"All right," I agreed — reluctantly.

Darn. I would have to phone Kristy.

"I'll call you right b— "

"OH, MY, MY. OH, MY, MY. MY BABY'S SAD AND SO AM I." The next song blasted on.

Mrs. Newton and I hung up.

Just as Claudia's song was picking up pace, Mimi stuck her head in the room. I'm sure she had knocked, but of course we hadn't heard her.

She signaled to Claudia who turned the volume down — slightly.

"Claudia," she said, "I must ask you to play your music more softly. It is much too loud. Also, I was wondering if you would like to come downstairs and have a cup of tea with me while Mary Anne is answering the phone."

Claudia considered the offer. At last she turned off the music and left with Mimi. On her way out the door, she stuck her tongue out at me.

I stuck mine out at her.

She slammed the door shut.

With shaking fingers, I dialed the Thomases' number.

Kristy answered the phone.

"Hello," I said, "it's Mary Anne Spier."

There was a pause. "Yes?"

I'd thought she'd at least say "hello" back.

"Mrs. Newton needs a sitter for Jamie on

Wednesday. He wants you. Can you make it?"

"Yup."

"All right, I'll tell her."

"Hey, don't hang up!"

No? Oh, boy. Kristy was going to make the big apology. I couldn't believe it. After all this time, bossy Kristy was going to be the one to give in first, while I, timid Mary Anne, had managed to wait the fight out. Our fight was finally over! I felt so happy at the idea, that I practically hugged myself. "Yeah?" I said.

"What time does she want me?"

"Ask her yourself," I said, and hung up. Then I called Mrs. Newton back.

The next phone call was from Watson, needing a sitter for Karen and Andrew the following Saturday afternoon. "I know it isn't your club policy," said Watson, "but could you check with Kristy first? I'd sort of like Andrew and Karen to keep seeing her since she is going to be their stepsister soon."