Sweet Victory Read Online Free

opened to a chapter in Intro to Pre-Algebra. “Well, they were missing you!”
    Getting around—even just downstairs to the dinner table—wasn’t easy. Sadie had to hobble and hop down each stair, being super-careful not to put any weight on her bad foot. She held on to the banister with one hand and a crutch with the other.
    Corey imitated her, hopping on one foot as he set the plates and silverware on the table.
    â€œVery funny… not !” Sadie said, pulling a chair out to sit down. She was exhausted and panting from all that effort.
    â€œAww, come on,” Corey teased. “It’s a new dance craze—the Hop-a-Motion!” He waved his hands in the air and hopped in a circle. “Jump up…oh, jump back! Well, I think you got the knack, Whoa-oh-oh !”
    Sadie put her hands over her ears. “Stop! Please! My foot hurts enough. I don’t need a headache too.”
    Corey chuckled. “Ya gotta admit, you look kinda lame. Get it? Lame? As in you can’t walk?”
    Sadie groaned. So much for the royal treatment!
    â€¢ • •
    The time flew by, and before Sadie knew it, she was back in Blakely’s halls again—but this time she had an elevator pass. Carrying a heavy backpack around was hard enough, but with crutches and a heavy, bulky cast, it was impossible.
    â€œLucky,” Kylie said, trying to make her feel better. “You get to ride to class in style! I’ve got theater arts on the fifth floor. Can I catch a ride up with you?”
    Sadie pushed the up button. “Sure, you can be my assistant.” She handed Kylie her backpack.
    They rode up together and Kylie brought up the subject of the cupcake club.
    â€œSpeaking of assistance, do you think you’re ready to get back to baking?” she asked. “Meeting in the teachers’ lounge today after school. We really need you.”
    â€œDo you think I’m ready?” Sadie asked. “I mean, how much help can I be on these things?” She waved her crutches.
    â€œAre you kidding me? Crutches or no crutches, you are a baking all-star.”
    â€œOkay…” Sadie hesitated. “I just don’t want to slow you down.”
    â€œYou won’t,” Kylie said, handing her back her bag. “See you at three fifteen—and you better have your apron on!”

Sadie perched herself on one kitchen stool and rested her cast on another.
    â€œWell, look who’s here! Welcome home!” said Herbie, PLC’s new advisor. Juliette, their original advisor, had left her younger brother in charge when she got married and moved to London. Herbie tried hard, but he didn’t quite get the whole cupcaking thing. He was more of a robotics-engineering guy—though he did have a sweet tooth and a good heart.
    â€œYeah, I’m back,” Sadie said with a sigh. It felt strange to be in the Blakely teachers’ lounge after so many weeks. She couldn’t help feeling like an outsider. Hadn’t the girls gotten along just fine without her? What could she possibly do to help them in this condition?
    â€œFirst order of new business,” Kylie said, calling the meeting to order. “I want to welcome back Sadie to the mix!”
    Lexi and Jenna applauded enthusiastically. “And I’m sure Delaney will second that motion when she gets here,” Kylie added.
    â€œDid I just hear my name?” Delaney asked, racing through the door. Her school, Weber Day, was a few miles away from Blakely. “Sorry, my mom was late picking me up. What did I miss?”
    â€œJust Sadie’s return to cupcaking,” Kylie said.
    â€œYay, Sadie!” Delaney cheered. “We missed you!”
    â€œIt’s good to be back,” Sadie replied, “but a little weird. What if I forgot how to do stuff? What if I mess up a recipe?”
    â€œOnly one way to find out.” Kylie handed her a glass bowl and a carton of eggs. “Work