Barky’s Belch

                                   2nd book in the ‘Barky’ series
                                                 
                                                   Free Gas
            Becky called Quentin on the phone and said, “I think there is something weird going on with Barky.”

            “What do you mean, weird?” Quentin asked.

            “Well,” Becky said, “he’s been full of gas.”

            “Yuck,” Quentin said, “That happened to me once after I ate a whole bowl of broccoli with French onion dip.”

            “Gran thinks he might just be stressed after all the attention he got from the newspapers and photographers after making his big discovery this summer.”

            Quentin said, “Yeah, excitement and stress could do that. I remember when I had to recite a poem in front of the whole class, I couldn’t talk for burping. I was a big hit.”

            “Quentin,” Becky said sternly, “I’m trying to tell you about Barky.”

            “OK, sorry,” Quentin said, “So what does Grandpa think?”

            “He thinks it’s pretty funny,” Becky said, “He told me about this friend he had who could belch for ten seconds straight. He wants to go out and buy a stop watch so we can ‘time’ Barky’s belches.

            “Wow,” Quentin said, “I wish I could do that. I’ll have to practice to get that good. But I’ll have to do it outside. Mom would have a fit if she knew I was trying for a record.”

            Becky said, “Grandpa also said this same guy could belch talk. He could belch out the alphabet.”

            “That is so cool,” Quentin said.

            “When are you moving?” Becky asked Quentin, changing the subject. He and his family decided to move closer to Gran and Grandpa and Becky and her mom.  Quentin’s dad and Becky’s dad were half brothers until her dad died before she was born. Uncle Quentin was Grandpa’s son before he married Gran. Quentin would be enrolling in Becky’s school the end of summer. The two cousins were looking forward to it. They had just met for the first time this past summer and spent several weeks on Grandpa’s farm. They had become best friends and had a lot in common. Not to mention becoming local celebrities when Barky dug up his big bone.

            Quentin said, “As soon as we get things tied up on this end, we can start moving into our new house. I can’t wait until school starts.”

            “I think you must be the only kid I know who can’t wait for school to start,” Becky teased.

            “I know, “Quentin said, “I would never admit that to anyone but you.”