Part 17 (1/2)

And it was. Katani suddenly had visions of pink scarves in different hues and textures hanging from the windows at Think Pink.

”It's been a 'happily ever after' weekend,” Maeve said dreamily. ”Everything just fell into place, even though there were some rough spots along the way.”

”I know what you mean,” Katani said. ”If anyone ever tries to get me to model again, drag me away, p.r.o.nto!”

”At least Danny's backed off some,” Charlotte said. ”It was a pretty, should I say, 'sticky' trip to the museum, but it's worth it if he gives Izzy some s.p.a.ce...finally.”

”Who knows?” Isabel wondered. ”Poor Danny, he didn't realize that he just had to give us some s.p.a.ce and then we'd miss him.”

The other girls gave good imitations of being sick. Isabel laughed. ”I was kidding! But it does feel good not to worry anymore that he's going to be popping up everywhere I go.”

”I still say,” Charlotte murmured, ”that he and Betsy are a match made in heaven.”

But n.o.body else was listening. They were looking at the lovely gifts Maeve and Katani had brought back and marveling over one of the best weekends ever...

Charlotte's Journal:.

I just had to start this new journal tonight! Maeve and Katani gave it to me-it's got a great New York logo on it and a picture of the skyline-and I'm going to keep it for my secret thoughts and special dreams...like this one: wouldn't it be wonderful if the BSG could go on an incredibly great adventure with my dad and me?

The truth is that as much as I loved hearing about their weekend, Maeve's letter from her grandmother was what really touched my heart. It was so sweet that we all almost cried. I'm definitely going online tomorrow to see what I can find out about Ellis Island, and the next time I'm in New York I am NOT going to miss it! It sounds like something really special. Maybe I could do an article on it for The Sentinel.

Maeve's Notes to Self:.

Re-read Maeve Reilly's letter tomorrow and any day I feel sorry for myself. She didn't feel sorry for herself, and her life was a lot harder than mine! Yeah, I have the learning disability thing, and I may always have it. But you know what? I have parents who care that I do well, tutors to help me, and great friends who remind me all the time that I mean a lot to them. So lighten up, M K-T-remember your great-grandmother and think about how you can make her proud.

Avery's Blog:.

Okay-big learning week.

# 1 lesson for me-never close the door behind you unless you check that you can unlock it first!

#1 for Katani-Being the center of attention and walking down a runway was not her thing. I could have told her that-she's happy as a clam when she's backstage taking charge! Kelley doesn't call her Miss Bossy for nothing!

So it was a great weekend. I scored an autograph from Leah Kim, my absolute favorite designer, and a Mets cap, which is great, because you can wear a Mets cap without practically getting in a fistfight with anyone at Fenway Park (except for Red Sox fans who remember Bill Buckner). Not the same with a Yankees cap!

P.S. I honestly wouldn't have missed my time with Char and Izzy at the museum, not even for that trip to New York, not even to meet Leah Kim. I have a feeling that without me along, they'd have gone bonkers in there....

To be continued...

Fas.h.i.+on Frenzy.

BOOK EXTRAS.

Book Club Buzz.

Charlotte's Word Nerd Dictionary.

Trivialicious Trivia.

10 QUESTIONS FOR YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS TO CHAT ABOUT.

What is the best way for a girl in Isabel's position to let someone know that she needs her s.p.a.ce?

Do you have an idol or hero? Who and why?

How is New York City a special place for each of the Beacon Street Girls? What is the most exciting part about New York City to you?

Do you think that Katani's decision about which Beacon Street Girl to bring on her trip was fair? Why or why not?

Why does Katani become frustrated during the trip down the Merritt Parkway?

How are field trips different from learning in the cla.s.sroom? What was your favorite field trip and why?

What do the girls learn from Sally the mechanic?

How do Maeve and Katani demonstrate their different talents and individual strengths at the fas.h.i.+on show?

What would you like to talk about on a TV interview exclusive?

How did your ancestors come to America? Did they set foot on Ellis Island, like Maeve's great-grandparents?.

Charlotte's Word Nerd Dictionary.

BSG Words.

Cling-on: (p. 109) noun-an unwanted person who follows someone around.

Swoony: (p. 220) adjective-dreamiest and most romantic Spanish Words and Phrases...

Que?: (p. 12)-What?.

Cmo ests?: (p. 107)-How are you?