Ann Martin - The Truth About Stacey

"Well, I wanted to know what happened with your baby-sitting club. Last weekend, you said something was going on with some agency."

"Oh, you won't believe it! The agency went out of business!"

"You are kidding me!"

"No, honest," I said. "The parents stopped calling the agency because they decided they couldn't trust Liz and Michelle — you know, those two girls — to find good sitters. But guess what? Okay, so Claudia tells me this on Monday. We go to school on Tuesday and there's Liz, standing on the lawn carrying a sign that says Make-oversInc., and next to her is Michelle with a bunch of fliers. She's passing them out, and Kristy, the president of our club, is so curious, she goes and takes one even though Michelle is looking at Kristy like she's a snake or a roach or something."

Lainegiggled.

"We read the flier," I continued, "and Liz and Michelle already have a new business! You call them and pay them five dollars, and they show you how to put on make-up, figure out the best way to fix your hair, that kind of thing. It's perfect for them, since that's all they care about. Then, for another five dollars, they'll take you shopping and help you pick out new clothes andjewelry and stuff. They even have special rates before school dances and holidays. Those girls are smart,Laine . They'll probably earn more money doing that

thanlining up sitting jobs for their friends.

"Oh, gosh," I went on. "I have so much to tell you! Yesterday, I got to sit for Lucy Newton, the new baby I told you about."

"Really?" squealedLaine . "You got to sit for her?"

"Well, sort of. Her mother was at home, but I did watch her and her brother for two hours while Mrs. Newton held a meeting. And I got to hold her and give her a bottle. It was great! I can't wait until I can really baby-sit for her. Oh, and you know what else?"

"What?"

"Remember CharlotteJohanssen , the little girl who's having trouble with the kids at school?"

"Yeah?"

"Well, her parents had a conference with her teacher and they've decided to skip her into third grade. The work in second grade is too easy forCharlotte and her classmates don't like her because she always does her assignments so fast and never makes any mistakes. Her teacher thinks she'll do better starting over in a new class where the kids don't know her, and the work will be more challenging.Charlotte seems really excited. She's going to switch to the new class after Christmas."

"Well, that's good. I really wish I could meet

allthese people,Stace . I feel like I know them air — Just asec. ... Stacey, my mom says I have to get off in two minutes."

"Oh, no!"I cried. "Well, wait. I'll talk fast. I went to the Snowflake Dance with Pete and we had a great time. I got a new dress. And for Christmas Mom and Dad are going to give me a phone for my own room, just so I can call you! And I want to know exactly how many times Deirdre and Lowell have gone out, counting everything, even trips to the library. And what did you ask forfor Christmas?"

"I — Mom says she has to use the phone. I've got to get off."

"ButLaine , you didn't have time to tell me anything about you."

"I know."

"Hey, you'll be the first person I call when I get my phone."

"Okay! Great!"Laine dropped her voice to a whisper. "Mom doesn't know it, but I'm going to call you on Christmas Day, okay?"

"Terrific!"

" 'Bye, Stacey."

" 'Bye! Thanks for calling."

"Talk to you soon."

"I can't wait."

"Me, neither."

"Me, neither."

"How are we going to end this?"

"I don't know."

"I miss you."

"I miss you, too."

"Now I really have to get off."

" 'Bye,Laine ."

" 'Bye, Stacey."

We hung up. A huge grin spread across my face. I had a great idea. IfLaine ever came to visit me inStoneybrook , I would make her an honorary member of the Baby-sitters Club.

About the Author

ANN M. MARTIN did a lot of baby-sitting when she was growing up inPrinceton,New Jersey . Now herfavorite baby-sitting charge is her cat, Mouse, who lives with her in herManhattan apartment.

Ann Martin's Apple Paperbacks are Bummer Summer, Inside Out, Stage Fright, Me and Katie (the Pest), and all the other books in the Babysitters Club series.

She is a former editor of books for children, and was graduated fromSmithCollege . She likes ice cream, the beach, and I Love Lucy; and she hates to cook.