I threw an empty trail mix bag at them.

They both ran out with Mary Anne, shouting, " 'Bye!"

I waited a moment, then took a deep breath and grabbed a pen and pad from Bunny's desk. "Okay. What’s the name of the nearest grocery store?"

"Wally's," Sunny replied.

At the top of the list I wrote BUY AT WALLY'S, then asked, "And what should we have to eat?"

"Mini rice cakes, ranch-flavor!" Jill suggested.

"String cheese with caraway seeds!" Maggie chimed in.

"Tofu dogs in blankets," was Sunny's contribution. "And veggie chips."

Tofu dogs in blankets? Veggie chips?

I was surprised no one suggested a bowl full of seaweed.

Anyway, I asked Sunny to dictate names of guests she'd invited and guests she wanted to invite. I split the list between Maggie, Jill, and Sunny, and asked them to call the guests and give them specific information.

Then, assuming everyone would come, I made a list of food, including appropriate amounts. Then a list of simple decorations — a poster, some streamers, and not much else.

Sunny and Maggie volunteered to do the shopping, so I had them arrange a time to do it together. Next I made everyone decide on a time for the party (ten-thirty A.M.), and Sunny promised to clear it with her parents. We got so much done in such a short time that the We V Kids Club was practically breathless.

"Kristy, this is fantastic!" Sunny said.

"What a great party!" Maggie added. Jill was already tapping out a number on the phone.

Me? I was feeling pretty good. Just call me Kristy the Miracle Worker.

Chapter 9.

Claudia.

Lyle, the florist, was thinking. He gazed at the cases of refrigerated flowers before him. The shop smelled so good I thought I would die of delight. Finally he smiled and turned to me. "Nasturtiums," he said.

"Gesundheit," I replied.

He looked blank for a minute.

I blushed. "Sorry. I was joking. That word you said — it sort of sounds like a sneeze ..."