Page 72 of Wylder and the Secret Rockstar
Wylder laughed. “Yeah, he offered to tutor me at his house.”
“He’s such an idiot.”
“I thought I’d be doing better with the new assignments.”
“A Clockwork Orangeis a beast. Of all the books he could have picked from that list, that one is the worst.”
“Right?” Wylder turned to face him. “It’s gibberish.”
Logan chuckled. “It’s Nadsat.”
“Uhh … Bless you?” Wylder frowned in confusion.
“Nadsat is the teen’s language in the book. You’re supposed to use contextual clues within each sentence to determine the meaning. It helps if you write them down as you figure them out.”
“Write them down? Like … I’m not only supposed to read this book, but I’m supposed to translate it too?”
“Or you can use the Cliffsnotes version to skip that part.”
“Oh, I’m way ahead of you on that one.”
“It’s actually an amazing political satire once you get past the jargon issues.”
“Yeah, you’re going to be my new study buddy.” Wylder nodded and clapped him on the back. “I’ll bring the snacks, and you bring that big brain of yours.”
“It’s a deal.”
“So, why were yousucha jerk when we first met?”
“I didn’t like you.” Logan smirked. “I thought you were kind of rude.”
Wylder shrugged. “I’m an acquired taste, I guess.”
“And then I just thought you were trouble, and I’ve had enough trouble to last me a lifetime.”
“I am trouble, but I’m trying this new thing. Turning over a new leaf, you could say.”
“I’m not so sure you’re capable of leaving trouble behind.” Logan laughed. “At least not completely.”
“You’re probably right about that.”
“Definitely. One class project with you, and I have to write a song and perform it on stage in front of the whole school.”
“Ah, that’s why you’re out here in your quiet spot. Nervous about the concert tomorrow?”
“You have no idea.” Logan leaned forward, heaving a big sigh.
“Hey. It won’t be so bad. We wrote a killer song, you know.”
“I love the song. It’s the singing it part I could do without.”
“But you have a great voice.” A platinum record winning voice.
“It’s not that.”
“Stage fright?”
Logan ran a hand through his hair. “Epic stage fright. Don’t be surprised if I hurl before we go on. Or if I forget the lyrics and stand there like a loser.”
