Squirt clapped his hands and bounced up and down, but I'm not sure he knew why he was doing it.

"I mean, we're going to be home most of the summer," I added quickly, "and there won't be that much for me to do besides take ballet classes and watch the Summer Olympics, and you and Dad will be able to relax in

it, too, and we can teach Squirt how to swim at an early age ..."

I looked at Mama and Daddy, and fortunately they didn't seem too shocked. "Well, believe it or not, we have talked about it," Mama said.

"Yea!" Becca yelled.

"The problem is, pools are extremely expensive," Daddy said. "Not only buying them and putting them in, but maintaining them. It's out of our reach — that is, unless you kids want to go without food or clothes for a year or so."

Daddy said that last part with a smile, but Becca looked kind of confused. "I could chip in with baby-sitting money," I suggested.

"That's sweet of you, Jessi," Mama said, "But you need that for other things. Besides, it wouldn't be nearly enough."

"Ask your boss to give you more money!" Becca suggested.

Daddy and Mama both roared with laughter. "Will you come with us when we do it?" Daddy asked.

I could smell defeat. I knew that when my parents said it was too much money, there

was no hope.

"Well, it was just an idea . . ."I said, trying not to sound too disappointed.

"And a good one," Mama replied. "But you know, there is a way to have access to a pool all summer. What about the Stoneybrook Community pool complex?"

"They have two or three pools," Daddy said. "One of them is Olympic sized, too. And they give lessons. That's something you don't get with a backyard pool."

What a great idea. I had forgotten all about the pool complex. I knew how to swim, but not that well. Lessons would be a great project for the summer. Suddenly I felt excited again. "Could we join?" I asked.