Ann Martin: Stacey And The Mystery Of Stoneybrook

"My parents!" she yelled, remembering. "They're coming to get me today! 'Bye, Gabbie! 'Bye, Myriah! 'Bye, Claudia!" She grabbed my arm and pulled me down the street.

Charlotte and I spent the rest of the afternoon packing up her belongings. Then we played a few games of War while we waited for her parents to arrive. A couple of times she brought up the house and the "mystery," but I steered the conversation away from those topics.

We'd just gotten started on our fourth game of War (after that week I hoped I'd never play it again) when we heard a car pull into the driveway, honking. We ran to the window. Sure enough, it was the Johanssens. Charlotte tore down the stairs, flung open the front door, and raced into their arms.

"Mommy! Daddy! Guess what? I got to go to the Baby-sitters Club meetings. And we had a mystery and it was real scary! And I was sick, very sick, but now I'm all better, and Stacey took good care of me!" She was bubbling over with all her news. Charlotte was definitely proud of herself for having survived a whole week without her parents.

Dr. Johanssen and I smiled at each other over Charlotte's head. Charlotte went on chattering about the old house and the mysterious

noises we'd heard and the scary things we'd seen. I helped Mr. Johanssen pack Charlotte's things into the already jammed backseat. As we juggled suitcases around to make everything fit, I quietly told him not to be concerned about Charlotte's "mystery of Stoneybrook" tales.

"We thought there was a big mystery, but there wasn't really much of one in the end," I said. "And it was scary at times, but it wasfunscary, like a movie. I think Charlotte liked having a mystery to solve. It took her mind off missing you."

He told me that he understood. Then he thanked me for taking such good care of Charlotte. I told him it had been my pleasure. It really had, too!

Charlotte came over to give me a big hug. It was time for her to go home. I reached into my pocket and handed her a tiny package. "This is for you, Char. But don't open it until you get home," I said. It was a couple of barrettes— glow-in-the-dark barrettes! Claud had gotten a pair for her last birthday, and we'd all thought they were the coolest. I knew Charlotte would love them.

I hugged her one more time and then helped her into the backseat. Mr. Johanssen started the car and backed down the driveway. I stood

and waved until they were out of sight.

When I went back into the house, it seemed awfully quiet and still. I went to the guest room. It looked neat and tidy and very empty. I missed my "little sister."

Mom and I had a quiet dinner that night. As I was finishing the dishes, the phone rang. It was Charlotte.

"I miss you, Stacey," she said. "I wish you could be here to readCharlotte's Webto me."

She sounded kind of sad, but I knew she must be glad to be home with her parents, too. She told me that she loved the barrettes, and that she planned to wear them to school the next day. She told me all about her grandpa and how much better he was feeling. We talked for a long time, and we didn't mention our "mystery" once. Finally, it was time to say good-bye.

"I have to go to bed now, Stacey," said Charlotte. "Good night, big sister!"

I had a lump in my throat, but I smiled and said, "Good night, little sister. Love ya!"