was embarrassed. He rolled his eyes toward Mom and Maggie. He took another deep breath.

The truth? Okay.

“Here’s the truth, Mom. My life is lame. I am sooooo bored!” He exclaimed. “I was giving Maggie a piggy back ride and I slipped and fell. Maggie was getting me some ice so my face wouldn’t look like a big red dodge ball.” Murphy’s secret was out. They knew he was in pain.

I tried. I can’t be a hero all the time. “So… can I have that ice?” he asked.

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“Here you go, Murphy,” Maggie said as she handed her brother the bag of ice. “Thanks.” “Well, why didn’t you tell me you were bored? I have plenty of work to do around the house that I need help with,” Mom suggested. Murphy quickly turned his head to look at Maggie. She was already staring at him with a frightened look on her face. He was making the same face.

I’d rather eat broccoli than do all of mom’s work. Cleaning? Yikes!

“So, what’s it gonna be?” Mom asked. “Help me clean or stay out of trouble? Your choice.”

Please, please, please, Murphy. Do something. Get us out of this, Maggie

thought. Murphy’s eyes were scanning the living room. He was trying to find a way out.

Think. Think. Think.

He looked past Mom and noticed the kitchen steps. They led to the guest bedroom on the second floor.

The stairs. Bingo! Murphy, you are brilliant.

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Murphy grabbed Maggie’s left hand and pulled her to his side. He slowly tip-toed around Mom while starring straight at her. What are you up to Murphy? Mom thought to herself. You always have something up

your sleeve don’t you?

“RUN MAGGIE!!” Murphy shouted. Murphy Parks sprinted for the stairs pulling his kid sister behind him. “WALK!” Mom shouted. The kids slowed down to a fast walk half way up the stairs. Murphy glanced over his left shoulder to make sure they weren’t being followed. He and Maggie dashed through the guest bedroom and headed towards the door that led into the hallway. A blue fire truck sat right in the middle of the doorway. Since Murphy already knew he would probably trip over it, he didn’t even try to dodge the toy.

Not again.

SLAM! He landed face first on the carpet floor.

Shouldn’t carpet be softer? That still really hurt.

Maggie caught up with her brother and saw his body spread out on the floor.

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”Murphy? Are you okay?” Maggie asked. “Are you taking another nap?” Murphy pushed himself up off the ground and grabbed Maggie’s elbow. “No, Maggie. Don’t worry about me. Just head straight for my bedroom. I’ll meet you there as soon as I can,” Murphy sternly told his sister. Murphy watched as Maggie entered the hallway. Her blond pig tails flapped up and down as she ran as fast as she could toward his bedroom. Murphy looked back at the door they came through. No Mom. “Ouch!” He said as he winced. “Rug burn.” He kicked the fire truck to the side in anger.

Who would make a blue fire truck anyway? Sheesh.

Murphy took his time walking to his bedroom as he rubbed the rug burn on his elbows. He walked into his room and closed the door. He leaned his back against the door and slid down like a slug until his bottom met the floor. I need some oxygen, he thought.

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Maggie was sitting on his bed patiently waiting for him. “Hey… Mags…,” Murphy said in between breaths. “That was close. Too close,” he told his sister. “Yea! We almost had to do Mom’s chores,” Maggie replied. “We’ll be safe in here for now,” Murphy added. Murphy wanted to make sure the coast was clear one last time. He gently turned the door knob and poked his head out the door. He looked toward the right and then the left. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed something. Dad’s office door was cracked open.

He never leaves it open. I wonder…

“Maggie, I think I have an idea.” “Oh boy,” Maggie said as she rolled her eyes. “Here we go again.” A wide grin formed on Murphy’s face. This was going to be a good day after all. He could feel it.

Okay, Boredom. You’ve met your match. You’re going down!

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ThReE| dAd’S oFfIcE “Follow me, Mags,” Murphy whispered. Murphy reached for the door and extended his fingers. He pushed the door forward.

Creeeeek. Be quiet door.

The two kids tip-toed out of the bedroom, around the corner and down the hall as quietly as they could. “Where are we going?” Maggie asked in a loud voice. “Shhhh…,” Murphy whispered while placing a finger over his lips. “Sorry,” Maggie whispered back.

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Murphy looked down the hall and saw the small opening that lead into Dad’s office. A beam of light peeked through the narrow opening and cast a shadow against the right side of the wall.

Dad is at the bookstore. Why is his door open? Is someone in his office?

“Murphy, what are you doing? You know we’re not allowed―” “Shhhh…,” Murphy interrupted his sister again. This was really strange. Dad always closed his door and turned out the light. “You stay right here, Maggie.”

Time to get to the bottom of this.

“Yes, sir,” Maggie said. “You don’t have to tell me twice!” Murphy walked the rest of the way down the long hall toward Dad’s office. He placed his left hand on the door knob and leaned his back against the door. He took a deep breath.

Here it goes. 1…2…3…

Murphy kicked the door open with the heel of his shoe and formed a fake gun with his fingers. “FREEZE! POLICE!”

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I have always wanted to say that.

“Did you get‘em, Murphy? Did you get’em?” Maggie exclaimed. Nothing. Just a boring old office.

You just told a desk to freeze, Murphy. How embarrassing.

Murphy scratched his head. “Uhhh… I don’t see anyone. I think I scared them off,” he said. “Alright, Murphy! Good job!” Maggie shouted. “You should be a police person.”

Me? Policeman? Officer Murphy. It has a nice ring to it.

“Nah. Too boring,” he told Maggie. Murphy stepped into Dad’s office. The room was not as bright as he thought it should be. He lifted his head and noticed that only the front pair of lights was on. He lowered his head and turned to look at the right side of the wall. No light switch. He turned to his left and saw two light switches on the wall.

Two light switches? Sweet!

He flipped the second switch to the on position. The rest of the room lit up like the Fourth of July.

WOW!

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This was only Murphy’s second time he had been in Dad’s office. The last time was when he was four years old. Dad’s office was nothing like he remembered. “This is so awesome!” Murphy whispered under his breath. Straight ahead was a large desk made out dark wood. It almost looked black. In the right corner stood a tall clock. It had large writing at the top that said, “Bernie’s Grandfather Clocks.”

That’s strange. My grandfather doesn’t look anything like a clock, Murphy thought.

Along the left wall were shelves and shelves of books. Beside the shelves were more books stacked almost to the ceiling.

There must be a gazillion books in here,

Murphy thought. Right beside the door was a long blue sofa big enough for a whole football team to sit on.

Dad’s office is the size of Africa.

“Maggie! Maggie!” Murphy blurted out. “Come here. Check this out!” Murphy didn’t hear anything. He turned his head to look behind him. Maggie wasn’t there. He stepped outside and looked to the

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left. There sat Maggie in the corner curled in a ball, rocking back and forth. “Maggie, what are you doing? Don’t you want to see how cool Dad’s office is?” Murphy asked. “Dad said that we aren’t allowed in his office unless we ask him,” Maggie said with her head dipped toward the floor.

Mmm… she has a point.

“But that doesn’t mean that you aren’t allowed to look,” Murphy said. “Come on. Just take a quick look.” Murphy grabbed his sister’s hand and lifted her to her feet. He carefully walked her to the edge of the doorway. Maggie slowly opened her eyes to take a peek. “WHOA!” Maggie exclaimed. Her eyes moved from side to side glancing at everything in Dad’s office. Murphy nudged her with his elbow to get her attention. “Come on, Maggie. Let’s go inside.” No Answer. Murphy started waving his hands in front of her face. “Maaaagieeee? Hello? Anybody there?” He asked.

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Finally, she blinked. “Huh? Oh… sorry, Murphy. It’s just such a pretty room,” Maggie said.

Pretty? There’s that word again.

“I said… let’s go inside.” “We will get in trouble, Murphy. We need to ask Dad first,” Maggie whinned.

Goody, goody.

“Maggie, Listen,” Murphy said as he grabbed her cheeks and turned her head to look at him. “How can we ask Dad if he isn’t here?” Maggie shrugged her shoulders. “Plus, his door was cracked open and the light was left on. If he didn’t want us in here he would have closed the door and turned the light off,” Murphy said. “I don’t know about this, Murphy,” Maggie said slowly. “But look at all these cool things in his office. There is no way we will be bored,” her big brother explained. “If I’m no longer bored then I’ll be happy and it will be all because of you!” Maggie smiled. “Okay,” Maggie said. “I’ll go in with you. But we better not get in trouble.”

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“We won’t. Trust me. Let’s go!” Maggie reached for Murphy’s hand. Murphy guided his sister towards Dad’s office and they entered in together. The door closed behind them. There was no turning back. Let the adventure begin!

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FoUr| LiFt OfF “Dad’s office smells like apples,” Maggie said. She was right. The smell of apples filled the air. The breeze from the ceiling fan cooled Murphy’s chubby face. Dad’s office was heaven on earth. Murphy felt a slight tug on his t-shirt. “Murphy?” Maggie was trying to get his attention. “What’s up, sis?” He responded. “Are you sure we won’t get into trouble?” Maggie asked. “A lot of this stuff looks very important.”

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“Maggie, Maggie, Maggie. Don’t you worry. Your big brother has it all under control,” Murphy assured his kid sister. “Okay… if you say so,” Maggie said. Maggie inched her way over to Dad’s desk and picked up a colored cube. “Look, Murphy! Dad plays with toys too!” She shouted. “This cube is so pretty. Can I play with it?”

Pretty? Is that the only word she knows?

“Yes. You can play with it. It’s much too easy for me,” Murphy said. Actually, Murphy had the same toy. He always ended up throwing it against the wall because he couldn’t match up all the colors. It was way too hard for him. He couldn’t even tell the difference between the colors. Was it purple or blue? Murphy decided to head straight for Dad’s filing cabinet to see what he could find there. Dad’s cabinet was right beside his wooden desk. “I wonder what’s in this blue cabinet,” Murphy quietly said to himself.

Or is it a purple cabinet?

Murphy noticed that there was a keyhole on every drawer. He decided to try to open

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the first one anyway. Murphy pushed the keyhole button and pulled. It slid open.

Unlocked. Jackpot!!

“Murphy? Murphy?” Maggie called. Murphy could barely hear Maggie calling his name from across the room. His thoughts were consumed with what was inside that drawer. He pulled the drawer out as far as it could go. Murphy noticed a bright red folder in the back. It had one word written at the top: “Finished.” He lifted the folder out of the drawer and placed it on the middle of the desk. Maggie quietly started walking towards the desk. “Murphy, I don’t think we should…” She stopped and stood right beside Murphy. The two kids stared at the papers in the red folder. Numbers, names and charts covered each paper. There were even cool little pictures stamped on the bottom of each one. Maybe Dad is a secret agent, Murphy thought to himself.

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“These look important,” Maggie whispered. “Very important,” Murphy whispered back. “So important, that he doesn’t want anyone else in the whole wide world to know about them.” “But we know about them, Murphy,” Maggie said. “That’s okay. We are his kids. Secret agent’s can tell their kids anything. It’s in the rules,” he replied.

What rules, Murphy? You are making things up again.

“Dad is a secret agent?” Maggie asked. “What’s a secret agent?” “It is like a hero, but way cooler!” Murphy responded. “Ohhhh…,” Maggie explained. “Well, what should we do with the papers?” “Time to ponder,” Murphy said. Murphy had a strange way of thinking and coming up with plans. Maggie slowly backed away and gave her brother his space. She knew what was gonna happen next. Murphy lay down in the middle of Dad’s office and stared at the ceiling fan. He

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spread his legs and arms out as far as they would stretch. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath and started softly singing.

“I don’t like veggies and I don’t like stew! I don’t care for meatloaf or really sticky glue! But I really like tennis balls and origami too! But thinking is the thing I love, so thinking is what I’ll do!” “I’ve got it!” Murphy shouted as he sprang to his feet. “Really, really? What, Murphy, what?” Maggie shouted as she jumped up and down. “Here’s the plan, Mags,” Murphy whispered. “Since these papers are very important we can’t let anyone else see them, right?” “Right!” “And the folder that these papers were in says ‘Finished‘ on it, right?” “Right!” “So… the plan is that we need to get rid of these papers as soon as possible,” Murphy said. “What do you mean?” Maggie asked.

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“I mean, we need to throw them away so they don’t fall into the wrong hands,” Murphy told his sister. “Wrong hands?” She asked. “Yes, Maggie. Wrong hands. The bad guys,” he answered. “But―but—these are Dad’s papers. We can’t just throw them away!” Maggie exclaimed. “The file says ‘Finished’ on it,” Murphy said. “These are papers that Dad is finished with. He just hasn’t gotten rid of them yet. He has been too busy.” “I’m not sure―” “Maggie,” Murphy interrupted. “We have a chance to help Dad with his work. We could maybe even be heroes!” “Me? A hero? WOW!” Maggie said. “I like the sound of that. I guess it couldn’t hurt to help Dad this one time. He does do a lot of things for us.” “Yep, he does,” Murphy said. “And now we can return the favor. What do you say, Mags?” “Let’s do it!” Maggie responded. “That’s what I like to hear, sis!”

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Murphy quickly stood to his feet and grabbed the folder from Dad’s desk. He handed the folder to Maggie as she followed him to the door. He poked his head out into the hall before leaving the office.

No secret bad guys. The coast is clear.

Murphy grabbed his sister’s other hand and sprinted towards the bedroom. Once they were inside, Murphy closed the door and took the folder from Maggie. He placed it on the floor in the middle of the room. He opened the folder and reached for the papers. “I have a great idea,” Maggie exclaimed. “Shhhh…,” Murphy whispered. “Don’t forget, this is a secret mission.” “Oh. Sorry. I forgot,” Maggie whispered back. “What’s your great idea?” he asked. “I thought that since you really liked making things, we could fold Dad’s papers into airplanes and try to fly them into the trash can outside his window.” Murphy just stared at his sister and said nothing. He really liked that idea.

Wow! Maggie is really smart. She must have learned it from her big brother.

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“Why are you staring at me like that?” Maggie asked. Murphy blinked twice, shook his head and answered her. “Oh. Sorry, Mags,” he said. “But that’s the best idea I have ever heard. There is no way we are going to be bored now!” A huge smile formed on Maggie’s face. “Oh, thank you, Murphy!” She said. Maggie knew how much her brother loved making things out of paper. It was called origami. It was his favorite thing to do, other than playing a fun game of paper football. “Let’s see. There are nine pieces of paper,” Murphy said. “One of us makes five paper airplanes and the other one makes four.” “Murphy, you can make five. You are better at it than me.” “Thanks, Mags. Sounds good.” “We should get some stencils to decorate our airplanes,” Maggie suggested. “Great idea once again, Mags.” Murphy said. “The cool designs will also cover up Dad’s name and all of these secret numbers.”

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“Yeah! There’s no way the bad guys will get the secret codes now,” Maggie said. The two children started making paper airplanes one by one. There were fat ones and skinny ones. Ones with circles and ones with triangles. There were even some airplanes with little people inside. After about one hour there were nine really cool paper airplanes. “Murphy, look at this pretty one that I made,” Maggie said.

Pretty. If I hear that word one more time I’m gonna pull my hair out. “I made it for you.”

Oh.

“Thanks, Mags,” Murphy said. “I love it. It is really pret―I mean cool.”

You almost said it, Murphy. Almost. You were that close to saying that dreaded word again.

“Alright, Mags. Let’s take flight!” Murphy said. “Are you ready?” “I’m ready!” Maggie answered. Maggie and Murphy picked up their paper airplanes and walked toward the door. Murphy looked back at Maggie to make sure she was there.

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“Stay right behind me, Mags,” he said. “Stay close.” Murphy reached for the door knob and slowly turned it. He pushed the door open and poked his head out to make sure they were clear. Murphy stepped out into the hallway and waved Maggie along. They walked quickly down the hallway and into Dad’s office. “Maggie, close the door behind you,” Murphy said. “But close it—” BOOM! “—quietly.” “Sorry,” Maggie apologized. “Alright. We’re safe,” Murphy said. “Let’s get to work.” Murphy opened the window and a gust of wind rushed through. He wiped the sweat from his eyes. Murphy sweats a lot. He even sweats when he reads. “Okay, Mags. We are clear for take off. Count us down,” he said. “3… 2… 1… TAKE OFF!” The airplanes flew out the window one by one. They were flying in circles all over the place.

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“Wow! Look at them go,” Maggie shouted. Murphy smiled. It always put a smile on his face when his kid sister was having a good time. There was just one problem. None of the airplanes were flying into the trash can. “We aren’t very good at this, Mags,” Murphy said. “The airplanes are flying everywhere but in the trash can.” The airplanes had to be picked up quickly before somebody else found them. WHOMP! A loud noise came from downstairs.

Was it the bad guys? Bring it! I’ll take you all on, Murphy thought.

“What was that?” Maggie asked. “I’m not really sure,” Murphy answered. “It sounded like…” Suddenly, the sound of footsteps coming up the stairs filled Murphy’s ears. They sounded like really big footsteps.

Thump, thump, thump.

They got louder and louder. The footstep reached the top of the stairs, “Hey guys, I’m home," Dad shouted.

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“Quickly. Get into Dad’s closet,” Murphy told his sister. Murphy closed Dad’s window and shoved Maggie into the closet.

This is gonna be great!

“Murphy, what is going on? What are we doing?” Maggie asked. “Shhhh…,” he told Maggie. Dad is on his way to his office, right?” “Right.” “We are going to wait in here until he opens the filing cabinet. When he sees that the papers in his ‘Finished’ file are gone, we will―” “Jump out and say, SURPRISE!” Maggie said. “Bingo!” Murphy answered. “Now, be quiet. He’s coming.”

Creeeeek.

The door slowly opened as Dad walked into his office. He strolled over to his desk.

Screeeech.

The sound of Dad opening the old filing cabinet filled the room. “Wait for it. Wait for it.” Murphy whispered.

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“Honey?” Dad called for Mom. “Do you know where my folder is that had all my papers for my important meeting next week? I put it right here in the back of my blue filing cabinet.” “The red folder?” Mom asked. “Yea. It says ‘Finished’ on it,” Dad replied. “No, Dear,” Mom answered. “I haven’t seen it.” Maggie and Murphy turned their heads and looked straight at each other. Their big blue eyes met. Their mouths opened wide in shock. Murphy even started to drool a little bit. “Uh-ohhhh…,” they whispered at the same time. Not good. Not good at all.

47

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FiVe| ReInFoRcEmEnTs SLAM! The door shut behind Dad. Maggie and Murphy stormed out of the closet. “Oh no, oh no, oh no!” Maggie said as she paced back and forth.

“Oh no” was right. I have to think of something fast. Think. Think. Think.

“I knew coming in here was a bad idea, Murphy,” Maggie complained. “I just knew it!” Murphy grabbed his sister by the arm and stopped her from pacing back and forth. “Maggie. You need to calm down. I’ll figure a way out of this,” Murphy assured her.

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Are you serious, Murphy? You are more worried than she is.

“But… but… Dad seemed so mad and―” “Maggie. Breathe.” Maggie walked over to Dad’s big sofa chair and plopped down. She twirled one of her pig tails as she started biting her nails. She was scared.

Alright, Murphy. Time to be the big, brave older brother. Think. Think. Think.

Murphy walked over to the sofa and sat down beside his sister.

Don’t just sit there, Murphy. Say something. “Hi…,” he mumbled.

That helped.

“Are we in trouble?” Maggie asked as she fought back her tears. Murphy slowly turned his head to look at his kid sister. He had no clue what to say. Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye Murphy saw the grandfather clock. The time was 12:43 in the afternoon.

Roy. Jake.

“Come on, Mags!” He hopped up from the chair and grabbed Maggie’s arm.

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“Come with me,” he said. The two kids walked toward the door and opened it. Murphy peeked into the hall. Nothing. Coast was clear. “Maggie, I want you to go into my closet, get my mystery bag and meet me in the bathroom.” “What are we doing Mur—“ “Just meet me in the bathroom. Hurry!” “Okay. Okay. I’m going,” Maggie said. Murphy remembered that Roy and Jake got home from soccer camp at 12:00 o’clock. The two kids were going to need their help if they didn’t want to get into trouble. Murphy walked quickly into the bathroom, opened the window and popped off the screen.

Silly screen. What’s it there for anyway?

Thirty seconds later Maggie entered the bathroom carrying Murphy’s mystery bag over her left shoulder.

Thump.

She dropped the bag right on Murphy’s toe. “MMMMMMM!!!” Murphy screamed as he covered his mouth.

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“Sorry! Sorry! Sorry!” Maggie whispered. Murphy took another deep breath, closed his eyes and let the pain slip away.

I think I just lost my big toe. I guess I’ll just add it to the list.

“It’s okay Maggie. We can look for my toe later. I know it was an accident.” Murphy forced a smile so Maggie wouldn’t be upset. “You’re not mad at me?” She asked. “Nope!” Murphy lifted the mystery bag off his toe and sat it near the tub. “What are we doing, Murphy?” Maggie asked. Murphy reached in the bag and began pulling out a long rope made out of bed sheets. “We are going to get reinforcements!” He said. “Re-in-force-ments?” Maggie asked as she raised her eyebrows. “Yep! Reinforcements.” Murphy answered. “That means help. We need more troops!” “Troops?” Maggie asked again.

Mags sure does ask a lot of questions.

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“Okay,” Murphy said as he placed his hands on Maggie’s shoulders. “Dad really needed those papers that we flew out the window, right?” “Right!” “And there are nine airplanes and only two of us, right?” “Right!” “So… we need to get Roy and Jake to help us find all of them.” “Ohhhh…,” Maggie said. “You are pretty smart, bro.” “Why thank you, Mags,” he said. “I do try.” Murphy finished pulling the rope out of the bag. “Mags, help me with this.” “Where did this come from?” Maggie asked. “Did you make this?” “Yep! I told you I was bored,” Murphy answered. Maggie lifted the rope and placed it on the window sill. Murphy tied one end of the rope around the toilet so they could climb down. “Alright, Mags. Push it over.”

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Maggie pushed the other end of the rope out of the window and watched it hit the ground.

Thud.

“Why are we going out this way?” Maggie asked. “That’s a good question,” Murphy said. “Let me get back to you on that one.” Maggie placed her hands on her hips. “That’s not a very good answer, Murphy,” she said. “Yea well, it’s all I’ve got for now,” he said in return. Maggie rolled her eyes. “I’ll go first and then you can follow me,” Murphy instructed her. “I don’t wanna fall,” Maggie said with a shaky voice. “Don’t worry, Mags,” he assured her. “Just go slow and I’ll be waiting for you. You’re gonna do great!” The bathroom was located on the first floor so it wasn’t very high. But Maggie was still scared. Murphy picked up the mystery bag and threw it out the window. He grabbed the rope and carefully lowered himself down.

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Thump.

Well he tried to lower himself down. But that didn’t go as planned. Wow! That’s some hard grass, he thought to himself. He slowly picked himself up from the ground and looked back up toward the window. “Your turn, Mags.” “Okay… Here I come.” Maggie grabbed the rope as tight as she could. She didn’t move. “Come on, Maggie. Nice and easy,” her brother encouraged. “My hands are slipping, Murphy,” she said. I can’t hold on any longer!” “Okay. Okay. Just jump,” Murphy said. “I promise I’ll—

Thump. Ouch!

Maggie landed right on Murphy’s belly. She knocked the air out of him.

Can’t. Breathe.

“Uhhhh…,” he moaned. “Oh, Murphy. I am so sorry,” Maggie apologized. “I don’t mean to keep hurting you!”

54

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Oh boy. I think my belly button just popped off.

“Uhhhh…,” Murphy moaned again. “It’s fine, Mags. Just give me a second.” He gradually sat up and took a deep breath. “Alright. I’m good to go,” he said. Maggie bent over and helped him to his feet. Murphy walked over to the large oak tree and leaned against it. “Here’s our plan,” he said. “You need to get Roy and take him to the middle island, okay?” “Okay.” “I am going to get Jake and we will meet you guys there as soon as possible,” he told her. “Got it?” “Got it!” She said. Maggie gave her brother a hug and ran straight to Roy’s house.

She sure likes giving hugs.

“See ya soon,” he said. “Hurry!” “Bye!” She shouted back. Murphy quickly grabbed his mystery bag and started running towards Jake’s house as fast as he could. Jake lived right across the street.

55

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He arrived at Jake’s house and took a seat on his front porch. Murphy was exhausted.

Can’t breathe. Need air.

He suddenly remembered the water bottle that was in his mystery bag. Murphy reached into the bag and pulled out a bright blue water bottle that was covered in stickers. He twisted off the cap and poured the entire bottle on his head. ”Ahhhh…! That feels good,” he whispered. He was ready to go! Murphy stood up and knocked on Jake’s door as hard as he could. The door opened and Jake stood in the door way with a mouth full of bologna sandwich. Murphy grabbed his arm and looked him straight in the eye. “Come with me. Don’t ask questions,” he said. “Murphy, what—“ “Less talkin, more walkin,” he told Jake. Jake turned around to close his front door. “Bye, Mom,” he shouted. “I’ll be back later.”

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He closed the door and the two boys headed straight for the middle island. After almost being ran over by a redheaded girl on a bike, the kids finally reached the middle island. Maggie and Roy were there waiting. The middle island was a place where all four of the gang had their special meetings. It was a big grass field with one tree that had a tire swing hanging from one of its limbs. “Murphy, what are we doing here?” Roy asked. “I was eating my grilled cheese sandwich with pickles.” “Yea!” Jake responded. “And I was eating my favorite bologna and popcorn sandwich.” “First of all, that’s disgusting!” Murphy said. “Second, the reason I have called this meeting is to tell you that we have a secret mission to accomplish.” “Whoa!!” Roy said. “What kind of secret mission?” “A search and rescue mission,” Murphy whispered.

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SiX| sEaRcH aNd ReScUe “Oh. That’s’ it?” Jake asked. Jake didn’t seem too excited about the mission. Then again, Jake really didn’t get excited about much. He always looked like he was falling asleep. He was a tall, lanky kid with brown hair and a long face. “That’s it?” Murphy exclaimed. “Are you kidding me? This is going to be a really tough mission!” “But what are we searching for?” What are we rescuing?” Jake asked. He didn’t really move his mouth much when he spoke. He was kinda lazy.

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“I think we need to search and rescue my arm,” Roy said. “I think Maggie ripped it off when she pulled me out of my house.” “Sorry…,” Maggie frowned. “But Murphy told me to hurry.” “You don’t have to be sorry, Mags,” her brother said. “This is important! Don’t worry about your arm, Roy. I need another one too. We can get them later.” “Huh? But I can see ―” “Nevermind, Roy. Nevermind!” Murphy said as he shook his head side to side.

Am I the only one who thinks I’m funny?

“Guys, we are gonna be in so much trouble,” Maggie sighed. “We have to think of something.” “I still don’t know what we are talking about,” Jake responded. “Me neither. I am so confused,” Roy exclaimed. Murphy lifted both of his hands into the air and yelled in a loud voice. “AVALANCHE!!” It was the first word that popped into his head. He decided to shout it to see what would happen. Everyone got silent and stared at Murphy.

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Sweet. It worked.

“Alright. Here’s the story.” Murphy began telling Roy and Jake about everything that had happened that morning. He told them about being bored and losing body parts. He also told them about finding Dad’s papers and flying them out the window. “So, after we heard that Dad still needed those papers for his important meeting, Maggie and I ran to get you guys and here we all are,” Murphy concluded. “Got it?” “Got it!” Roy said. “I’m sleepy,” Jake answered. “Are you serious?” Murphy shouted as he grabbed Jake’s shoulders and shook him. Maggie and Roy just rolled their eyes. “I mean… got it,” Jake responded again. “Something about a board, a body and your dad flying out the window, right?” “Nevermind, Jake,” Murphy said. “Just do what we do.” “Okay.” Murphy decided that he would explain everything to Jake later. But right now the gang had to get moving. They needed a plan. “What do we do, Murphy?” asked Roy.

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Murphy plopped down into the tire swing and started humming his “Thinking Song.” “Murphy, what are you―” “Shhhh…,” Maggie interrupted Jake. “He is in his thinking place. Don’t bother him.”

Good job Mags.

Murphy can’t be bothered when he is in his thinking place. He needed complete silence. Just he and his brain. Suddenly, Murphy sprang to his feet. “Oh snap! I’ve got it!” he shouted.

Oh snap? What does that mean? Oh well.

“What, Murphy, What?” Maggie asked as she jumped up and down. “Here’s the plan.” Murphy picked up a small stick and walked over to the small patch of dirt that the neighborhood kids used for homeplate during their summer baseball games. He started to draw a map on the ground. “Roy and Maggie, I want you guys to search the right side of the house near the water hose and the backyard. Got it?” “Got it!” They both answered. “Now, Jake and I will search the left side of the house near the pine trees and the front yard. Okay?”

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Jake pointed at the map Murphy drew on the ground. “So… whose house is this?” He asked. Murphy slowly rubbed the side of his head. It was starting to hurt. “This is my house, Jake. Remember?” Murphy asked. “You are my friend and you are helping me with a mission.” “Got it!” Jake said. I doubt it, Murphy thought. “Where do we meet you guys when we have found the airplanes?” Roy asked. Roy was a lot like Murphy. Short, chubby and always loved a challenge. His hair was a little bit darker than Murphy’s and it was cut so it looked like an upside down salad bowl. He was Murphy’s right hand man. “Meet us at the mailbox at the bottom of the driveway in one hour,” Murphy answered. “Alright. Now bring it in.” Whenever the kids left the middle island after an important meeting, they always circled around each other and placed each of their hands on top of one another. “Okay you guys, let’s do this,” Murphy said with confidence. “Me, Maggie, Roy and J― where’s Jake?”

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Jake had wondered off and was trying to chase a squirrel up the tree.

I need to get that kid a leash.

“JAKE!!” Roy shouted. “Yea?” He answered as he turned around and noticed they were waiting on him. “Oh, sorry. I’m coming.” Jake ran over and placed his hand in the middle of the circle. “On the count of three… 1… 2… 3…” “SOFT PRETZELS!!” ~~~~~~ Maggie and Roy ran straight for the backyard. Jake and Murphy sprinted towards the front of the house. The search was on. Now they just needed to rescue. Maggie and Roy rescued a couple of airplanes right away. “Roy, look!” Maggie exclaimed. “I found an airplane on the top of the slide!” “Great job, Maggie!” Roy shouted. “I just found another one right here in the sandbox!”

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“This is awesome! We just started and we have already found two of Dad’s papers,” Maggie said. “Let’s keep looking,” Roy suggested. Meanwhile, Jake and Murphy were also having good luck in finding the airplanes. “Hey Murphy, I found this bird’s nest,” Jake said. Murphy looked into the tree and saw an oriole bird’s nest. Inside the nest was also one of the paper airplanes. “Well that’s good, Jake. But you also found a paper airplane,” Murphy told him. “Ohhhhh… you’re right. Man, I’m really good at this,” Jake responded.

Just smile and nod, Murphy. Smile and nod.

Murphy quickly found another airplane stuck in the basketball net in the drive way. Things were looking good. Forty minutes had passed and Murphy and Jake had found four paper airplanes. They decided to call it quits and head for the mailbox to wait for Maggie and Roy. Hopefully, they had found the other five.

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Jake and Murphy arrived at the mailbox and saw that Maggie and Roy were already there waiting. “Hi Murphy,” Maggie welcomed. “Look! We found four paper airplanes.” “That’s great work guys. Jake and I also found four airplanes,” Murphy said. “Four and four makes eight,” Roy said. “We are still missing one airplane.” “Oh no, Murphy! What are we going to do?” Maggie asked with fear in her voice.

Yeah, Murphy. What are we gonna do? Think. Think. Think.

“Okay,” Murphy said in a soothing voice so that Maggie would calm down. “While I think of another plan, I want you guys to open the airplanes and try to get the wrinkles out of Dad’s papers.” “Good idea,” Roy said. “We need to make sure they look like they were never folded.” Murphy walked passed the mailbox and sat down on the curb along the sidewalk. He placed his elbows on his knees and rested his checks on the palms of his hands.

Where is that last airplane? We looked everywhere.

65

Clear for Take-off

Murphy just stared at his shoe laces and kicked pieces of gravel into the middle of the road. He was thinking as hard as he could but nothing came to mind. Suddenly, a pair of red tennis shoes was staring up at him. He snapped out of his daze and tilted up his head. Roy was standing in front of him holding out what looked like a piece of paper. It was slightly wrinkled and completely blank. Murphy turned to his right only to see Jake and Maggie staring in his direction. Murphy looked back at Roy. “Are these…” Murphy’s voice fell silent.

It couldn’t be. No way!

“Yes, Murphy,” Roy said slowly. ”These are the paper airplanes we found.” “But they are blank!” Murphy protested. “That can only mean one thing.” “You’re right,” Roy said. “These are not Dad’s papers.”

66

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SeVeN| mIsSiOn AcCoMpLiShEd... MaYbE “I think I’m gonna be sick!” Maggie said as she bent over forward. “Yeah me too,” Jake said. “That bologna and popcorn sandwich didn’t like my stomach.” “I don’t mean like that, Jake,” Maggie responded. “Oh, here comes Roy and Murphy. I think they have good news.” Maggie’s eyes watched the two chubby boys sprint towards them. Or bad news, Maggie thought. “Murph—“ “I know. I know, Maggie. This isn’t good at all,” Murphy said with panic in his voice. “Not good at all,” Roy echoed.

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“We need to retreat back to the middle island,” Murphy said. “Hurry. We don’t have much time!” Murphy noticed two small tear drops falling down from his kid sister’s right eye. She was not taking this well. He walked over to Maggie and gently placed his hand in hers and wiped the tears away. “You ready?” he asked. Maggie nodded her head slowly. Murphy and Maggie took off for the middle island as fast as they could. “Murphy!” Roy hollered. “We forgot Jake.” Not again, Murphy thought. Murphy and Maggie ran back towards the mailbox and stopped right beside Roy. “Jake! Jake!” Maggie shouted. “What is he doing, Murphy?” Jake was standing in the middle of the street staring straight into the sky. He was watching something. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a small paper airplane fell at Murphy’s feet. Then another one. Followed by two more paper airplanes. The three children lifted their heads to catch a glimpse at what Jake was watching.

68

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Paper airplanes filled the sky above flying every which way. Blue, red, white and orange airplanes were dancing above their heads. “WOW!” Maggie whispered. “They are everywhere,” Roy exclaimed. Murphy slapped his forehead with the palm of us hand.

How could I forget.

“Today is the Colorville Air Show!” Murphy shouted. “That’s right,” Roy said. “But I didn’t think it started until 2 o’clock.” He looked at his football watch. It read 2:02pm. “Ah, nuts!” Roy shouted. “The airplanes we found must have come from the Air Show,” Murphy said. “They flew all the way into our yard.” “But where did our airplanes go?” Maggie asked. “I have no idea,” Murphy answered. “But they are here some where.” Murphy ran towards Jake. Maggie and Roy followed. “Good job, Jake,” Murphy said. “I don’t know how you do it but you always seem to find the answer.”

69

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“Huh?” Jake grunted. “Nevermind,” Murphy said as he shook his head. “Hey, Murphy. I think I have a plan,” Roy said. “We need to collect all of the airplanes and unfold them until we find Dad’s papers.” Good idea, Roy, Murphy thought. “Um, Murphy?” Maggie spoke up. “Shouldn’t we just get the white airplanes?”

An even better idea.

“Now we’re thinking!” Murphy said. “You guys are incredible.” Roy and Maggie turned to each other and smiled. “Let’s go!” Murphy said. The four friends ran every which way finding the white paper airplanes and opening them up one by one. The kids were unfolding airplanes faster than they would unfold a chocolate candy bar. One. Two. Three of Dad’s papers. Four. Five. Six. They were on a roll. Seven. Eight of Dad’s nine important papers. “We’ve found eight papers. One more to go, guys!” Murphy shouted. “I’m all done unfolding,” Roy said. “Me too,” Maggie repeated.

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“I’m all done too,” Murphy echoed. “Jake, how are you coming along? Jake?” “Murphy, look?” Maggie said as she pointed across the street. Jake was once again staring off into outer space. And once again he was staring at something up above. “Come on, guys,” Murphy said as he waved his two friends along. “Maybe, Jake found something again.” The three kids stopped right next to Jake. He was looking at something on the top of the roof. “Jake, what are you looking at?” Murphy asked. “Who me?” Jake responded. “Yes, you. Your name is Jake, right?” Murphy responded. “Why yes it is,” Jake answered. “I’m just looking at that cool looking paper airplane on the top of the roof. It’s white just like the one we are still looking for.” “That is the airplane we are looking for, Jake!” Roy exclaimed. “The last one we need!” “Great job!” Maggie shouted as she hugged Jake. “You found the last airplane!”

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“I sure hope so,” Roy said. “Guys, I’m not sure if you have noticed but that roof is really tall and we are really short,” Murphy said. “How are we gonna get it down?” “We need to think fast,” Maggie commented. “We are running out of time!” Their mission was far from over!

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EiGhT| lAsT oNe StAnDiNg “That’s one really tall roof,” Jake said. “I’d like to know how it got up there,” Roy commented. ”That’s kinda strange.” “I’d like to know how we are going to get it down from there,” Murphy said. “We need to use team work,” Maggie exclaimed. “I agree, Maggie,” Murphy said. “Let’s all think as hard as we can.” Murphy, Maggie and Roy all sat down in a circle on the soft green grass. They leaned back and stared up at the clouds. If this helped Murphy think of great ideas, maybe it would work for the rest of them.

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Three minutes passed. Then five. Seven. 10 minutes had passed since they had reclined on the grass. Suddenly, Roy sat straight up. “I’ve got it!” he shouted. “We need to be as tall as the roof!” “How do we do that?” Maggie asked. ”We sit on each other’s shoulders, duh,” Roy responded. “The person at the top will reach up and grab the airplane. Problem solved!” Murphy added. “Yea and we can put Maggie at the top because she is so small,” Roy said. “Nooooo way!” Maggie shouted. “Not me. That’s too dangerous.” “But Maggie, we won’t—“ “No, Roy. She’s right,” Murphy said. “We need to be safe.” “Fine. But at least I had an idea,” Roy protested. Just then, a muffled coughing sound came from the other side of the circle. It sounded a lot like a dog barking into a pillow. It was Jake. Go figure. “Jake! What in the world are you doing?” Murphy asked.

74

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Jake was lying face down on the grass with his hands spread out on the ground above his head. It sounded like he had something caught in his throat. “I… mmmhhmm… some… hummunna,” Jake mumbled into the grass. “We can’t understand what you are saying,” Roy said. “Roll over.” Jake slowly turned to his right and onto his back staring straight up at the clouds. He began to cough harder and louder. He sat up and coughed some more. “Are you okay?” Maggie asked. Jake raised his left hand, opened his mouth and pointed to the back of his throat.

Cough, cough.

“Murphy! Jake’s choking!” Maggie shouted. “Help him!” Murphy jumped up and ran towards Jake. As soon as he reached his friend, Jake coughed up a blade of grass.

Cough, Cough.

“Are you okay, buddy?” Murphy asked, “I think so,” Jake replied as he caught his breath. That didn’t taste that bad, Jake thought.

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“But could I maybe get a drink of water?” he asked. “Here, Jake.” Maggie walked over to Jake and handed him a bottle of water. Jake took the bottle, raised it to his mouth and took two big sips.

Gulp. Gulp.

“Ahhhh…,” Jake whispered. Murphy watched Jake place the water bottle on the ground. He noticed that the water bottle was covered in stickers.

Wait a second. Is that my water bottle?

“Maggie!” Murphy shouted. “Were did you get that water bottle?” “I got it from your mystery bag,” she answered. “You left the middle island without it, so I grabbed it.” “Maggie, you did it!” He exclaimed. “Now we can get the final airplane!” “We can?” Roy asked. “YES! Look inside and pull out Dad’s leaf blower,” Murphy said. “Leaf blower?” Roy questioned. “But how in the world—“ “Just look,” Murphy interrupted.

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Roy opened the bag, reached in with both of his hands and slowly pulled out a black and red leaf blower. “No way!” Maggie said. “This is a mystery bag!” Roy exclaimed. “I never knew you had this. Where did you get it?” “I’m not sure,” Murphy said. “I found it in my closet one day. It was kind of a mystery.” Murphy smiled at Roy. Roy turned and smiled at Maggie. Maggie turned and smiled at Jake. Jake turned and smiled at the mailbox. Strange kid. Murphy took the leaf blower from Roy’s hands and walked ten steps back from the front of the house. He pointed the leaf blower towards the roof and flipped the switch. The leaf blower hummed softly. The paper airplane flew into the air and headed straight down. It landed on top of one of the hedges right beside the basketball hoop. Maggie sprinted over to the hedge, grabbed the airplane and quickly unfolded it. “This is it!” She screamed.

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“Great work everybody!” Murphy said. “But our mission isn’t over yet. We still need to get these upstairs before Dad finds out we took them.” “Alright!” Roy said. “Let’s go!” “No, Roy,” Murphy said. “This is something that Maggie and I have to do. Alone.” “But—“ “Trust me, Roy. We have to fix this. It is our fault,” Murphy said. Roy lowered his head. He was disappointed. He was Murphy’s right hand man. He wanted to help. “Okay,” Roy said with a frown on his face. “But let me know how it goes as soon as possible. Deal?” “Deal.” Roy and Jake took off towards Roy’s house. Murphy gathered the rest of the papers and put his arm around his sister’s shoulders. “Come on, Mags. Let’s get this over with.”

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NiNe| BuStEd Murphy slowly tip-toed underneath the porch as Maggie followed closely behind. They stopped right beside the screen door and pressed their backs against the brick wall. Mom was in the kitchen having a snack. They couldn’t go that way Nuts, Murphy thought. They quickly ran past the screen door around the corner of the house and stopped right before they reached the front door. Murphy looked into the living room only to find Dad sitting on his blue lazy-boy chair watching the ball game. Another dead end.

Nuts.

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“What do we do, Murphy?” Maggie whined. “Give me a second, Mags,” he replied.

Think. Think. Think. Bingo! “We need to distract Mom and Dad,”

Murphy said. “Do you trust me, Maggie?” “What do you mean?” Maggie asked. “Do you trust me?” “Yes, of course.” “Good.”

Here goes nothing.

Murphy reached over and pinched his sister on the arm, turned around and ran away. Tears quickly filled Maggie’s eyes and she let out a loud cry. “Owwww,” she screamed. “Ahhhh. It hurts!” I trust you Murphy, she told herself. Murphy ran straight for the shed located on the side of the house to take cover. He could hear Maggie crying from inside.

I am so sorry Maggie. It was the only way.

Murphy watched the side porch door. Mom threw the door open and ran for the front of the house where Maggie was.

Perfect.

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Murphy opened the shed door and bolted for the inside of the house. He ran to the other side of the kitchen and saw the stairs that lead to the guest bedroom.

That’ll work.

He turned the corner near the kitchen table and headed for the stairs. CLANG!

Ouch!!!

Dog food was everywhere. Murphy had kicked over Link’s food dish and spilled his water all over the kitchen floor.

I’ll pick that up later. No big deal. “WOOF! WOOF!”

Link heard the noise and came running into the kitchen from the other room. “BARK! BARK”!

Oh great!

“Shhhh, Link,” Murphy whispered “You are going to get me caught.” “WOOF! WOOF!” “Link!!! Be quite!” He shouted. Suddenly, Murphy heard a familiar sound.

Creeeeek.

The front door opened and Murphy knew he was in big trouble.

What to do. What to do.

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Murphy frantically looked around the kitchen trying desperately to find something, anything that would help him stay out of trouble.

Nothing.

A sound of a little girl crying got closer and closer. Dad walked into the kitchen followed by Mom holding Maggie in her arms. They did not look happy at all. “Oh. Hey there Mom. Dad. Maggie,” Murphy said. “Hello, Murphy,” Dad said sternly. Not good, Murphy thought. “What’s wrong with Maggie? Why is she crying?” Murphy asked. “Well, she told your mother and me that she got stung by a bee,” Dad said. ‘But we didn’t find a stinger.” “Are you saying that you think Maggie lied?” Murphy responded. “No. We just know that you were the last one with her. We think you had something to do with all of this.”

Oh, they were good.

“Uh—well—I was just going up stairs to uh—get my baseball mitt so I could throw

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with Roy,” Murphy said as he stumbled over his words. “Really? Then what is that in your hands?” Mom asked. Murphy put his hands behind his back trying to hide the papers. “Oh. Nothing,” he said. “Just some trash. I was gonna throw it away upstairs when I went to get my mitt.”

Good save, Murphy.

“There is a trash can down here, Murphy,” Mom said. “Yeah, but this one smells really bad,” he said. “The trash can upstairs has those bags that smell like vanilla. I like those better.” Murphy’s Dad placed Maggie on the kitchen floor. Maggie walked over to Murphy and whispered. “Sorry.” Brother and sister stood side by side staring at the floor. There was no way out. “Murphy,” Dad said. “We want the truth. No more lying.” “It’s too long of a story,” Murphy said. “Maybe we can talk about it some other time.” “No, Murphy. Now!”

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Murphy scratched his head. For the next five minutes, Murphy told Mom and Dad everything that happened. From going into their Dad’s office to lying about why Maggie was crying. It was not a fun story to tell. “But we just wanted to help you Daddy,” Maggie protested. “You do so much for us. We wanted to do something for you.” “That is very sweet of you two,” Mom replied. “But what would help us the most is if you obeyed us and told us the truth.” “Do you understand?” Dad said. “Yes,” Murphy said. “Yes,” Maggie echoed. The two children walked over and gave their parents a hug. “Oh, Murphy. Why do you get into so much mischief?” Mom asked.

Mischief? What did she call me?

“Huh? What did you call me?” “Yeah. What did you call him,” Maggie said as she pointed at Mom. She was sticking up for her big brother. “Haha!” Mom and Dad laughed.

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“I didn’t call you anything, Murphy,” Mom said. “I just asked why you get into so much mischief.” “Mischief? What is that?” Murphy asked. “Trouble. No matter what you do, you are always getting you and your sister into sticky situations,” Dad answered. “I think we should change your name to Mischief Murphy. How does that sound?” Cool. I like it, Murphy thought. “Mischief Murphy? I like it!” Murphy said. “Me too!” Maggie added. “Anyway, you know what happens now, right?” Dad asked. “Sure do,” Murphy said. “We forget this ever happened and we go back outside and play.” “Wrong,” Mom replied. “I know. I know,” Murphy said. “We walk to our rooms, stay in there all weekend and think about what we did wrong.” “We did a lot wrong today, huh?” Maggie added. “Yes you did. But we know you are sorry for what you did and you will try not to do it anymore,” Mom said. “Right!’ Said Maggie

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“Right,” said Murphy. “WOOF! WOOF!” Said Link. “Come on, Link. Let’s go to our room,” Murphy said. “Don’t worry. I’m not mad at you.” Maggie grabbed Link and followed Murphy up the kitchen stairs and through the guest bedroom. “I’m sorry I pinched you, Maggie,” Murphy apologized. “It did really hurt,” she said. “But I know you were only trying to protect me.” Murphy grabbed his sister’s arm, raised it to his lips and kissed the spot where he pinched her. “Better?” “Much better!” The two kids entered their rooms. Murphy to his room and Maggie to hers. They both lay down on their beds and closed their eyes. It had been a long and exciting day.

Tink, tink. Tink, tink. Murphy sat up.

Tink, tink. Tink, tink.

Murphy jumped off his bed and walked to his window. He looked out and saw Roy

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throwing pieces of gravel at his window. Jake was there and he was chewing on a blade of grass. Murphy leaned to his side and knocked on the wall that stood between his room and Maggie’s. Murphy opened the window. “Hey guys!” he said. Hey, Murphy!” Roy said. Maggie’s window burst open. “His name is Mischief Murphy,” Maggie exclaimed. “Mischief means trouble.” “Pretty cool huh? It’s my new nickname,” Murphy said. “Yeah!” I like it,” Roy said. “Who is Murphy?” Jake asked. I think this kid needs to see a doctor, Murphy thought. “Let me guess. You guys got caught,” Roy said. “Bingo!” Murphy said. “Now we are grounded all weekend.” “Oh stink! You’re gonna miss the rest of the town Air Show,” Roy said. “But Jake and I will get you guys one of those colored paper airplane.”

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Murphy and Maggie turned and looked at one another. “No thanks!” Maggie said. “Yea. No thanks!” Murphy said. “I don’t want to see another paper airplane for a looooong time.” Maggie and Murphy closed their bedroom windows as their two friends walked off to the Colorville Air Show. Murphy plopped his body down on his waterbed and thought about the events of the day. Boredom showed up. Boredom put up. But by the end of the day, Boredom was shut-up. Murphy placed his head on his feather pillow. He stared at the bag of marbles next to his alarm clock. He thought about throwing them against the wall.

Nah.

Mischief Murphy closed his eyes and slowly drifted into his dreams. He dreamed of everything that afternoon. Everything but paper airplanes.

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