Meanwhile, Karen is used to being the oldest. And she's going to acquire three part-time older brothers plus me.

Furthermore, Karen and David Michael are so close in age that Mom is sure they're going to be competing for things - toys and privileges and stuff. She wonders whether David Michael will feel cheated because he'll be in public school, while Karen goes to private school. On the other hand, she thinks David Michael would feel resentful if she switched him out of the school he's used to.

Things could get pretty messy.

Karen broke the silence in the dining room by gazing around and saying, "Yikes, after Dad and Elizabeth get married, I'm going to have four brothers."

"And me," I reminded her. "You'll be my very first sister."

"We better stick together," said Karen. "We're the only girls."

"Oh,yick ,yick ,yick ," said David Michael."Pew, pew, pew. One sister's enough. Now I'll have two." He made a horrible Halloween face.

"Hey!" exclaimed Karen. "You said a poem, David Michael!"

"I did?"

"Yeah.Say it again."

David Michael tried to repeat his nasty remark, but couldn't remember it.

"Serves you right," I said. "What'd I ever do to you?"

David Michael looked puzzled. Then he smiled."Nothing!"

I shook my head.

Through all of this, Andrew did not say a word.

Mom and Watson came into the dining room then, Mom carrying a pot of tomato sauce, Watson following with the spaghetti. When

everyonehad been served, Watson poured wine for Mom and himself.

"Can I have some?" asked Charlie.

Watson looked at Mom. We all knew what the answer would be, but I liked the fact that Watson let Mom say it. For the time being, she was still our boss.The Thomas boss. And Watson knew it.