No, she didn't win the lottery. Her mom married this millionaire named Watson Brewer. You see, Kristy grew up across the street from Claudia in a normal, non-rich

house. She has two older brothers named Charlie and Sam. When her younger brother, David Michael, was born, her dad took a hike. I mean it. 'Bye-'bye, I'm history, don't-call-me-I'11-call-you. Talk about thoughtless. Well, Mrs. Thomas did a fantastic job raising the kids and working full-time. Then she met Watson and — whoosh! — off went the Thomas family to live in a mansion. I'm serious, that place is huge. Now it's also pretty crowded. Watson has two kids from his previous marriage (Karen and Andrew), who live there on alternate weekends. Then there's Emily Mi-chelle, an adopted Vietnamese girl. Kristy's grandmother, Nannie, lives there to help run the house, which includes caring for all the pets.

Kristy lives across town now, so her brother Charlie has to drive her to meetings. He always gets her there on time. Kristy is extremely punctual, and Charlie knows enough to stay on her good side.

"This meeting will come to order!" Kristy announced as the clock by Claudia's bed turned to 5:30. "Any new business to discuss?"

"Yes," Claudia said. "I made a major discovery." She ran into her closet and disappeared behind a very full rack of clothes.

Mallory  Pike  gasped.  "Uh-oh,  a  secret

world. Like the one in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe."

No such luck. Claudia emerged holding two huge bags that said "Holiday M&M's," decorated in green, silver, and red. "Ta-da!"

"But those are from last winter!" Kristy said.

"So?" Claudia replied. "Chocolate doesn't spoil."

I should explain something. Claudia Kishi lives for junk food. She thinks the four food groups are candy, chips, pretzels, and popcorn. If I ever invited her over for Tofu Garden Delight, she'd turn blue and faint. Honestly, I don't know how she stays healthy. And guess what? She has a fabulous figure and her skin doesn't even have the slightest hint of a blemish.