Mal and Jessi are junior officers as I mentioned. Since they are eleven years old, they can only baby-sit after school and on weekends, but they are very responsible. (They don't have actual club duties, though.) Mal and Jessi have a lot in common. They are both the oldest children in their families, and both of them complain that their parents treat them like babies.

I have the best job of all. (In my opinion.) I am the club secretary, and I keep our record book. The record book lists all our baby-sitting appointments, along with the rates our clients pay, and how much each of us earns at each job. I also have to keep track of each member's schedule — I could tell you when Jessi has a ballet lesson or Kristy has softball practice — and I have never made a scheduling mistake.

I was flipping through the record book when Kristy called on Stacey McGill to give the treasurer's report. Stacey looked very "New York" as usual, in a pair of khaki safari pants, topped with a jungle-print blouse and a leather belt that must have cost two months' allowance. Stacey is a real city girl. She grew up inNew York , and when her family moved to Stoney-brook, Claudia became friendly with her and

invited her to join the club. Stacey is extremely sophisticated, but she does have her problems. Her parents recently divorced and her father lives inNew York . And she has a disease called diabetes, which means she has to stick to a strict no-sweets diet and give herself daily injections of something called insulin.

"Well that's about it," Stacey said, finishing her report. She looked at me and grinned. "Do you realize where we'll be tomorrow at this time?"

"I sure do," I blurted out. "SeaCity!"

Kristy frowned. "I know everyone's excited about their vacation plans, but could we please keep this meeting going?"

"Sorry about that." I tried to look remorseful, but it was difficult because~1 know I was still grinning from ear to ear.