My Life as a Cartoonist by Janet Tashjian Page A

one of those jerks who tortures other kids in his class.”
    â€œWell, you did.”
    He nods in agreement. “Maybe I was just nervous about being new and having to start from scratch in the friend department.”
    I try to make sense of what he’s saying, but it’s hard. “If you were anxious about making friends, wouldn’t it be easier to be NICE?”
    Umberto looks at me, then bursts out laughing. “I guess I’m not used to doing things the easy way.”
    â€œObviously.” I start laughing too. “I mean, we had drawing in common. And cartoons!”
    pounce
    We finish the rest of the chocolate-covered almonds and head back outside. I carry Bodi and hold open the door with my hip. My parents suddenly appear out of nowhere as if waiting to pounce.
    I introduce Umberto to my dad, who shakes his hand, then gets behind his chair, helping Umberto down the steps to the driveway with Minnie tagging along behind.
    â€œI’m sorry there’s no handicap access,” Dad apologizes.
    renovate
    My mom explains she’s been saving up to renovate and points to the side of the building where a ramp will lead to her office. She’s being nice, but not overly nice, and I know it’s because of how mean Umberto’s been to me. But now he’s the reason my dog is still alive and I’m ready to forgive and forget.
    My father lifts Umberto’s wheelchair up the steps to our kitchen while I carry Bodi. Umberto’s face lights up when he sees my monkey. “Live and in person, it’s Super Frank!”
    I take Frank out of his cage and gently hold him toward Umberto. Minnie isn’t as excited as Umberto to meet Frank and begins to bark. Umberto reaches down and picks Minnie up to safety in his lap. I tell Umberto I’d like to show him what Frank can do.
    navigate
    Thankfully, our doorways are wide enough for Umberto to navigate. He follows me to the den, where I demonstrate Frank’s skills with opening and retrieving DVDs. When I show him the monkey college DVD, Umberto watches in amazement.
    â€œI KNEW you’d think this was cool,” I say. “I wanted to show you this the first day we met.”
    â€œI was stupid,” Umberto admits. “And I’m really sorry.”
    I keep checking on Bodi, who still seems tired. I don’t want to think about how close I came to losing him today.
    After a while, I go upstairs and bring down my markers and several pads. Umberto and I spend the rest of the afternoon doing what we should’ve done from Day One—making each other laugh with our drawings.

You’re Friends with WHO?
    skeptical
    Throughout the day, I violate school policy and text my mother a thousand times to check on Bodi. She tells me he’s fine and to get back to class. Both Carly and Matt are concerned about Bodi and shocked that Umberto was the one who helped save him.
    As expected, the word skeptical doesn’t begin to describe Matt and Carly when I tell them Umberto and I hung out at my house for the rest of the day.
    â€œYou got detention because of him!” Carly says.
    â€œHe totally copied your cartoons,” Matt adds. “He gave you a stupid nickname.”
    â€œWe kind of had fun,” I say defensively.
    ambush
    Carly remains doubtful. “Suppose this is all some fiendish plot to get your guard down so he can ambush you when you least expect it?”
    annihilate
    â€œHe’s probably got some complicated evil plan, just waiting for the perfect time to annihilate you.” Even though it’s his idea, Matt shudders at the thought.
    I smile because I know if the tables were turned, I’d be saying the same things. Carly and Matt are good friends, and I can’t blame them for not trusting Umberto. All I can tell them is that Umberto helped me save Bodi, and right now that’s good enough for me. After much persuading, Matt and Carly decide to give Umberto a chance,