Everything Changes Read online

  In honor of the birth of

  my goddaughter —

  Welcome, Harmoni!

  Contents

  Title Page

  Dedication

  1. Kristy

  2. Mary Anne

  3. Stacey

  4. Claudia

  5. Kristy

  6. Mary Anne

  7. Kristy

  8. Claudia

  9. Stacey

  10. Kristy

  11. Mary Anne

  12. Claudia

  13. Stacey

  14. Kristy

  15. Mary Anne

  16. Claudia

  17. Stacey

  18. Kristy

  19. Mary Anne

  20. Stacey

  21. Claudia

  22. Mary Anne

  23. Kristy

  24. Claudia

  25. Stacey

  26. Kristy

  27. Mary Anne

  28. Stacey

  29. Claudia

  30. Kristy

  31. Mary Anne

  32. Claudia

  33. Kristy

  34. Mary Anne

  35. Stacey

  36. Claudia

  37. Kristy

  38. Mary Anne

  39. Stacey

  40. Claudia

  41. Stacey

  42. Mary Anne

  43. Claudia

  44. Kristy

  45. Stacey

  46. Claudia

  47. Mary Anne

  48. Stacey

  49. Claudia

  50. Kristy

  51. Claudia

  52. Mary Anne

  53. Stacey

  54. Kristy

  55. Stacey

  56. Claudia

  57. Mary Anne

  58. Kristy

  About the Author

  Also Available

  Copyright

  June 25

  First day with this new journal. Am inspired by Mary Anne and all she’s been through. Can’t imagine losing nearly everything I own in a fire. Can’t imagine losing nearly everything I own no matter how it happens. MA is being very brave. She managed to rescue her current diary (the little leather one with the lined, dated pages and the lock and key), which is about her only source of memories these days. Am going to start keeping journals and saving them somewhere fireproof. Think I’ll ask Watson if I can put them in his safe.

  Have been thinking about the summer, which is going to be an unusual one for my friends and me. Am concerned about the Baby-sitters Club. How is it going to run in July? MA, Abby, Stacey, Claudia, and I will be away for entire month. Jessi, Mal, Logan, and Shannon will be around, but they have so many plans. Logan and Shannon don’t usually attend meetings anyway. Have strong feeling that Jessi and Mal cannot run club by themselves. Not sure they’d even want to.

  Must think. Is there any way MA, A., St., Cl., and I could run the club long-distance? MA, A., and I will be at Camp Mohawk. As CITs. Have been looking forward to this for SO LONG. Somehow A. and I even wound up in same cabin. Must be fate. Have to say, though, that I wish MA and I had wound up in same cabin. Oh, well. (A. and I will be with 8-year-olds. MA will be with 7-year-olds.)

  Will be so great to go to camp again. Can’t wait. Day after day of swimming, hiking, softball. Could do without the camp food. Not overly fond of that chicken tetrazzini thing that gets served so often. But do get to eat a lot of ice cream. Also Popsicles. Anyway, do not think we can have much at all to do with BSC while we’re busy at camp.

  Claud is going off on vacation with family for entire month of July. A first for the Kishis. Cl. does not even know where family is headed. Some sort of big parent-surprise event. Cl. is hoping for beach, of course. Doesn’t think she’ll be so lucky as to get to go to Sea City (too tacky for Kishi parents, probably for Janine as well), but any beach would be okay with Cl. Most beach towns have plenty of shopping and movie theaters, also min. golf, ice-cream palaces, arcades, and such.

  If not beach, then Cl. is hoping for a resort of some sort, but not a spa because food would be far too healthy, and no hope of candy machine right outside hotel room door. Another thought that has occurred to Cl. is a dude ranch. She’s not sure what to think of this possibility. In any case, don’t think Cl. will be able to do much for the BSC from her vacation spot.

  Stacey is off to NYC to spend July and end of June (actually five entire weeks) with father. Of course, she is REALLY looking forward to being able to see Ethan so much. If I think long-distance BSC-running is difficult, can’t imagine having long-distance 15-yr.-old boyfriend. (Know Cl. half hopes parents will choose NYC for their vacation spot, but that would be surreal Kishi choice.) Anyway, St. will have five weeks of museums and shows, shopping, eating in fantastic restaurants (prob. no chance of chicken tetrazzini thing appearing on any menu she’ll see), and shopping in every store Cl. wishes she could shop in. Do not think St. will be able to do a single BSC-related thing while in NYC.

  (Note to self: St.’s mother will miss her very much. Must remind Jessi, Mal, etc. to visit her once in awhile.)

  Other BSC members and what they’ll be doing in July:

  Jess — Dance-o-rama with Mme. Noelle, some sort of special summer ballet program five mornings a week. Will try to squeeze in baby-sitting in afternoons.

  Mal — apparently free all summer, but says she’s going to write a book???? Will also try to squeeze in baby-sitting, most likely in order to earn money to buy printer paper.

  Logan — joined Stoneybrook Baseball League (the Panthers??) and says will be in training for fall football season. Don’t know when he plans to squeeze in sitting.

  Shannon — actually, haven’t spoken to her recently. Must do so before I leave for camp.

  Dawn — in CA until August, so entirely out of picture.

  Must admit that BSC probably will not run at all while I’m away.

  (Note to self: Must phone regular sitting clients and tell them that in July can call Jessi, Mal, Logan, or Shannon directly should they need a sitter, but not to expect much.)

  This is not going to be good for business. Should probably spend several evenings at camp devising ways in which to beef up BSC upon return to Stoneybrook in August. After all, BSC is a gold mine, and I started it. Best thing I ever did.

  Sunday, June 27th

  Hello, diary. I’m back again.

  It’s the end of a VERY hot day. This house does not have air-conditioning. I guess you can’t be too picky when the insurance company gives you a furnished rental house (I’m lucky just to be alive), but an air conditioner would be nice.

  Today Dad and Sharon and I were feeling the effects of living in such a small house. Once again, I know we can’t be picky, but the house is TEENY. Two bedrooms, and I truly believe that mine was originally a closet. (Gosh, these pages are so small and the spaces between the lines are so big. I shouldn’t waste words when I write.)

  I spent a lot of today worrying that Dad will accept the offer for the job in Philadelphia. I DON’T WANT TO MOVE. All my friends are here in Stoneybrook. I can’t help but wonder: Would Dad consider the job offer if our house hadn’t burned down? I really feel that he wouldn’t, that the fire set in motion some horrible chain of events. I guess that’s silly, though.

  I hope I don’t sound ungrateful, since we did escape unharmed, but, well, first there was the fire, then the possibility of moving, and now this problem with Logan. Ever since the fire he has been so overprotective of me. It’s driving me crazy. It’s almost as if he WANTS me to cling to him, to need him. And he seems hurt when I don’t. But I’m not a clingy, needy baby. I’m doing just fine. How can I convince Logan of that?

  I must think. I don’t want to hurt him. But I have my life to live. (Thank goodness.)
r />   Sunday

  Dear Claud,

  I know you’re still in Stoneybrook, and I’m not even in NYC yet — just on the train. But I wanted to write you a postcard anyway. (Not much room here, so no paragraphs, and teeny-tiny writing.) I am SO loaded down. Packed 4 suitcases, plus one bag of books. Mom had to shovel me onto the train. Can’t wait to see ETHAN!!!!! I’ll see him tomorrow. Yea!!! Tonight Dad and I are eating at the Cowgirl Hall of Fame. Somehow managed to convince him that eating all the way downtown would be a great idea.

  Love,

  Stacey

  Mon night

  Dear Stacey,

  Well.

  Mom and Dad have sprung thier news. At dinner tonight. They finally told Janine and me where we are going for our vacasion. Is it a dood ranch? No. (Thank the lord.) Is it a spa. Also no, thank the Lord. Is it a resort? No. Is it the beach? Technicaly yes. But I don’t think its what I had in mind. We are going to an island. Now dont get to exited. We are not going to barbados or Bermuda or anything like that. We are going to this island off the cost of Maine called Monhegan. I know that is the correct speling because I have a Monhegan brosh bro some Monhegan infomation here on my desk in front of me. It seems to be a very small island only about 2 miles long and ½ of a mile wide. It is about 10 miles off the coste of maine. A lot of artists go there. One interesting thing is that several hundred peopel live there during the summer months but only like 75 live there during the winter. Can you belive it. Theres even a one room school house for the few kids who are there in the winter. Most of the poepal who live there all year long are lobestermen. (Mmm. One good thing about Main. I do love lobster. I bet I can eat it every day when we are there.)

  Anyway I’m looking at a map of the island and I do see some stores. A Very good sign. And I think some restaurants. Also a very good sign. One of these places in the downtown area of the island MUST be a movie theater. And who ever heard of a sumer vacation spot without minniture golf. I defanitely see an ice-cream stand so all is not lost.

  However. Heres the part that scares me. Mom and Dad told Janine and me that the purpose of this trip is a return to the simple life. We are to spend the month reading (worthwile things), hiking, meditatting and so forth. We are staying in a house that belongs to freinds of Mom and dad’s. They usualy spend every sumer on Monhegan. (I wonder why there not going this year?????????? Could it be bordom?????) Anyway the house has electrisity (oh my lord, was there a chance it might not???), but it doesn’t have a tv, VCR, computter, stereo, or dish washer. Only a radio.

  As long as Monhegan has stores and a movie theatre I think I will be ok. Even so I know I will be DESPERATE for news and gossip from NYC so write often. Also I have a huge favor to ask you. Could you please go to the following places for me and then write me about your visits to them? Please go to

  — The metrapolitin Musum of Art

  — Bloomingdales

  — the top of the World Trade Center

  — Hard Rock Cafe

  — statue of liberty

  Even if you just write a postcad about each of your trips that will be fine. But a little more detale would be even better. Stacey I am begging you. Please do this for me. I have never been stuck on a island before.

  Stranded (almost),

  Claudia

  June 29

  Have been packing for camp. A long process because every 2 seconds Abby calls. Hasn’t been to Camp Mohawk before and keeps wanting to know if has to follow packing list in camp brochure EXACTLY. Have told her it might be good idea. 2 phone calls ago she said, “The brochure says eight pairs of socks. I only have seven pairs. I mean, seven pairs that I like. Do I really have to pack the stretched-out eighth pair?”

  Told her yes, that camp laundry facilities are almost nonexistent.

  “Okay,” she said, and then 5 minutes later called back. “What’s a windbreaker?”

  “You know, like a light jacket.”

  “Oh. I thought it was something to do with sailing.”

  Am a little worried about how A. will fare at camp.

  I myself have finished packing clothes and am starting on other items — flashlight, reading material, stamps, bug spray, family photos, and so forth. (Am waiting for A. to get to bug spray on packing list since know it will freak her out.) Really am MORE than a little worried ab

  * * *

  Well, of all nerve. Phone just rang. Picked it up and it was Logan calling to speak to me. Thought maybe he wanted to discuss small surprise he could slip into MA’s suitcase before she leaves for camp.

  Hardly.

  Was calling to (can barely write these words)

  Was calling to (maybe will just write words really, really big and get it over with)

  HE WAS CALLING TO DROP OUT OF THE BABY-SITTERS CLUB.

  Astonishing. Has no good reason for dropping out. He is just … dropping out. Well, actually, he said he is going to be SO BUSY with sports this summer. Like I haven’t heard that excuse from him 10,000 times before. It never prevented him from remaining associate member of club. We lost a full member when Mal went off to boarding school — and didn’t replace her. Now are losing one of our backups. Don’t know what to think. Could kill L. (not literally, of course).

  Wonder if MA knows L. was planning to do this. If she did and didn’t say anything to me … I mean, I understand about special boyfriend/girlfriend thing. (Thing in which boyfriend/girlfriend always comes first, and you keep secrets from your best friend and your family and everyone for sake of boyfriend/girlfriend. Likewise, when someone tells you something and says, “DON’T tell anyone this, but … ” you know you have license to tell boyfriend/girlfriend anyway, but no one else.)

  Have just reread what I wrote and it barely makes sense. What I am saying is that MA, as girlfriend, prob. knew L., as boyfriend, was going to do this to me, as best friend. Anyway, can’t be too mad at MA. Just have to figure out how to replace L. in BSC.

  * * *

  Yikes. A. just called and yelled, “WHY DO WE NEED BUG SPRAY?”

  Wednesday, June 30th

  Hello, diary.

  I made a very big decision today, and I know Kristy is going to be mad at me. I decided not to go to camp after all. I feel like everything in my life is so up in the air. I don’t know how I could enjoy being at camp when I’d be worrying about Dad and the job and moving. I wouldn’t even know where I’d go after camp ends. Back here to the rental house? To Philadelphia? To a new house in Stoneybrook if Dad decides not to take the job? Plus, sometimes I have these terrible nightmares about the fire. I see the flames and think I’m trapped in my room and then I wake up screaming. If that happened at camp, it would be SO EMBARRASSING.

  Anyway, at breakfast this morning (Dad, Sharon, and me crammed around the table that folds down out of the wall, as if we lived in a train compartment) I said, “Dad, Sharon, I’ve been thinking. Would it be okay if I didn’t go to camp after all?”

  When I explained things as rationally as I could, they said I don’t have to go, that they understood.

  Result — Dad spoke to the camp director this afternoon. He was very understanding, and said our $$ will be refunded.

  Now I just have to break the news to Kristy. And then I guess I’ll talk to Logan. Actually, Logan is the one bad thing about staying in Stoneybrook. Do I really want to spend the summer with him? He’s SO worried about me that he made the decision to drop out of the BSC without even talking to me first. Once again, trying to protect me somehow. I felt cross about this, then guilty for feeling cross.

  July 1

  What is happening? Don’t even know where to begin. Will start with MA.

  Well, as it turns out, she DIDN’T know L. was planning to drop out of club. I mean, didn’t know until after L. called me. I was all huffy when I spoke to her about it and then SHE got all huffy because L. had made decision without talking to her first. Something is going on between the 2 of them.

  Okay. So I am not mad at MA about THAT anymore (am still mad
at L., though).

  HOWEVER. MA has decided not to go to camp. Can’t believe it. Has explained and explained to me why doesn’t want to go now, and am TRYING to understand, but don’t really. Would think camp would get her mind off worries. Why would she want to moon around Stoneybrook all summer, waiting to see if father is going to move family to Philadelphia? Know she doesn’t want to go, but staying home isn’t going to help Mr. Spier make decision. And know her house burned down and this is a sad time for her, but again, why stay here and moon about it? Why not go to camp and have fun?

  Have been looking forward to camp with MA and A. for months now, and MA is hauling off and spoiling everything.

  Hard to believe, but MA’s news isn’t worst. Jessi’s is. J. called this afternoon and we had following conversation:

  Me: Hello?

  J: Hello, Kristy?

  Me: Yes?

  J: It’s me, Jessi. You’ll never guess what.

  Me: You sound awfully excited. It must be something good.

  J: It is! It’s the best! I was at dance class this morning?

  Me: Yeah?

  J: And Madame Noelle said she had an announcement to make?

  Me: Yeah?

  J: She said a new ballet program is going to be starting in Stamford. It’s, like, a whole new school.

  Me: Yeah?

  J: It’s going to be on a par with the American Ballet School in New York. Those were her exact words. On a par.

  Me: Yeah?

  J: And she suggested I try out for it.

  Me: Cool!

  J: It gets even better.

  Me: Really?

  J: Yes. Madame Noelle said if I get into the program I’ll be on the fast track to a professional career.

  Me: Were those her exact words too? Fast track to a professional career?

  J: Yes! Isn’t that exciting?

  Me: Definitely.

  J: The only thing is that if I get into the program I’ll have to leave Madame Noelle’s school. So it was especially nice of her to tell me about the auditions.

  Me: Yeah, I guess so.

  At this point in the conversation there was a slight pause, and for some reason, I was immediately suspicious.