*all ages

My gratuities go forth toward the fine enthusiasts at the Trixie Belden debate and discussion board. Many thanks to Mary for proof reading.

Mystery in Hawaii

by Anna

Part One

"It’s a good thing that Brian went up to practice his speech, Moms, I need your help with his present," Sixteen-year-old Trixie Belden finally beamed after a dinner that seemed to take forever. Her brother Brian was graduating from the Sleepyside Junior-Senior High School tomorrow. "I’m horrible at wrapping stuff like this."

Mrs. Belden smiled as she helped her daughter center the box on the wrapping paper. She knew that Trixie was never really all that good at this kind of stuff. She remembered hastily wrapped presents in the past with a scribbled note. "Honey phoned while you were in the shower before dinner. She won’t be over until about eight o’clock. I didn’t want to say anything because Brian was present and so was Bobby, and the less Bobby knows about Honey coming over the better. That’s why Dad took him into town for some ice cream. I’ll help the two of you as soon as she comes over. I would like to get cookies and milk ready for her."

"Thanks Moms, you’re the best!" Trixie cried as she swung her arms around her mother.

"Shhh!" Her mother put her finger to her smiling lips as a gesture for Trixie to keep her voice down. "Brian! Remember?"

"Oh Moms, I’m so excited for tomorrow!" Trixie was getting out plates and glasses when she heard a faint knock at the door. It was her honey-haired friend from next door. "Oh Honey, why does she bother knocking?"

"Because she has manners?" Mrs. Belden smiled as her daughter let her best friend in. Three years ago when Honey Wheeler and her family moved into the Manor House just up the hill from Crabapple Farm, she had hopes that some of Honey’s manners and tact would rub off on Trixie. Somehow, she knew she was just throwing her hopes into the wind.

"I didn’t want to knock too hard. Miss Trask helped me wrap Brian’s present. I’m just as lousy at it as you are, Trix." Miss Trask was Honey’s former governess who, because Honey was too old for that kind of thing anymore, now managed the Wheeler Estate. Since meeting Trixie, she had gone from a sickly frail timid girl who constantly had nightmares and who was afraid of her own shadow to a healthy, bouncy young woman who was just as adventurous as Trixie was.

"Oh please! You are so good at that stuff. Any time I try wrapping anything it looks like a mess. I might as well throw it in a paper bag and roll the top down like a lunch sack." Trixie started giggling at the thought of handing Brian his graduation gift in a lunch sack. It soon became infectious because Honey started giggling too.

"Girls!" Mrs. Belden scolded with a twinkle in her eye. "Do you want Brian to hear?"

"Sorry, Mrs. Belden. I guess we just got carried away," Honey replied. Honey was just as excited as Trixie, for her own brother was graduating too. She cherished the last few years knowing that she had a brother. Up until her parents bought the Manor House, she was an only child and spent most of her time in boarding schools. Shortly after she and Trixie met, they met Jim Frayne. He had been a scared runaway who sought freedom from his cruel stepfather, Jonesy. He had befriended the two girls while hiding out in his late great-uncle’s rundown mansion. After his stepfather showed up to steal his inheritance, Jim ran north of Sleepyside to work at one for the few major campgrounds. When the girls found him, Honey’s father readily adopted Jim so he wouldn’t have to worry about Jonesy anymore. Since then, Honey has had what she’s always wanted: a brother. "Where’s Mart? Is he going to help us?"

"No," Trixie replied. "He’s helping Brian with his speech. Actually I think he’s probably in there being a heckler if nothing else. If Brian’s speech tomorrow is crammed with big words, we’ll know who wrote it."

Mart was Trixie’s "middle" brother. In fact she called him her "almost-twin" for they were the same age for one month only. Brian was the oldest of the children, and Mart was a year and a half younger than him. Trixie was exactly eleven months younger than Mart, and this irritated him to the fullest. He wasn’t much taller than Trixie and had the same blond hair that she had and looked exactly like her. Bobby was Trixie’s youngest brother. He was eight-years-old and had the same blond tight curly hair that Trixie had. While the three younger Beldens resembled their mother, Brian had his father’s dark brown hair, dark brown eyes, and tanned skin.

The girls sat down at the kitchen table and started wrapping their gifts. "How long do you expect Brian to be in his room?" Honey asked, munching on a homemade cookie.

"Oh, I don’t really know, Honey," Mrs. Belden said. "As far as I know he didn’t find out until today at graduation practice that he was the valedictorian. So he should be in there for a while. With Mart in there, I’d venture a guess that he won’t be done until late."

"Oh good, then we don’t have to worry about being spied on. If Bobby’s in town with Dad, and Mr. Vocabulary is keeping Brian busy, then we have all the time in the world," Trixie remarked as she put a piece of tape on the package to hold the wrapping paper in place. Oh, Brian will love it anyway. "Honey, did Brian and Jim ever decide whether or not they were going to take a vacation together this summer?"

"Oh, I don’t really know," Honey answered. "Why?"

"Oh, I don’t know," Trixie said, "I thought I heard them talk about going on a little trip that’s all." Summers when the boys all went away to be junior counselors at camp were boring enough. If Brian and Jim were gone, she would be left at the mercy of Mart, who loved to tease her with big words because he knew she never knew what they meant. When Mart would tease Trixie, usually Brian or Jim came to her rescue. If they weren’t there, who’d she rely on? She put the last piece of tape on her gift. "There. Brian will look at that and run screaming."

"At least Jim’s gift won’t be too hard to wrap," Honey pointed out with a grin.

"I’ll wrap it later." Trixie took the small box and stuffed it in her pocket.

Mrs. Belden had finished wrapping one of her presents to Brian. "Let me go put your presents in my bedroom. Dad and Bobby should be getting home soon and I don’t want them to see these. You know how Bobby can be with ‘see-cruds’," Mrs. Belden said with a smile.

"This is true," Trixie agreed as she and Honey cleared off the table so there were no signs of any activity that would involve wrapping presents. They were just in time too since they heard Brian’s door open. Trixie looked at Honey quickly and whispered, "I hope Moms got the presents to her room alright!"

"I’m sure she did. Oh listen! Mart’s trying to keep Brian from coming down here. They must not have seen Mrs. Belden in the hallway. I think we’re safe." Honey was listening intently to the sounds of Mart pleading to hear the speech again and Brian telling him he was tired of repeating it over and over. Quickly, Honey and Trixie took their seats at the table and grabbed a cookie just in time for Brian to come down the stairs.

"No, Mart, I don’t want to give the speech again tonight. I’m already tired of it." Brian looked exasperated as Mart followed him into the kitchen. "Oh, hi Honey. I didn’t know you were here. How’s Jim? Nervous?"

"No, he’s taking it easy. He was a bit excited when he came home though. Mother and Daddy are proud of him for graduating with honors. He says he wishes that his true father and mother could be there to see him. He knows they’d be proud." As Honey said these words, Trixie reflected on the past. The three years she’s known Jim, he’s told her about his birth parents, and how they had died. Tomorrow, Jim would be one of several students graduating with honors and receiving scholarships.

"Congratulations on becoming the valedictorian," Honey continued. "You know that Mother and Daddy are planning a party for Jim tomorrow night. They hadn’t had the chance to speak with you yet, but when Mother found out I was coming over here she asked me if I would ask you if you wouldn’t mind it if they included you in on that party? If, of course, that’s alright with Mr. and Mrs. Belden."

"Of course it’s alright with us, Honey." Mrs. Belden was just coming into the kitchen. "I already spoke with your parents and I gave my approval, but I said that if Brian would like it then it’s ok. If not, then we’ll have to arrange something else."

"Oh, then it’s all settled!" Trixie bounced in her chair. "We could have music and swim and…"

"Now wait a minute, Trix, you’re making plans on my behalf here. I can call Mr. Wheeler and talk with him about it. As far as I’m concerned, I’m alright with it if Jim is. If he wants a party, there’s no sense in my stealing his spotlight." Brian was always so levelheaded when he made decisions.

"I’m sorry, Brian. You’re right. I guess I just take Mr. Wheeler’s generosity for granted." I’m always jumping to conclusions, Trixie thought. I always say the first thing that comes to mind and then wish I could take it back. Some day I’ll learn.

"Oh, it’s alright. It was Jim’s idea actually," Honey explained. "He didn’t really care for the idea of a big party all for himself. Mother and Daddy think it’s a swell idea and they are all for it. So really, Brian, it’s up to you."

With that, Brian went into the den and closed the door. In a few minutes they heard the soft murmur of his voice. As Trixie reached for a cookie Mart gave her a shocked look. "You’ve been awfully quiet for someone who loves to speak gibberish. What gives?" she demanded.

"Oh, my dearest sweet Beatrix," Mart started as he yanked the cookie out of her hands. "Consumption of such calorific morsels will most certainly enlarge your petite feminine stature to an overly extensive shape."

Trixie just wrinkled her nose and grabbed another cookie. "Sorry I asked. Say, thanks for keeping Brian up stairs while we," she looked at the den’s closed door, "wrapped gifts. How many times did he have to repeat the speech to you before he got tired of it?"

"Do not you two squaws have the utmost confidence that I, Mart Belden," he bowed slightly and gestured toward himself, "have ability upon ability to keep my elder sibling entertained so that you two can," he wrinkled his nose at the pair of scissors on the kitchen counter, "keep persistent with women’s work without risking the probability that the men folk of the house might, per chance, come down to the survival quarters for sustenance and wander in among the flying wrapping paper and impetuous task of cleanup?"

"Oh Mart, knock it off, will ya? We all know that you can’t spell those words anyway, and I don’t think Brian even saw the scissors. If he had, so what, people do things with scissors everyday. Maybe he just figured you were down here earlier cutting off those beautiful curls that my almost-twin would have if he let them grow." She grinned with victory because she knew that no big word in the dictionary could overpower the slight observation that he did, in fact, look like her.

"Triumphant, ye may be, dear sister," Mart scowled as he tugged on one of her curls, "but I shall have the last laugh on you, Miss Sherlock!"

"Really, you two," Mrs. Belden spoke up. "You get worse every year. You know, when Brian is off at school next year, I don’t know what I’m going to do. Usually he’s the one who can cool the both of you down."

"I’m sorry Moms. I guess we do argue too much. But if we didn’t, you’d know something was wrong." Trixie was right. The two argued because deep down, they had the utmost respect for each other. Of all the scrapes she had ever gotten herself into, Mart was usually the first one to tease her about it, but he was also the first one to jump at her defense when someone other than her friends teased her about it.

Just then Brian walked out of the den. "It’s all settled. The party will be for both Jim and me." Trixie and Mart cheered and Honey clapped in excitement.

"Oh I think that’s just wonderful!" Mrs. Belden cried.

"Are you sure, Moms?" Brian was concerned. "I mean, you had all these preparations and plans."

"Oh Brian," Mrs. Belden sighed, "Don’t worry about all that. I already made plans with Mrs. Wheeler to combine our food together." Mrs. Belden had planned a big dinner with a turkey and stuffing and crabapple pie for dessert. Both Mrs. Wheeler and herself had decided that their cook could prepare the turkey and Mrs. Belden insisted on making pies for the party. If she didn’t have to make an elaborate dinner, she’d have time to make about five crabapple pies. They were a favorite among Trixie and her friends.

"Well, then," Honey said getting up from the table, "I think I should start for home. Mother wants us to get to bed early tonight so we have time for the hairdresser tomorrow. More for Mother than myself. I’m just getting a trim. I wish I could have seen Bobby tonight to read him a story, but I guess, Trix, you’ll have to do that for me."

"Don’t worry about it. Bobby’s eight now and doesn’t really care to have me read to him anymore. I know he still likes it when you come over. He’s practically six again when you show up." Trixie walked Honey to the door and opened it for her.

One of Trixie’s chores was taking care of Bobby, which was usually a hassle since she’d much rather be out doing things with her friends than looking after her kid brother. He was forever getting himself in jams and she’d have to come to his rescue. Now that he’s older, he was more willing to be on his own than tag along after Trixie. Most of the time, Trixie would take him up to the Wheeler’s house and leave him with Regan. Regan worked for the Wheelers and enjoyed his job as a groom for the horses. He loved those horses more than anything and took his job seriously, but he always had time for young people like Bobby.

"Thanks for the cookies Mrs. Belden," Honey called, to which Mrs. Belden smiled her thanks. "Congratulations, Brian, and we’ll see you tomorrow." With that she was out the door and hurried up the path to her house.

That night Trixie could barely sleep. She lay there thinking of memorable times in the past that included the Bob-Whites. The Bob-Whites of Glen included Trixie, Jim, Mart, Brian, Honey, Diana Lynch, and Dan Mangan. The club was a semi-secret club organized for the sole purpose of having fun and helping others. Honey had always dreamed about being part of those clubs that she often read about, and now it was a reality. Since then, the adventures seem to have been non-stop. A few months after the club was formed, Di Lynch joined the club. Her family had become wealthy overnight and she was having a hard time adjusting to it. With Honey’s help, Trixie was able to break her spell and Di was happy again.

About four months later Regan brought his nephew, Dan Mangan, to Sleepyside to live and work with Mr. Maypenny, the Wheeler’s gamekeeper. He had fallen in with the wrong crowd in New York City and had learned that toughness was the way of survival. At the time he was only fourteen, but had learned life’s lessons the hard way. He too joined the Bob-Whites after realizing that he had found true friends. Since then they’ve had many adventures that has taken them to many different places.

School would definitely be different without them, but fortunately, they weren’t going too far from home. Jim had plans for Ten Acres, his Great Uncle’s property where his mansion used to be. He was going to run a school for orphaned boys where he would teach the normal lessons and school subjects, but would also to teach them about survival. Because his uncle had left him a trust fund of half a million dollars, that had been collecting interest for the last few years, he knew that his dream was not far from becoming reality.

Brian was going to medical school after summer vacation, after which, he will be an intern at one of the emergency centers in New York City. Once he has completed his schooling, he will take up residency at Jim’s school and open a children’s clinic there. Dan agreed to work at the boy’s school too, but only after he receives training from the New York Police Department. He knew how easy it was for young orphaned boys to get caught up with the wrong people. Mart was working for a scholarship in science and agriculture and he, too, would work at Jim’s school.

By this time, Trixie and Honey will be going to law school, as they had planned. Since they had met, they had gotten a real taste for mystery and adventure. They didn’t go seeking them out, nor did anyone call upon them. It just fell into their laps. Di wanted a more relaxing lifestyle and chose a career in art. Her father was a huge fan of art and historical preservation. Di’s love of art keeps her at the museum most of the time studying sculptures and artwork from all over the world. With all this going on, she had to wonder if the Bob-Whites would always be together, or would they be too busy to help with projects?

But all of the sudden there was one concern on her mind. Trixie quietly got up out of bed, tiptoed across the wooden floor to her dresser. Quietly she opened the top drawer and pushed her things aside to reveal a small ring case with a piece of dirty paper underneath it. She took the case and paper out, closed the drawer, and carefully tiptoed back to the bed and set the ring case down on her nightstand. She opened the note in the moonlight and read it. As many times as she has read this letter, something always hit home with her.

 

"Dear Trixie:

You and Honey are great sports but this is good-by. I heard Jonesy yelling last night and now that he thinks I’m dead my troubles are over…...

As soon as I get settled somewhere I’ll come back and try to repay you two for all you’ve done for me. But in the meantime I want you to have my great aunt’s ring to remember me by. After all, you found it and you saved the money from the fire. If you like, I think you can sell it for enough to buy that horse you want so much.

Please don’t you and Honey forget me. I’ll see you sometime.

Yours, Jim."

Trixie sat on her bed just gazing at the scrawled handwriting. She remembered all this like it was yesterday. They were checking up on the Frayne Mansion to see if the doors were all locked while Old Mr. Frayne was in the hospital. Once inside, they had noticed Jim asleep on a mattress on the living room floor. Trixie had accidentally knocked over a stack of books and startled him awake. She hadn’t been afraid of Jim, even though he held his rifle ready to fire, and had even accused him of breaking and entering, when it was really she who had intruded. She remembered his threat: ‘if you girls tell anyone I’m here I’ll fix you good.’ Trixie opened the ring case to find the beautiful engagement ring that had belonged to Jim’s Great-Aunt Nell, which they had found in a wall safe at the Frayne Mansion. She slipped the ring on her chubby finger and watched as it glistened in the moonlight.

The grandfather clock in the living room started to announce eleven o’clock and Trixie knew she’d better get some sleep. Tomorrow would be a long day. Quickly she removed the ring and slid it back into the box, folded up the note, and placed them back in her top drawer. She didn’t plan on wearing it tomorrow. She just liked to put it on once in a while.

Again she lay in bed with her mind spinning. Mysteries just won’t be the same with Brian and Jim busy with their studies. Who would be there to try to talk her out of delving into a new mystery? She chuckled as she thought about Mart trying to take the place of Brian. Brian was always nearly successful in talking her out of such things, but Mart’s scolding only made her want to do it all the more. Jim more often than not gave into her adventurous spirit, for that’s what he admired about her. Trixie yawned and nestled deep under her covers.

The next morning sunlight poured into Trixie’s bedroom. As she opened her eyes she realized the house was quiet. Her eyes found her alarm clock at the side of her bed and realized it was only just after six o’clock. She sat up and stretched her arms and wiggled her toes, and cheerfully, she jumped out of bed and began to freshen up for the day. After a nice hot shower she quickly slipped on her new sundress she and her mother went shopping for. It was a light blue sleeveless simple cotton dress. Mrs. Belden loved the times when Trixie would actually agree to go shopping for a dress, so whatever Trixie liked was usually what she got. Trixie was not interested in lace and frills, let alone any type of dress. She looked at her tanned legs and decided that it would be too warm for stockings. After quickly running a comb through her unruly curls, she declared herself ready for the day.

By the time she was finished getting ready she could smell breakfast coming from downstairs. She slipped on her sandals and hurried to meet her family for breakfast.

"Well, look at this!" Mr. Belden beamed at seeing his daughter all dressed up. "We can make her look like a lady!"

"Good morning Daddy," Trixie laughed gaily at his comment and kissed her father hello.

"Oh, Peter," Mrs. Belden sighed to her husband, "she is so beautiful. You’ll be turning heads today, you know."

"Oh Moms, knock it off. It’s just a dress, but everyone knows I’m not really cut out to wear stuff like this. I don’t look like Honey and Di, who I’m sure will closely resemble princesses."

"Trix," Mr. Belden smiled at her, "You aren’t Honey and Di, you are my daughter and I happen to think that there are at least two women in this world who will be turning heads today. One is my daughter, and the other is the woman she takes after." He got up from the table and strolled over to his wife for a kiss.

Trixie never really considered herself a "lady" nor did she think of herself as beautiful. She was Tomboy Trixie to kids in school. If anyone was a lady, it was Honey and Di. They were tall and slim whereas Trixie was short and stubby. She didn’t think she’d ever outgrow her baby fat. "Moms, can I borrow some of your make up? My face looks rather plain and I’d like to spiff it up.

"Sure borrow as much as you want, dear." Mrs. Belden winked at her daughter.

"Oh stoppit, you’re making me nauseous." Trixie, as well as never considered herself a lady, also didn’t like praise that much. She often blushed when complimented. She took her usual seat at the table. "Are Brian and Mart up yet?"

"Mart is helping Bobby get dressed. Brian has been up for a while," Mrs. Belden said as she set a waffle on Trixie’s plate.

"Yummy," Trixie gazed at the waffle. "Raspberry waffles made from scratch." She reached for the syrup and drizzled it all over the waffle. Upstairs she could hear Mart instructing Bobby on how a gentleman acts on special occasions such as today. Brian came down the stairs and sat down at the table. He looked so handsome today. Pretty soon, Mart and Bobby joined them and everyone ate a cheerful breakfast.

"Well, we’d better hurry if we need to get there an hour ahead of time," Mr. Belden said as he looked at his watch.

"Everyone just put your dishes in the sink," Mrs. Belden instructed. "I’ll do them later."

"Oh Moms," Trixie wailed at her mother, "what about the party?"

"Dear, I still have to make those pies too, so I’ll do the dishes while you guys are up at the Wheelers swimming or something. Don’t worry about it." Mrs. Belden turned to Brian. "I don’t want either of you kids worrying about housework today. Brian, this is your day. We have all summer for chores. Now hurry."

Soon the Beldens were all piled into the family car and on their way down Glen Road to the junior-senior high school. After Brian had parted from them to get ready for the commencement exercises, they found their seats with Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler and the Lynch family. Miss Trask, Dan, and Regan showed up with Mr. Maypenny. It took a long time to convince Mr. Maypenny to go, but finally, seeing that he wasn’t winning in the dispute, gave up. He wasn’t big on celebrations like this, but since the Bob-Whites played such a big part in his life, he would do it.

Both Honey and Mrs. Wheeler looked astounding while Mr. Wheeler looked as handsome as ever. Honey was wearing a dress just as simple as Trixie’s. She wore a light pink linen sundress with white sandals and her hair was perfectly flowing around her shoulders and framing her beautiful face. Her wide hazel eyes sparkled at the excitement she was feeling. Had Trixie’s influence not taken any effect on Honey, she would have been dressed in frills and lace. Di wore a simple straight skirt and a blouse, lavender of course. This was Di’s favorite color because it brought out the purple in her eyes. She had shoulder length black hair that flowed around her shoulders as well as long dark eyelashes that accented her pretty eyes. Di was known as the prettiest girl in school. Dan wore his usual school clothes, which were a white button down shirt and dress slacks, and his jet black hair was neatly combed.

The three families were chattering back and forth about their plans for the evening and what each person bought for Brian and Jim. It seemed as if everyone was just as excited as the Beldens and Wheelers, for no one noticed Mr. Stratton, the principle, trying to get their attention. Finally a hush was swept across the crowd.

Mr. Stratton started out his speech by thanking everyone for showing up, that it was truly a great day for the graduates and their families. Soon "Pomp and Circumstance" filled the air and the graduates came into the gymnasium two at a time, and took their seats. Brian looked so dark and handsome as he slowly strolled to his seat, while Jim’s red hair contrasted beautifully with the black mortarboard cap. He too, walked tall and proud. Bobby was standing so he could see as Mart pointed to Brian and Jim.

Mr. Stratton was finishing his speech when he asked for Amy Lynn Baldwin, James Winthrop Frayne, and Lois Ann Sanderson to please come forward. Each of the students stood as proud as ever in front of their graduating class as Mr. Stratton announced that all three had been excellent students and that each had completed two years in one because of diligent study. Each were given an opportunity to step forward and say a few words. Amy Baldwin had been sick with leukemia last year, so she studied extra hard and was able to make up the whole year while finishing her final year of school. She thanked her family, friends, teachers, and all her supporters. After an applause, Lois Sanderson spoke about how she had received a scholarship that required she start next year so she had to do two years in one, but she never gave up on this requirement. It wasn’t anything she had to do, but, to take advantage of a scholarship that meant her future, she had to. The crowd applauded her speech too. Finally, Jim stepped up to the microphone.

"Life is not always easy. Sometimes things happen that we can’t control, but we have to keep going strong. Amy, Lois, and I are just a few of the students graduating today with Honors, who have had unfortunate times or difficult decisions to make, but we’ve held our head high and were determined to stick to it. We have our parents, best friends, and special friends, to thank for their unconditional support. My family and friends have never discouraged me in my studies, and because of them I see a future for myself. I completed two years of high school in one to prove to myself that I was capable of making decisions and sticking with them. Our decisions affect our lives, and the people we hold close to our hearts. Living here and going to this school, I have learned that you must endeavor to look to the future instead of living in the past."

With that Jim stepped back in line with the two other girls. Trixie felt goose bumps as she looked down at her identification bracelet. Jim had given it to her when the Bob-Whites vacationed in Iowa at her uncle’s sheep farm. She felt warm as she thought of Jim’s words to her when he handed her the bracelet. ‘You know what it means, don’t you? It means you’re my special girl, Trixie…As if you didn’t know that already." Her heart fluttered as she realized the crowd was applauding Jim’s speech. She happily started clapping.

Mr. Stratton stepped up to the podium and asked Brian Andrew Belden and Tammy Lu Olson to come forward. As Salutatorian, Tammy Lu shook hands with Mr. Stratton and spoke to the graduating class about the importance of school and persistence. She spoke about how dreams become realities. After thanking her family and friends, she again shook hands with Mr. Stratton and stood next to Brian. Trixie then noticed that Brian didn’t have his speech with him. Did he leave it at home? After Brian was introduced, he stood behind the podium for a few seconds not saying anything. All at once, Trixie’s gut started to panic. As if she could use mind waves to speak to him, she silently told him, ‘your family is here to support you, Brian. Just say what comes to your mind’. Finally Brian looked up to the seniors that sat before him.

"Five years ago I told my family I wanted to be a doctor. When asked, ‘why?’ I gave a reason: because I wanted to help people. That is what life is all about. As we merge our lives with people who live outside of high school, we must always strive to help out others, because they will, in turn, help us. Humility is another lesson for us. Some of us may go on to be successful businessmen and women, but it makes no difference how much money we make at our jobs, there are still dishes to be washed, beds to be made, cars to be maintained, yard work to be done, gardens to weeded, and little brothers to be read to." At that comment, Bobby immediately beamed with his big blue eyes shining flamboyantly.

"We are here today because we have worked hard and strived to meet our goals. There are many people we have to thank for this day: our parents, teachers, brothers and sisters, best friends, and each other. The best of luck in your future as you venture out into the world. I ask one thing, though: never, never forget the twelve years you have spent being taught by people who only want to help others. Thank you and Congratulations!"

The crowd cheered as Trixie looked at Honey, who was beaming with joy. The two students sat back down in their seats. Mr. Stratton walked back up to the podium and spoke a few more words. Finally, he started the commencement procedure. As he read names, each received their diplomas, flipped their tassels over, and continued back to their seats. Finally, the whole exercise was over and Mr. Stratton introduced the Sleepyside Junior-Senior Graduates. The sea of black erupted as each threw their caps in the air and congratulated each other. The three families had trouble finding their graduates so they decided to wait outside since it was such a nice day and it was stuffy inside. Pretty soon Brian and Jim found them and the celebration started. Each family took turns taking pictures with the boys and then the Bob-Whites all got together for a group picture. Jim and Brian did some silly poses and even took a few pictures with Bobby.

"Congrats! I’m so proud!"

"Your speeches were great!"

"You look so handsome!"

"Whoa!" Brian raised his hand for silence. "You guys are talking like wild fire. What do you say we all head back home and go for a swim?"

"Sure!" They all yelled in unison.

"Trix," Jim came to her side, "Do you want to ride with me? I have the Bob-White car."

"Sure, just let me ask Moms." Mrs. Belden said it was alright and soon Jim and Trixie were off in his car.

She buckled herself into her seat as Jim started the engine. "There’s one place I would like to stop first, if you don’t mind," he started. "I have something I should pick up."

"No, not at all. Say, what you said today was sweet. Thanks." Trixie’s eyes twinkled.

"Oh, it’s not what I had planned to say," Jim explained as he pulled out of the parking lot, "but when Brian got here he and I compared speeches and they were exactly the same. I don’t know how we did it, but the both of us said the same thing. Just the basic, follow your dreams. So we decided to rip up our speeches and say what we really meant. I’m really glad we did it that way."

"Oh yes," Trixie cried, "I think your speeches were better than anyone else’s. They were…perfect!" They rode along in silence for a while until Jim pulled up to a stop light. "Did you really mean what you said in your speech? About special friends?"

"Oh Trix," Jim sighed. "You know that if it weren’t for you and Honey, I probably wouldn’t be here. I might even still be at Jonesy’s truck farm." He took a hold of her left hand and felt the bracelet she was wearing. "Trix, I meant those words I said to you on the airplane coming home from your uncle’s place. You are my girl. I owe my life to you." He smiled fondly at her as his green eyes met her blue ones. All at once the outside traffic was gone and they were the only ones in the world. He started the car going again and turned into a large parking lot. "I’ll be just a second. You stay here, and no funny business," he ordered but Trixie knew he was just being silly.

She wondered where he went. He parked in such a way that she could not see where he had gone. Quickly, she shrugged and put the thought out of her mind and rolled down the window for some fresh air.

Jim is such a nice guy, she thought looking at her bracelet again. He might declare that he owes his life to Honey and me, but secretly, I owe my future to him. He’s a swell person and, even though he’s awful protective at times and looks out for me, he cares enough to encourage what I like doing. She grinned as she remembered the time when Jim, Honey, and Trixie were stranded in a flood in Iowa. Jim had insisted on going with her to spy on sheep thieves. She was glad he did. The trip to Cliveden, Virginia will always be a favorite time for her. He had come to her rescue a few times and the whole time he was just as enthusiastic at finding the emeralds as she was. Then there was the time when Trixie had convinced her father that she was ‘lady’ enough to be able to wear the ring that used to belong to Jim’s Great-aunt so she could impress Ben Riker, Honey’s cousin, but it was really to be used as collateral to keep Mr. Lytell from selling the car that Brian wanted so much but couldn’t buy right away. To do this, she had to convince everyone she was in love with Ben, and then needed to ‘break up’ with him so no one would ask why she wasn’t wearing the ring. She remembered the look Jim gave her when Honey mentioned that Trixie had a broken heart because Ben was spending all his time with Di, which was part of the plan. That was the first moment she realized that Jim’s friendship was more than special.

Pretty soon Jim came back to the car carrying a paper bag. He opened it up and took out a clear plastic carton with a bow around it and a card.

"For you," he said as she took the box. It was a corsage. "Open it and let me put it on you."

"Oh Jim," Trixie protested, "let me read the card first." She opened the card and there in simple text were the words she would never live down.

Always, Jim.

Carefully she pulled the bow off the box and handed the dainty flower to him. "I don’t know why you’re giving me a corsage," she said as he leaned over and pinned it on her dress, "you’re the one who graduated…and with honors!"

"Then it will be my honor to give the most beautiful girl a flower." Jim started the car as Trixie scooted over next to him. As he pulled out of the driveway he put his arm around her and she put her head on his shoulder.

He dropped her off at the Belden house and she waved at him as he left the driveway. She walked up the steps, opened the front door and stood there gazing over at the Manor House. She could just make out his car as it pulled into their driveway. He stood there for a while looking down at the ground and then looked up towards Trixie’s house, tossed his keys in the air, caught them again, and hurried into the Manor House.

"Trixie!"

She was brought back to reality.

"Are you in or out?" asked her mother as she came into the entryway. She stopped short seeing the starry expression in her daughter’s eyes and the corsage on her dress. "Oh, that Jim will win your heart yet!" she exclaimed as she sniffed the flower. "Its beautiful."

"Thanks Moms," Trixie shut the door behind her. "This is the second time he’s done this and it still feels like the first, you know."

"Yes, I know," answered her mother. "Every time your Dad gives me flowers it still feels like the first time." Noticing that her daughter was having a hard time grounding her heels and stepping off cloud nine, she suggested, "why don’t you go get your things so you can go swimming up at the Wheelers."

"Huh?" Trixie looked at her mother blankly. "Oh, right, my things." She hurried upstairs as Mrs. Belden smiled after her.

Trixie entered her room and pulled her swimming things out of her dresser drawer and stopped to look in the mirror. Looking back at her was a spellbound young woman with soft sandy-blond curls, starry blue eyes, and lips that couldn’t resist smiling. She straightened her dress, rolled her bathing suit in her beach towel and rushed down stairs and headed for the kitchen.

"Is there anything I should take over to the Wheeler’s, Moms?" Trixie offered.

"Heavens, No!" Mrs. Belden cried. "You go have fun for a change. You need a swim to clear that pretty head of yours. Don’t worry about the pies or the presents. We’ll take them over later. Now go." She took Trixie’s shoulders, turned her towards the door and gave her a gentle push.

Pretty soon Trixie was standing at the front door of the luxurious Manor House. All of the sudden she felt as if she were at the door step of a stranger’s house. She felt as if she should knock, and so she did. Celia, the Wheeler’s pretty maid, opened the door for her.

"I’m surprised to see you, Trixie." Celia led her through the grand hallway. "Usually you just come right in and head up to Honey’s room. When you knocked I thought it was some of the extra help for today."

"I’m sorry Celia." Trixie looked at her sheepishly as she came up with a reason for knocking. "I just thought that since today was really busy for you that I’d be better off knocking. I hope Miss Trask isn’t running herself frazzled with plans and preparations. I still think that the Bob-Whites should at least help with something."

"Don’t worry about it, Trixie," Celia stood at the base of the staircase with her. "We have extra help today so Miss Trask could enjoy the day too. Now I’m sure you know where Honey’s room is, so I’ll get back to work. See you tonight!" With that the tiny little blond maid was gone.

Trixie turned to go up the steps, but found herself still in a daze and couldn’t seem to get out of it. She reached Honey’s room to find her sitting on her window seat just staring out the window. She wouldn’t turn her head to acknowledge Trixie.

"Honey?" Trixie tried to break the uneasy silence. She put her bag down on Honey’s sofa and sat down next to her on the window seat. It was evident that Honey had been crying. "Honey what happened? Did something go wrong?"

"Oh Trix," Honey wailed. "I just got a brother three years ago. Now I’m losing him. You wouldn’t understand because you have three brothers, but I’ve never had one until just recently! Trix, I don’t want to lose him!" Honey buried her face in her hands and her shoulders shook. Trixie began to stroke Honey’s back and console her, but it was doing no good. She was right, Trixie had grown up with brothers. Honey had not. "I wish there was a time warp and we could all go back to when we met Jim. It would give me three more years with him. Look at him, he’s going to go away to college and forget that he has a family here. I hear him talk about his real family, you know, and he wishes he was with them than us. I know that’s the right way, if they were still alive, I mean. Oh if they were still alive we wouldn’t be in this mess!" Jim was going away? When did this happen? Where is he going? Will he remember me?

"Now Honey, don’t go getting yourself into an anxiety fit over this." Trixie said as she pulled Honey’s hair out of her face. "Jim’s not going away and the last thing he’s going to do is forget you. You are the only sister he’s ever had. How could he forget you?" She could see the clouds lifting, but could tell that Honey just needed to relax. "Come on, let’s change out of these dresses and go swimming. I’m dying for a swim."

Honey nodded and slipped out of her dress and put her bathing suit on. As soon as Trixie was changed they headed out the door. With towels in hand, they strolled in silence out to the lake. Di and the boys were already in splashing around and having fun.

"I don’t really feel like swimming, Trix," Honey said as she sat down on the bench in the boathouse. "I’m just, well, I don’t know, depressed." Trixie looked at Honey’s face and could see the tears coming back.

"Come on, kid." She pulled Honey to her feet and gave her a big hug. Honey let the tears come again. They seemed harder this time. Boy, Honey is sure taking this hard. I guess I would too if I had a brother for only three years and then all of the sudden he’s moved out of the house and won’t see him except for vacations.

"What happened?" Trixie whirled around to see Jim standing there, staring at the two girls.

"Jim, come help me with her." Trixie was trying to lead Honey to a bench leaving enough room on the end for Jim to sit down. "She told me about how you’re going away to college, and well, frankly she’s going to miss you."

"She told you I was going away? To college?" Jim looked at Honey with pity in his eyes as she was leaning against him. Her eyes were swollen and she had a hard time breathing. "Honey, I’m not going anywhere except to the university in New York and that’s only a forty-five minute drive from here." He lifted her chin up and smiled. "You will probably see me every evening and weekend."

"You mean you aren’t going away?" Honey asked him, trying to widen her eyes.

"No. I have to enroll into the University this summer. Don’t worry, I won’t leave anyone. Shall I walk you two ladies to the lake?" Honey let him guide her to the lake. She was feeling better now. Pretty soon all the Bob-Whites were splashing around, playing swim tag, and having races.

"You know," Trixie said as she climbed out of the lake up on to the dock, "it means everything to me when the Bob-Whites are together like this. I know that those times will be limited as we won’t be able to hold meetings much anymore." She looked down at her wet foot prints on the dock. She could feel six pares of eyes on her and didn’t feel like looking into any one of them. "We’ll all be Bob-Whites. For the rest of our lives we will know that when we call for help, the others will be there. Once we’ve all gone on our separate ways, we know we can count on each other. Agreed?"

"Agreed!" the Bob-Whites chorused.

"Sitting here is all fine and well with you people," Mart started, "But there’s a hunger lingering in my belly for sustenance. I say we go take care of that problem!"

They all laughed, because Mart always had an appetite for food. As soon as they were dried off, they headed back up to the Manor House so they could freshen up and change back into their party clothes. Honey was feeling better now, and so was Trixie.

"You know," Honey said as she brushed her hair so it looked neat again, "I think I was awful silly to think that Jim was going away. Nobody even told me that. I was just probably jumping to conclusions."

"Oh don’t worry about it Honey." Trixie admired Honey’s hair for always falling into place while her curls did whatever they pleased. "I knew that Jim was going to the University of New York, but as soon as you said he was going away, I began to get all, well, worried too."

"I can understand why you’d be worried, though, Trix." Honey stopped her brushing. "I’m worried about Brian the same way. Are they really going to wait two years for us to haul ourselves out of high school?"

"That depends on if we can get through high school first." Trixie bent down to tie her sandals. She hated to think about it. Jim, surrounded by pretty girls his age while she’s stuck being a kid for two more years.

Honey went over to straighten Trixie’s corsage. "Oh this flower is simply divine, Trix. He sure is good to you. Come on, I think I hear guests arriving." Both girls took one last look in the mirror and hurried down stairs to meet guests. There were neighbors, teachers, and students from Sleepyside Junior-Senior High mingling with each other, and a band playing out in the gardens. Pretty decorations and flower arrangements sat upon each table.

"Gleeps, Honey," Trixie said as she looked around the garden, "when your mother puts on a party, she’s not kidding!" There were three punch bowls and coffee urns set up on a couple tables and two beautiful cakes set up on another table.

"I know," Honey nodded. "She has a talent for social gatherings and parties. To me they’re extremely elaborate affairs, but I’ve been to so many. This one just seems different. There’s a different atmosphere here. Let’s get some punch and find our table. The Bob-Whites all have a table of their own!"

Trixie and Honey made their way to the punch table and helped themselves. "You’d think that your parents were hosting the school dance, there’s so many of the seniors here," Trixie added as they strolled around looking for their table.

"Well, there is another party later at the school," Honey explained. "Jim told me about it. He said that he’s not going. He’d much rather spend his time here. So, basically, everyone’s killing time until the dance tonight at the school."

"Who’s the band?" Trixie inquired taking a sip of the punch.

"Actually, they are the University Jazz Band from New York City. Aren’t they groovin’?" Honey said stopping in front of the band and bounced her hair in time to the music.

"Oh Honey," Trixie laughed. "You look like a duck when you do that!"

She stuck her tongue out at Trixie. "Let’s go find our table." It didn’t take long to find as Mart, Di, and Dan were already there.

"Great band, huh?" Trixie asked setting her punch down on the paper tablecloth.

"Yeah, can’t you dig?" Mart exclaimed looking at the band. "I can’t wait until they move into the ballroom tonight. That’ll be fun."

"Oooh, a dance!" Trixie exclaimed. "Honey, I think this will be the most fun I’ve ever had!"

Honey took a sip of her punch. "Just wait until you and I graduate! Mother and Daddy said they have something special planned for us!"

"I can see it now!" Mart exclaimed. "Trixie and Honey get sent to the moon for graduation gift! At least there’ll be no mysteries for you to solve there, dear sister!"

Everyone at the table laughed wholeheartedly at Mart’s joke at Trixie. They all had to admit that Mart was just as adventurous as Trixie. He was quick to make fun of her and her spirit, but he was also the first to join in when she found a mystery. He had often teased her about opening a detective agency called ‘Schoolgirl Shamuses, Incorporated’ but she knew he’d be their number one supporter.

"You know, Mart," Di added, "There are plenty of mysteries to be solved in outer space. For example," she counted the possibilities on her fingers, "you have aliens, UFO’s, space exploration, new planets, things like that. Maybe we should send them to the moon!" They all started laughing again.

"Just watch it," Trixie pointed a warning finger at the Bob-Whites. "After Honey and I land on the moon and start our space exploration project, I’ll find a new planet and it’ll be named after me, kind of like how the planets of our solar system are named after Greek and Roman gods and goddesses."

"We’ll have to name it Planet Beatrix or something like that," Mart added with a grin.

"And they’ll fly to it in their space ship, The US Shamuses Incorporated," Dan added on to Mart’s comment.

By now Trixie and Honey were laughing uncontrollably. Brian and Jim showed up at the table and sat down.

"What’s all the ruckus here?" Brian smiled at the group enjoying themselves.

"Oh we were just planning on taking the Belden-Wheeler Detective agency to a new level, that’s all." Trixie said whipping her eye a bit. "We’re going to be out of this world someday!"

The table erupted with laughter once more as Brian looked at Jim and shrugged. "Well I happen to think the two of you are already out of this world."

"We were discussing the possibilities of interplanetary careers involving lunar masses and celestial orbs and investigations therein." Mart let Brian in on the discussion. "We decided that there is more to be ‘splored’ in the outer limits of space than there is here on Earth, so we’re going to ship them away to Planet Beatrix, named for the Greek goddess of adventure and mystery."

"Did you hear that, guys?" Trixie exploded. "He called me a goddess!" The whole table laughed again as Mart stammered and stuttered to get out of his comment, but he finally gave in to the laughter. The Bob-Whites chattered happily as the party went on and various students and teachers came up to congratulate Brian and Jim. Mrs. Vanderpoel came over to the table with Old Brom, her hired hand and neighborly friend. She was huffing and puffing with excitement as she congratulated her boys. She had once declared that, since they were the only kids who came around to her house anymore, they were now her adopted children. The Bob-Whites laughed and joked until Mr. Wheeler and Mr. Belden strolled up to the table.

"Kids, I hate to break up your fun, but we have an announcement to make that includes Brian and Jim." Mr. Wheeler smiled at the group of young adults with pride. "I need you two to follow me to the front of the band. They’ll be done in a minute so I can speak to the crowd."

"Ladies and gentlemen," Mr. Wheeler began as soon as the band was done, "I would like to thank you all for coming to celebrate Jim and Brian’s futures. These two young men have worked very hard, and they will reap rewards for it. The reason why I am making this announcement is because we have something for our sons. Mr. and Mrs. Belden and Mrs. Wheeler and I have discussed the idea of a graduation present that would include our sons together, since they are practically inseparable anyway.

"So without further ado," Mr. Wheeler said as both he and Mr. Belden handed their sons each a card, "both the Beldens and Wheelers present our boys with a token of our appreciation for all the hard work they have put into their scholastic careers." He turned to Jim and shook his hand. Mrs. Wheeler wrapped her arms around her adoptive son and kissed his cheek. Mr. Belden shook Brian’s hand, which ended up as a long tight hug. He patted his wife’s back as she moved in for her congratulatory hug and kiss and then pulled a handkerchief out of her dress pocket and dabbed her eye.

Trixie stole a glance at the other Bob-Whites at the table. Honey dabbed her eye as well and Mart was handing Di his handkerchief. She felt a little emotional too

Brian and Jim shook hands and began to open their cards. Jim pulled four slips of paper out of the card as Brian pulled four out of his. It took a few minutes for it to register what it was.

"Well, boys," the band leader said into his microphone, "don’t keep us in suspense! What is it?"

"It’s a…" Brian’s voice trailed off as he looked at Jim for support. Jim was equally unable to say anything. "…trip to Honolulu, Hawaii," was all Brian could manage. He turned to Mr. and Mrs. Belden. "Oh Moms and Dad! You two are the best! Thank you, thank you so much!" Both boys gave their parents hugs and handshakes again while the crowd applauded and cheered.

"That’s not all Brian," Mr. Wheeler cut in. "Jim, why don’t you explain the rest."

"Sure, Dad." Jim was beaming so vividly now. "Not only are Brian and I going to Hawaii, but so are the Bob-Whites!"

"What!" Trixie screamed and stood up. All of the sudden, faces turned to her. Her face reddened with embarrassment as she sat back down. "I’m sorry…" she said as she hid her face. She hadn’t meant to scream like that but it was quite a shock to her. Imagine! Hawaii! She felt Honey give her arm a tight squeeze.

"I’m just as shocked as you are. I had no idea!" Honey was just as thrilled as Trixie.

After Mr. Wheeler gave the attention back to the band they started playing again. Jim and Brian came back over to where the Bob-Whites were sitting followed by their parents.

"See?" Jim said as he handed out the tickets the corresponding Bob-Whites, "you’re all coming this time. Rarely do all the Bob-Whites ever get to go anywhere together because of conflicting schedules. We’re all going to have a swell time. Hey Trix, here’s a ticket for Hallie, too." Hallie Belden was Trixie’s cousin from Idaho. She had spent some time with the Bob-Whites and had even been in on a few mysteries too. The Bob-Whites had included her in all the meetings and activities, so they saw fit to make her a Bob-White as well, even though she didn’t live there.

Dan took his ticket from Jim and looked sheepishly up to Mr. Wheeler. "I appreciate this, Sir, but I couldn’t possibly accept this. I don’t really know what to say…" His face reddened with embarrassment as he searched for the right words. He couldn’t accept this from his boss. "It is really my job to…"

"Now, Dan, I won’t hear of it. You miss out on the fun so often that I practically insisted that you be with these kids on at least one trip." Mr. Wheeler held up his hand in protest to Dan’s argument. Because Dan had to work on Mr. Wheeler’s game preserve with Mr. Maypenny, he rarely ever got to do anything with the other Bob-Whites.

"Well, Sir, I still don’t know what to say…other than, well, thanks!" He stood up to shake Mr. Wheeler’s hand.

"All you have to say is that you’ll go to Hawaii with these kids. Consider it one of two things," Mr. Wheeler said still sensing the uneasiness that Dan was feeling. "Either it is an employee bonus or a paid vacation." Mr. Wheeler believed in his employed staff very much.

Dan laughed and sat down again. The Bob-Whites gave their tickets to Mr. Wheeler for safe keeping, and came alive again as they all chattered about how excited they were.

"Oooh, how fun," Di squealed, "maybe we can visit some volcano sites!"

"You know what I think," Mart said, "I think that Trixie will uncover a mystery when we get there."

"Oh I’m sure she will," Jim said putting his arm around her chair. "That’s ok, though. I don’t really mind it. It will be one last mystery adventure before I go back to school. I think I can handle that."

"I’ll try not to find a mystery," Trixie said leaning back in her chair and looking down at her jagged and bitten fingernails. "This is your graduation present so I’ll be a good girl for once and just have fun." She looked up at the other Bob-Whites with a grin that faded fast as soon as she saw their expressions.

"Trix," Brian looked at her with understanding brown eyes, "It just wouldn’t be a Bob-White adventure if there were no crooks, kidnappers, international gun smugglers, diamond thieves, pick pockets, ghosts, poachers, imposters, vandals, and arsonists waiting around to be caught. Not that you have to go looking for one, but I think they actually come looking for you."

"Thanks, Brian," Trixie said smiling a little. "I guess they do come looking for me, don’t they. Oh alright, but I don’t want to hear about it if one does happen to find me." The Bob-Whites laughed and promised Trixie that they have her unconditional support.

After Brian and Jim opened their gifts, the party moved inside so the catering company could clean up outside. At one end of the ballroom the jazz band was already setting up as the guests were mingling about. Some had left for the dance at the school, and some were staying for a while longer.

Jim took Trixie by the hand and led her over to a bench under a nice big shady maple tree. He looked handsome with his red hair gleaming in the sunlight. His green eyes were dancing with excitement as he sat down next to Trixie on the bench and put his arm around her.

"Jim this has been a great party. I’m glad our parents were thoughtful enough to have a party for both you and Brian." Trixie stared down the hill at Glen Road. "But Hawaii? It’s too good to be true!"

"You know," he said, "its more of a present for me that you are coming along too. Hawaii just wouldn’t be fun without the spirit of Trixie Belden to liven up the colors."

"It’s been a beautiful day, but the sun is setting and it is getting cool." Trixie shivered a little. "What do you say we go inside and have a few dances? I hear the band playing so they must be ready." She started to get up, but Jim stopped her. She looked at him with surprise as she saw his eyes differently for the first time ever. They had always been twinkly light green eyes. Now they were wide and darker green.

"Trix," he held her hand, "before we go in and dance, can I ask you one thing?" Trixie’s heart began to pound hard. Slowly she nodded her head keeping her eyes locked with his the whole time. "The three years I’ve known you have been the best years of my life. You gave me a home, a life, a sister, friends, a career, and a dream come true. I love your spirit, excitement, and your love of adventure. I love the changes in Honey, and it’s because of you. Since the day I woke up and saw you and Honey staring down at me, I knew you were someone different. Trix," Jim cleared his throat, "I guess what I’m trying to say is that, well, I would be honored if you would be my girlfriend."

Trixie looked into his glistening eyes and sincere face. He was serious! She loosened her grip on his hands, stood up, and turned to face the same anxious green eyes that she had seen when he and Brian rescued her from nearly drowning in the sinkhole at Bob-White Cave. "Jim," she said, taking his hand back again and pulling him to his feet, "I remember the day Honey and I found you again at Mrs. Smith’s farm. I had this feeling then that you would be someone special in my life. That became a reality the day Mr. Wheeler adopted you. I have a sense of adventure because you encourage it. You might be protective of me and my safety, but that’s because I’ve been known to get myself into sticky situations, which I promise that I won’t do anymore." Jim’s grip tightened on Trixie’s hands as he let a huge smile appear on his face. "I don’t think I can take credit for everything you have since it was your decision to run away from old Jonesy, but I do feel fortunate to have known you for the past three years. Jim," Trixie put her hands around his waist and a cat-like grin appearing on her face, "I guess what I’m trying to say is that, well, I would be honored if you would be my boyfriend."

He burst out laughing and pulled her into a hug. The two laughed for a few minutes longer looking at the sunset.

"Jim?"

"Yeah, Trix?"

"Let’s go dance."

"Okay." Hand in hand, they headed back to the Manor House.

The ballroom was decorated very fancy and the band was playing lively music. The lights were dimmer and couples were already out on the floor dancing, and the band had gone from wearing white sport coats to silver shiny ones to set the mood. Pretty soon Trixie and Jim spotted the other Bob-Whites and cut across the dance floor to join them.

"Where have you two been?" Mart put his hands on his hips and stared at Jim and Trixie. "We were beginning to get worried that maybe Trixie stumbled across a mystery or something. What gives?"

"Oh Mart," Di nudged him in the ribs, "Leave them alone and come have this dance with me." Mart, holding his side, followed Di to the dance floor.

The rest of the Bob-Whites laughed at the scene as Mart crossed his eyes at them. "We were just discussing Hawaii," Trixie explained. "I guess we just got to talking and forgot what time it was." Trixie did her best to hide what had really happened but Honey wasn’t buying it. She knew her best friend all too well. Trixie’s eyes made contact with Honey’s as a way of telling her, "I’ll tell you later." Jim and Brian noticed the silent conversation between the girls.

As the two girls looked on at the dancing couples, Jim and Brian discussed their upcoming year of school while Dan listened intently, adding in a comment or two whenever he could. Dan, as well as Mart, still had a year of high school left.

"I’d say you’re mom’s party is a success," Trixie said as she watched the dancing couples. "Everyone’s so happy and they’re all having a good time."

"Well, I’d say that this one has been a success. I was never really interested in her social gatherings, but attended them anyway." She turned to Trixie and said, "you know, that is one thing that I admire about the Belden house is that when there is a party, its for a reason or just to have fun, not just for appearance’s sake. At Mother’s garden parties, I usually greet the guests and then make myself scarce, but at your house, I feel welcome and don’t have to greet anyone as they come in."

Trixie began to feel sympathy in her heart for Honey. She remembered when Honey and her mother had been afraid of each other. Honey had hated being rich because that meant boarding schools, governesses, dainty frocks, and servants constantly hovering around. Now she didn’t mind it because she was able to go to a public school, her governess had taken the job of management over the Manor House, she was allowed to wear sneakers, jeans, and tee-shirts just like Trixie wore, and the servants left her alone and tended to their own chores. In fact, Honey had even taken on some tasks of her own around the Manor House as well. She helped by becoming Mrs. Wheeler’s secretary for her social events and she, along with the other Bob-Whites, helped exercise the horses so Regan would be able to tend to other things that needed to be done.

"Well, Honey," Trixie added, "you sure wouldn’t be able to fit all these people in our tiny living room anyway. They’d be pouring out the windows and falling up the staircase!" Trixie and Honey laughed at the idea of this many people all crowded into the Belden house.

Mart and Di came back to the table after a while. "Wow! You guys really cut up the floor," Dan complimented them upon their return. Mart was out of breath but Di looked ravishing. "Mart, since you’re all worn out from a little menial exercise, do you mind if I dance with Di?" Dan got up and stood next to the black haired beauty with his hand stretched out.

Before Mart could answer, Di put her hand in Dan’s and said, "Not at all!" Together they went back out to the dance floor.

"Well!" Mart sat there with his mouth open. "How do you like that!"

"Oh don’t worry about it, old boy," Brian laughed as he slugged Mart in the arm. "She’s got quite the Indian sign on you, you know."

Mart blushed as he loosened his tie. "Yeah, I guess she does. But she doesn’t have to give me whiplash while we dance."

The Bob-Whites laughed as Mart rubbed the back of his neck. "You just don’t like it that she can lead and you can’t," Trixie jabbed at him.

Mart scowled at her and said, "Yeah, well ‘leading’ in the art of dance does not include spinal injuries, or sore toes."

Brian with a mock serious face, insisted that he examine Mart’s neck and back. "Well, Mr. Belden, from what I can see from further examination, is a diagnosis of lethargic activities mixed with an irritable approach on exuberant occasions." By now the Bob-Whites were laughing quite hard. "My recommendations for treatment are as follows: Take two and call me in the morning." Brian said as he slugged Mart in the arm again.

"Okay, Doc." Mart laughed good naturedly with the rest. "You’ve made your point. I think I’ll get a second opinion though."

"Well, I can see that my medical abilities aren’t appreciated here. In that case," he said as he made a slight bow to Honey and crooked his arm towards her, "Lady Wheeler, would you be so happy as to oblige?"

"Why Sir Belden," Honey smiled up at him. "I thought you’d never ask!" They laughed and headed out to the dance floor together.

"There goes her knight in shining armor," Trixie commented to Jim. "I wish I could cut the floor up like those two. They are so graceful, but I’d trip and fall all over the place."

"Aww Trix," Jim gave her a gentle shove, "you’re just as graceful as they are. Don’t forget that I’ve danced with you before."

"So have I, and my feet have never forgiven me since." Mart sat there smiling at the two. Jim grinned, but Trixie stuck her tongue out at him.

"Well, I don’t know about you, Trix, but I’m not going to sit on the sidelines all night. Either you dance with me, or I’m going to find someone else. They are playing a slower song so if you dance this one, you probably won’t go sprawling all over the dance floor." He helped Trixie out of her chair and led her onto the dance floor.

They danced this one and the next completely unaware of their surroundings. She had to admit, she wasn’t as frumpy as she said she was and could at least dance to the beat.

"I don’t believe I told you today, Trix," Jim smiled at her, "that you are the most beautiful girl in the world."

"Oh poo!" Trixie retorted. "When you’ve got girls like Di around, I look like an old hag." She tossed her curls, which only made his smile bigger. "You keep smiling at me like that, Jim Frayne, you’ll be sorry!" Trixie couldn’t help but smile at her threat.

"I’m going to keep on smiling, Trixie Belden," Jim said as he tugged on one of her curls, "because Di might be pretty, but she’s not you."

"You’re sweet." Trixie laughed gaily. "I don’t think I deserve you." Jim just smiled and held onto her for the remainder of the song.

Back at the table the Bob-Whites were all sitting around chatting. Occasionally, a guest would stroll past the table and congratulate Jim or Brian. Even Police Captain Molinson was there at the party and shook the boys’ hands.

"Well, Trixie," the Captain put his hands on his hips. "So you’re going to Hawaii to dig up a mystery. Don’t get yourself in too deep because I won’t be there to bail you out."

"That’s ok, Captain," Trixie replied. "I’m on vacation. I don’t plan on finding a mystery while I’m there."

"Can I quote you on that?" Captain Molinson retrieved his notebook out of his shirt pocket.

"Here," Trixie took the notebook and pen from him. "I’ll even put it in my own penmanship." Trixie opened up the notebook to a clean page and said aloud as she neatly wrote: "I, Trixie Belden of Sleepyside-on-the-Hudson, New York, am on vacation and hereby relinquish any tendencies of adventure, mystery and the like. If I happen to become involved in a mystery or adventure, I promise to eat my words. Signed, Trixie Belden." and she wrote the date and time and handed it back to Captain Molinson. The Bob-Whites laughed as he reread her words.

"Well, Trixie," the Captain said as he put his notebook away. "You done good, except for one thing. The boys down at the station will have a fun time watching you choke that one down." With that he tipped his cap at the kids and walked away.

"That’s why I wrote it down for him." Trixie explained before anyone could poke fun at her. "They’re easier to eat that way."

"Okay folks," The band leader sang out in the microphone. "This is the last one, so grab your true love and make it memorable. Hit it boys!" he called to the band. The floor wasn’t as crowded now since most of the guests had gone home or to the school for the dance and there was plenty of room to move. Brian led Honey out to the center of the floor and the graceful pair danced away. Mart led Di to the floor and the two looked never happier. Jim twirled Trixie once and took her in his arms once again while Dan and a classmate danced close by. Even Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler and Mr. and Mrs. Belden took time out of from the busy preparations to take the last dance. The last dance was always the special one. It’s like putting the frosting on the cake, it makes the evening complete.

Before they knew it the dance was over and it was time to go home. The Beldens thanked the Wheelers for a good time and offered to help clean up. Mr. Wheeler protested and wouldn’t hear of it. He’s had a staff working on that all evening long so everything was done anyway. The Bob-Whites made plans to meet at the clubhouse the next day at ten in the morning so they could make plans for Hawaii. It would only be a week away and they needed to come up with definite travel plans. The Beldens all walked down the trail to their house with Mr. Belden carrying Bobby, who was fast asleep. Trixie had fun but she was extremely tired now.

That night she let out a big yawn and snuggled down in her covers. She had been sure to put the corsage back in the plastic box and put it in the refrigerator. The day’s events had danced around in her head until her eyes couldn’t stay open much longer.

The next morning she awoke to a knock at her bedroom door. "Trixie? You up yet?" It was Honey.

"Sure," Trixie answered trying to suppress a yawn. Honey came in and sat down on the edge of the bed. "What are you doing here so early?"

"Early?" Honey grinned. "Trix, it’s nine-thirty. I thought you’d have been up by now."

Trixie looked over to her bedside clock and widened her eyes. "Jeepers! I’d better get up and get ready for the meeting. Good thing you came over or else I’d have slept through it." Trixie threw the covers off her and started to freshen up.

"I just though you’d like someone to walk you to the clubhouse," Honey explained. "The party kind of wore us out too. Mother and Daddy sure do appreciate all the help from your parents." Honey was tired and Trixie’s homemade quilt looked inviting. Mrs. Belden always made such gorgeous quilts and Honey had decided that she would learn how to make quilts so she can make them for her children…someday. Trixie came back into the bedroom to get dressed quickly. "You know, Trix, we never did get to talk last night. I think time just escaped us." She yawned as Trixie was combing through her curls.

"You want to know what Jim and I were talking about, right?" Trixie looked at her sleepy friend’s reflection in the mirror as she spoke. "As everyone was hurrying into the ballroom, Jim took me aside and, well, we discussed…things. Hawaii was one of them, so I didn’t lie. Honey," Trixie put her comb down on the dresser, turned around, and leaned on it. Honey looked as if she were to burst any minute. "What are you looking at me like that for?"

"Oh Trix!" Honey grabbed Trixie by the hands and spun her around and around. "I’m thrilled! Did he ask you? Exactly what did you say? What was it like? Did you…"

"Honey! What is this? The third degree?" Trixie demanded laughing. "I really don’t remember it. All I remember was my initial reaction to his question and his reaction when I said yes. The first thing I wanted to do was to change the subject, but I decided that this might be the last time he’d ever ask me. Then we came inside for the dance." Trixie bent down to tie her shoes. "I do recall a certain couple tearing up the dance floor last night, and it wasn’t us. You and Brian looked great together."

"Thanks, Trix, but you two were the most romantic of us all. Di was killing Mart, I’m not sure how Brian and I were doing, but I don’t even think you and Jim can recall anyone out on the ballroom floor but yourselves."

"Well, maybe so," Trixie laughed, "but you two won the ‘most graceful dancers’ award." Trixie looked at the clock one more time. "Come on, Honey. We’ve got to make it to the clubhouse before ten, and it’s just about ten now."

Both girls headed downstairs, out the door, and trudged across the Wheeler property to the little gatehouse that was now their clubhouse. The other Bob-Whites, who were already there, looked just as drained as Trixie and Honey did.

"Hi everyone," Trixie groaned as they came inside and shut the door. "Sorry we’re late. I just got up."

Mart opened his mouth for a retort, but a yawn came out instead. Trixie took her usual seat at the head of the table next to her co-president, Jim. "Our first order of business," she started, "is to find a map of Island of Oahu, where Honolulu is.

Jim pulled something out of his back pocket and handed it to Trixie. "Here’s your map, Trix. It’s a year old, but I don’t think Hawaii changes that much. Dad and Mom were in Honolulu last year for a few weeks and bought a tour book too, so we’ll know where to eat and what shops are the best."

With droopy eyes, she took the map and set it aside. "Well, we have a week to prepare for this. Moms needs my help around the house as much as possible since we’re going to be in Hawaii for a while. How long did the tickets say?"

"Two weeks," answered Brian.

"I need to help Mr. Maypenny get ahead with the game preserve," Dan added. He helped patrol the preserve and keep the feeding stations full. Mr. Maypenny was over sixty, and even though he insisted that he could take care of all this himself, he sure did appreciate Dan’s help.

"Regan said he’d like us to exercise the horses all week long since he’ll mostly have to do it himself for the time we’re in Hawaii," Honey informed them. "We have been slacking a little on that what with the graduation and end-of-the-year finals. He’s a pretty understanding guy about all this, but those horses are just as much our responsibility as they are his. He has Bobby to help him since he taught him how to ride, but he still doesn’t like the idea of Bobby going alone so Regan will still have to exercise most of them."

The Bob-Whites were crazy about the red-headed groom. He was always such a good sport when it came to other obligations the Bob-Whites had to attend to. He would gladly exercise the horses when he knew they couldn’t. Now that he had Bobby’s help he might be able to keep up with some of his work. Regan had taught Bobby how to ride about a year ago and now, he was just as good as the rest. Still being quite young, Bobby wasn’t allowed to ride by himself yet. Regan made that quite clear.

"I have one more thing to add," Honey said quickly before any of the Bob-Whites could leave. "Leave your jackets with me and I’ll mend and wash them. I’ve noticed that we’ve let them go and I’m doing some mending tomorrow anyway, so I’ll do these while I’m at it." Mart looked at his jacket hanging on the back of his chair, where it had been for the last few months.

"It is pertinent that we should look halfway decent when we tour the Hawaiian capital, if we’re supposed to signify the Bob-Whites of Glen," Mart said handing his jacket to Honey. "Good thing someone here isn’t afraid of a needle. If a certain sister of mine made these, we’d all look like rag dolls."

Trixie shrugged as the rest giggled at Mart’s comment. Trixie had to admit it, she hated a needle more than anything. Honey was so good at it, and had suggested that instead of buying jackets, she would make their jackets. They were red jackets that each member of the club wore with the letters ‘BWG’ cross-stitched on the back. The club rule was that they were supposed to keep them clean and tidy. Sometimes they got away with a missing button or two, but sooner or later, Honey would have to mend them again. Even though she had a house full of servants that would do it for her, Honey considered it a pastime and preferred to do it herself.

With Hallie arriving on Friday, the Beldens had quite a bit to do. They were going to pack very minimal clothing as they were determined to come back to Sleepyside with Hawaiian shirts and other things. The days seemed to creep along. Trixie and the others gladly exercised the horses and always made sure to clean the tack and brush the horses very well so Regan wouldn’t be mad at them. That was a very strict rule in the stable.

Pretty soon it was Friday morning and the Belden house was up early. Hallie would be arriving from Idaho around noon and Mr. Belden was to meet her at the airport. Remembering the times Hallie flew out to Sleepyside to visit, Trixie made the final preparations around the house. One of those times was when Jim’s cousin was getting married at the Manor House. Hallie and Trixie were having an awful time getting along with each other at first, but then Hallie took interest in a mystery and helped Trixie and Honey investigate a mastermind thief. He had even kidnapped Hallie and Dan. Since then, the two cousins have been close friends. Hallie had the Belden looks, but Trixie’s spunk. She was taller than Trixie, had long dark hair and tan skin. Her dark brown eyes were inherited from generations of Beldens.

Hearing her father’s car pull up in the driveway, she stood in the middle of her bedroom and decided it was at least presentable. Hallie didn’t really mind it all if things weren’t perfect. Instantly Trixie was down the stairs and leading Hallie to her room when her parents stopped her.

"Trixie," Mrs. Belden scolded, "Hallie’s only been here for a few seconds and already you want her all to yourself. Come here and give your old Auntie a hug."

"Sure, Aunt Helen!" Hallie raced over to greet Mrs. Belden. "Where’s Brian and Mart?"

"Oh they are helping out in the shed cleaning and sorting the junk from the tools," Mrs. Belden explained. "Why don’t you run out and say hi to them. Trixie, you can take her bags up stairs and then help me make lemonade. Call the Bob-Whites too and let them know that Hallie’s here."

"Sure Moms!" Trixie raced up stairs and flung Hallie’s bag on the hide-away bed. Excitedly, she raced back down stairs and picked up the phone to call Honey. "Hi Honey?"

"Hi Trix, what’s up? Hallie there yet?"

"Sure is. Moms wants the Bob-Whites to come over and we’ll all have lemonade. Do you want to call Di and I’ll call Dan?"

"Ok. Jim and I’ll go pick her up."

"Sounds good! Oh, Honey this is perfect!" Trixie cried. "Since Hallie is really a Bob-White too, this means that all the Bob-Whites, without any exceptions, will be there. This doesn’t happen too often."

"No it doesn’t." Honey was just as excited as Trixie was. "You know, I’d better go so I can call Di. How about if I call you back to let you know if she’s coming and then you can tell us if you were able to reach Dan. That way we can pick Dan up on the way."

"Sounds like a plan," Trixie said and hung up. Immediately she dialed Dan’s phone number. Mr. Maypenny answered.

"No, Dan hasn’t been here all morning," Mr. Maypenny told her. "The boy left before I woke up…and that’s early, you know."

"No ideas where he could be?" Trixie started to worry. "No note or anything?"

"Nope. No note. Will you let me know if he shows up over there?"

"Sure Mr. Maypenny." After Trixie hung up, she called Honey back.

"Honey, don’t bother stopping at Maypenny’s place. Dan’s not there."

"Well, where is he? We can pick him up where ever he is."

"Mr. Maypenny doesn’t know. Isn’t this sort of mysterious?"

Honey laughed so loud and hard that Trixie had to pull the phone away from her ear. "Oh Trix, it’s not mysterious," Honey said between giggles. "He could be out patrolling the preserve, or maybe he’s in town getting a hair cut. Don’t worry about it."

Honey was right, there was nothing mysterious about it. "Well, I guess I just sort of thought that it was strange that he didn’t leave Mr. Maypenny a note, that’s all. Here it is after noon, and Dan’s been gone since before Mr. Maypenny awoke this morning. It doesn’t take that long to ride around the trails of the preserve."

"Did you ask if his horse was still there?" Honey chimed in.

She hadn’t asked. That would have been a good clue. "No. I didn’t. Oh well, maybe he’s out on foot then. It would take longer that way, I guess."

"Ok. Well, we’re running over to get Di. If we see Dan on the way, we’ll pick him up," Honey finished.

Soon Trixie was helping with the lemonade while Brian, Mart, and Hallie sat at the table. Jim, Honey, and Di arrived but without Dan. They were all happy to see the eighth Bob-White once again.

Honey took Trixie aside. "We even went over to Mr. Maypenny’s to check to see if Dan happened to just be around. He could have gotten home between the time you called and when we got over there."

"Was his horse there?"

"Yes. Spartan was there and so was his car. So if he’s patrolling the game preserve, he’s doing it on foot." Honey shook her head. "Although I don’t know why he would. It just seems to take longer to do that."

Suddenly a voice made Trixie and Honey snap out of their conversation.

"Is Dan coming over?" It was Hallie.

"I wasn’t able to get a hold of him and Mr. Maypenny doesn’t know where he is."

"I’ll bet I know where he is," Hallie smiled slightly. She got up from the table and motioned the Bob-Whites to come with her. Pretty soon they were all walking towards the Wheelers' game preserve.

"But Hallie," Trixie spoke up as she saw where they were headed to. "Honey and I already figured that he was out here. We just can’t figure out why he’d want to patrol the preserve on foot."

Hallie just laughed a little and kept walking. Trixie slowed down so that she could walk with Jim who was bringing up the end of the group.

"Hallie doesn’t know her way around this spider’s web," Trixie told him. "How could she possibly know where Dan is?"

"Watch and learn, Sherlock," Jim smiled at her. "I have a feeling that she knows at least one particular spot of the preserve very well."

"Why, she’s headed for that little school house that we spent that night in," Trixie said under her breath to Jim. "Do you think Dan could be in there?"

"Could be." Jim said nothing else, but just kept on walking. Hallie turned down one of the many trails that lead to the clearing with the schoolhouse.

"Could you guys stay here?" Hallie said to her closest friends. They all nodded their heads and went back to the clearing. Minutes, which seemed like hours, rolled by and pretty soon Hallie, along with Dan, met up with the Bob-Whites at the schoolhouse.

"Dan," Trixie asked hastily, "what were you doing down there?"

"It’s just a little thinking spot that I found one day while patrolling the preserve." Dan looked pretty calm. "I’m sorry if I had anyone worried. I guess I should have left Mr. Maypenny a note. I patrolled this morning, put Spartan away, and then came out here. Mr. Maypenny must not have noticed that I was there grooming Spartan."

"Well, let’s go back home then." Trixie suggested. "Moms made lemonade for everyone."

The rest of the Bob-Whites walked along happily chattering and laughing while Trixie walked along silent. Just exactly what was he doing down there? she thought. Thinking spot, my foot. I’ll bet he’s hiding something there. But how did Hallie know about it? She’s never been through this preserve like we have. She knew exactly where he was.

Jim noticed her thoughtful silence. "Trix," he said quietly so no one else could hear. "I know you’re thinking about Dan’s sudden disappearance, but that mystery is over." Jim took her arm and they stopped walking. His green eyes narrowed. "I know what you’re thinking and the answer is no. Don’t go pry into Dan’s life. Hallie knew where that spot was for a reason, and I’m sure that reason doesn’t need to be broadcasted around Sleepyside."

"Jim Frayne," Trixie yanked her arm away from him. "I just didn’t like the fact that he, for no reason, disappeared. You’d think he would be glad to see Hallie."

"Well, just don’t go asking Dan about that spot. Don’t even ask Hallie. There’s a reason why she didn’t want us to come with her down that trail. She may not know the game preserve like we do, but she’s well acquainted with…" Jim stopped.

"With what?" Trixie asked. "That spot? I wouldn’t dream of prying into their lives. I just didn’t like it that Dan didn’t feel that he could tell us anything."

"Anything like what?" Jim’s eyes blazed at her. "Anything like his feelings for Hallie?"

"Oh, we all know about that." Trixie started walking away but Jim reached out and took her arm again.

"Trixie, listen." Jim tried keeping his voice down so that the others wouldn’t hear. "I’m not mad at you. I don’t want us to be like this. I value you and our friends too much to risk a split between the Bob-Whites. When Dan and Hallie are ready to come forward and tell everyone, they will. If you think about it, there is another couple in the Bob-Whites who hasn’t made it official yet that they are, well, a couple."

Trixie was ready for defense, but let her breath out anyway. "You’re right as usual, Jim." They started walking to catch up with the others. "Do you think they all know about us, but are just waiting until we come forward and say something?"

"You couldn’t be more right, Trix." Jim took her hand and smiled at the blond girl at his side. "Honey and Brian will let us all know later on, too. Mart and Di were just the first of the Bob-Whites to break the news." They walked along in silence for a while. Soon they caught up with the others and headed back to Crabapple Farm.

Back at the farm they laughed and talked and shared old times. Soon it was late and they all needed to get some sleep. Tomorrow would be an active day. Trixie tossed and turned in her bed while she listened to Hallie’s even breathing. That didn’t help. Trixie wanted to chat about Hawaii and the things they’d see.

 

Trixie stood there looking out at the expectant audience. "What was I supposed to do?" Instantly she began to panic. "How did I get here? I don’t belong here!" It was quiet in the dark auditorium. The spotlight was blinding her and she lost sight of her best friend, Honey.

"Miss Belden, the word is HIEROGLYPHICS."

What? Hiero-what? "I can’t even spell that let alone say it! Ok, here goes nothing."

"Hieroglyphics. H-I-E-R-O-G-L-…" What’s the next letter! Honey help me!

"Trixie, I’m right here." Honey’s voice rang all around her.

"But I don’t see you!"

"Miss Belden," that deep voice boomed in her ears. "The word is HIEROGLYPHICS!"

"H-Y-R-O-…NO! Not that! I meant H-E-I-R-O-…GAAA! Why can’t I spell it!

The man stood up and walked up to the shaking Trixie. "Listen, little girl. Your life depends on whether or not you can spell this word!"

"Why can’t I see you, Sir?" The figure that stood in front of her seemed like a shadow. She could see the spotlight shine off his hair but that was it. "Who are you?"

"Don’t ask any more silly questions! HIEROGLYPHICS, Trixie! HIEROGLYPHICS! SPELL IT!"

Trembling, she began to spell it again. "H-I-E-R-O-G-L-..." She stopped as she saw the man make a move. "Who are you, Sir? Why won’t you tell me who you are?"

"Because you don’t need to know. Now come on, spell the word!"

"…G-L-I-P-H-I-C-S. HIEROGLYPHICS."

The man stood up from his table and walked up to her once again. "I’m sorry, Miss Belden," the man said. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a cigarette.

"Who are you? Tell me who you are!"

The man said nothing.

"Honey! Honey! Where are you!"

"I’m right here, Trix."

"I don’t see you! I don’t even see the man anymore! Where is everybody!"

The room went dark. "Hello?" Trixie stood frozen to her spot. "Who’s there?"

She saw an orange glow in the back of the room. It brightened and then she saw white smoke ascend from it. "You know who I am Trixie."

"HONEY! HONEY! JIM! GET OUT OF HERE!"

"That won’t work. They’re dead. You will be too." Trixie grew terrified at the man’s remark. "No need to worry, little girl. I’ll be done with you before you know it."

"I don’t believe you’ve killed Honey and Jim. You’re bluffing."

Suddenly the lights were back on and the man appeared in front of Trixie. His yellow eyes and tobacco stained teeth grinned slightly. He blew cigarette smoke in her face. "Trixie…Do I look like I’m bluffing?"

To Be Continued

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