Uncle Alien

Excerpt
Chapter 8

     'Sorry, ma'am!' I called, clinging to a branch that was a little too thin for my liking. Tiffany was almost doing back-flips in her efforts to eat us. Uncle Morris's face was white and a strange smell like rotten eggs wafted around us.
     I tried to explain. 'My mum used to live here. I was just showing my uncle …'
     'Likely story,' spat the old woman, her voice venomous. 'Do you take me for a fool? Stay, Tiffany. I'm calling the police.' The screen door slammed behind her as she waltzed back inside.
     Oh great! How did I get us into this scrape? Why didn't we just stay home? What would the police make of Uncle Morris?
     Tiffany's growls seemed louder and fiercer. We scrambled higher.
     'Any suggestions?' Uncle Morris asked.
     'Not yet,' I said, looking for a possible escape route. 'But I wish we hadn't tossed the shovels. We could have used them to fight off Tiffany!'
     We peered down at our lost weapons.
     'What about that branch over there?' I whispered. 'It looks like it might hang over the back fence.'
     The branch indeed hung over the fence but it was barely as thick as a baseball bat.
     'Do you think it will take our weight?' asked Uncle Morris.
     'Only one way to find out,' I replied, edging onto the branch.
     The branch wobbled. With both legs dangling, I pulled myself along. The branch dipped under my weight, sending me closer and closer to Tiffany who was growling menacingly below and looking ready to pounce.
     Finally, I made it. I climbed on to the paling fence and waved for Uncle Morris to follow.
     Uncle Morris shook. The spindly branch bent so much he nearly went crashing to the ground. Instead, he landed with his legs straddling the limb.
     He had no time to complain because our white frilly friend marched out the back, waving a broom and screaming, 'You filth! You scumbags! You won't escape! The police will find you!'
     Uncle Morris hurried along the branch.
     The old woman followed below, swinging the broom.
     'You rotten dirty louts! Think you can come round here and harass the elderly!' she screamed.
     As soon as Uncle Morris made it to the fence, we sprang into the next yard and bolted to the road.
     'Yes!' we said together, slapping our hands in triumph.
     'Quick, let's get our bikes before the police arrive,' I said.
     Uncle Morris nodded and we took off.
     'Harry! Harry!' an excited voice called from behind, stopping us in our tracks. I turned to find Wilemina jogging behind, waving.
     'Oh, no,' I groaned.

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