* All ages
I don’t own these characters; I am not
making any money with them. It’s too bad Western Publishers/ Golden Books won’t
reprint the books and make some money with them.
This story takes place the New Year’s before A Turkey Sandwich, Sixteen
Candles, and You.
The title translates to That’s life, Or, Happy New Year
C’est La Vie or: Happy New Year!
by HeatherM
"Mead’s Mountain!" Trixie Belden squealed into the phone one Saturday afternoon in mid-December. "Honey, are you absolutely certain your Father means all of us?" Honey Wheeler was Trixie’s best friend. The two girls, their respective brothers, and their close friends Diana Lynch and Dan Mangan were the members of a semi-secret club, the Bob-Whites of the Glen.
Honey laughed, "Trixie, when have I ever lied to you? Daddy says that the week after Christmas is perfect for a ski vacation! He’s reserved a lodge with four bedrooms and he’s going to fly us up to the resort in his private plane! We leave the morning after Christmas, and we will come back New Year’s Day. And the best part is, Daddy says it’s a Christmas present and he already cleared it with everyone’s parents!"
Trixie could hardly breathe, she was so thrilled. "Hang on a sec, Honey, Mart and Brian just came in."
"Trixie, I can’t, I have to call Di and Dan. Dan won’t even have an excuse, because Daddy says he hired a part time gamekeeper to help Mr. Maypenny while Dan’s gone!"
"Okay, Honey, I’ll tell Mart and Brian!" Mart was Trixie’s middle brother, only eleven months her senior, and Brian was her eldest brother. The three had a younger brother, Bobby, who was a tantrum-prone youngster of six.
Trixie pushed the button on the cordless phone to severe the connection and turned to race into the kitchen. Mart was grabbing a cookie out of the cookie jar under their mother’s watchful eye. "Only one, Mart, you don’t want to spoil your dinner!" Moms admonished.
"Never fear, Mother dear," Mart paused and stuffed half the sweet treat into his mouth. "I yum sstivin." Pausing again to swallow, Mart repeated with a grin, "I am starving!"
"Mart, Brian, you’ll never guess! We’re going to Mead’s Mountain for a ski trip! Isn’t that grand!?"
"Wow, Trix, when? Is Mr. Wheeler footing the bill? Are we all going?" Brian questioned.
Trixie explained all that Honey told her, and the phone in her hand rang. Trixie examined the caller ID on the handset, and answered excitedly. "Hi Dan! Sure, he’s right here! … I know, isn’t it great!… Hold on a second…." Turning to Brian, she handed him the phone.
While the two boys talked, Mart thought about the trip. Wow, he thought. I guess if everyone’s going, that includes Diana! What a great trip this will be, with her – and Dan, I guess – joining us!The morning after Christmas arrived quickly. With school and holiday festivities, the Bob-Whites barely had time to work on their latest fundraiser for UNICEF. The had sold orders for Krispy Kreme doughnuts to friends, schoolmates, neighbors, and family, and then picked up the fresh treats early one morning in the Bob-White station wagon for delivery. It was a great success, garnering almost $2 per box of doughnuts sold for their charity.
With bags packed, the young people were driven to the airport in high spirits. Given the volume of people and of luggage, the Lynches’ chauffeur drove Miss Trask, Dan, Honey, and Jim, while the rest went in the Wheelers’ limousine. The trip to the mountain was uneventful. When they arrived, they exclaimed over the private lodge. Since the group had not visited Mead’s Mountain since Mr. Wheeler had made renovations, the changes in the property were new to them. The group was ensconced in one of the private lodges Mr. Wheeler built. With four bedrooms, a large great room that included a dining area and a small private kitchen, the little house comfortably lodged the group. Miss Trask took the smallest bedroom, and the three girls took the largest. Jim and Brian shared a mid-sized room with an adjoining bath that connected it to a similar room occupied by Mart and Dan.
"This luxurious achievement in interior design by far outpaces the accommodations provided at the date of our antecedent stay at this peak’s retreat. Methinks, dear Madeleine and dear James, that your…" Mart began.
Diana cut him off. "Your father did a great job building these small lodges! They’re wonderful!"
Jim chuckled. "I think Dad had an architect, an interior designer, and goodness knows how many consultants! But I’ll tell him. Say, what do you guys want to do for dinner? We can go up to the main lodge, or cook here…"
General agreement on eating at the main lodge was reached quickly. They didn’t want to drive into town for groceries. Besides, they were tired, they’d traveled all day, and they were on vacation! "But we will go in tomorrow, right? Have to stock the place up with pop and snacks, at least? And maybe get a movie to watch on that big screen TV?" Mart pleaded.Dinner at the main lodge was a large affair. Along with the Bob-Whites, the lodge had nearly 80 other guests. Several groups and one family stayed in the other four private lodges, which ranged in size from 2 to 4 bedrooms. The rest of the visitors stayed in the main lodge.
A cover had been built around the pool for year-round swimming, and several hot tubs were scattered around the pool. In addition to the fine skiing available, tennis courts and horseback riding were provided by the lodge. The lodge had even hired a ski instructor!Trixie, Honey, and Diana spoke excitedly as they were preparing for bed. "Did you see him?" Honey exclaimed. He’s sooo cute!!"
Trixie had to concur. "He’s really cute! And he’s only 17! Can you believe that accent? Wow!"
Di sighed. "With those brown eyes and blonde hair, he’s adorable. And even his name is exciting. Jean-Pierre Cloutin. Maybe he’ll help me with my French accent…"
Honey and Trixie laughed. "As beautiful as you are, Di, I’m sure that he’d be happy to try. On top of being adorable, he’s so nice!" Trixie giggled hysterically at Honey’s comment.
Di blushed, and said, "Oh you two! We have… I mean, What about… Oh, good grief! … He’s very attractive though, isn’t he?"The next morning, all seven B.W.G.’s hit the slopes. They were all good skiers, but none were great. After lunch, the boys decided to do a few more runs while the girls opted to hit the hot tubs and swimming pool. "Winter’s gone on forever!" Trixie mumbled, lying on her back in the pool. "But this is as good as summer, almost!"
Just then, Jean-Pierre walked into the room. "Well, hello, Mesdemoiselles. Are you enjoying the pool?"
Trixie, who’d gotten water up her nose trying to get vertical in the pool, sputtered her agreement. As she reddened slightly, Honey giggled and added, "It’s wonderful. It’s almost as good as the lake at Manor House."
Jean-Pierre smiled and turned to Diana. "And you, chère Miss Lynch?"Diana said, "Oui, Monsieur, la piscine, elle est très bien." (Yes, sir, the pool, she is very good).
A slightly stunned look appeared briefly on Jean-Pierre’s face. "Mais, Mademoiselle, est-ce que c’est possible que vous parlez français!? Mais c’est très bien! Je ne parle jamais français aux États-Unis! Alors…" (But, miss, is it possible that you speak French!? But that’s great! I never speak French in the United States!)
Diana laughed, a bit self-consciously. She smiled shyly at Jean-Pierre. "I’ve only had a year and a half, but I really enjoy it. It’s almost like taking an acting role. Like learning lines. I’m not very good, really…"
"But you try! That is the most important thing! Perhaps we can work on it a bit while you are here!? Would you eat with me this evening?" Jean-Pierre was obviously shaking with excitement over the prospect of speaking French, especially with Di Lynch!"I don’t think…" Di broke off as Jean-Pierre’s face fell slightly.
Honey broke in. "Why don’t you sit with us? I’m sure nobody would mind. In fact, we’d love to have you!" A relieved smile broke over Di’s face as Jean-Pierre agreed. Trixie thought, I wonder what the boys are going to think of Jean-Pierre… Especially one Mart Belden!I can’t BELIEVE this guy, Mart fumed. Who does he think he is, joining us like this and then monopolizing Di’s time. I mean, it’s her vacation! I’m sure she doesn’t want this guy bothering her! Mart hated to admit the real reason for his irritation. He wasn’t angry at Jean-Pierre for eating with them… in fact, he seemed like a swell guy. But Di was supposed to be his girl, wasn’t she? Maybe she’s not, he thought with a frown.
Jim and Dan exchanged a look. Jim narrowed his eyes, slanting them toward Mart. Dan shrugged his shoulders slightly, indicating that he didn’t know what was wrong with his friend. Trixie caught the exchange. Jim turned her, and she raised one eyebrow as she turned toward Di and Jean-Pierre at the end of the table. Diana laughed, her lavender eyes sparkling up into Jean-Pierre’s chocolate ones. Jim’s eyes widened as comprehension dawned. Uh oh…
Mart suddenly stood up. "Well, I’ve had enough. I am really tired, so I hope you will all excuse me. It was an early day, and we spent a long time on the slopes, and you know… tomorrow is another day and all that." With that, he dropped his linen napkin on top of his half-full plate and abruptly left the table.
Into the silence, Brian said, "So who’s going to have desert? I heard that the chocolate cheesecake is great!" Jim cleared his throat, while Honey smiled at Brian and added that the coconut pie was also rumored to be quite good. Jean-Pierre was oblivious to the tension, since he didn’t know of Mart’s love affair with food. Diana too seemed not to notice Mart’s odd behavior.Dan entered the room. Mart was lying on his bed, a small lamp casting a pool of light over him. He barely looked at Dan, his head resting on his hands. Dan thought, I guess I’ll let him handle it… I guess if he wants to talk about it, he’ll let me know. "Hey Mart, uh… I think I’m going to get some sleep. I’m really tired too, you know. After you… uh, left, we decided to go into town tomorrow to eat at the Purple Turnip and do a little shopping. I want to buy some postcards and send them to Uncle Bill and Hallie… Uh, I guess we are leaving around 11 am?…." Dan trailed off. Mart didn’t seem to be listening.
"Oh hey, Dan… sure, that sounds fine…"
The next day, all the B.W.G.’s except Trixie and Diana gathered at the front of the main lodge to go to Groverville. Now that Frenchman can’t monopolize her time! Mart thought triumphantly. Trixie rushed breathlessly into the lobby, pausing to catch her breath. "Sorry I’m late," she burst out. "Are we all set? Where’s Di?"
It was Miss Trask who responded. "Diana’s decided not to come to town. She’s going to have a ski lesson, I believe. Shall we load the van, then?"
Mart was dismayed, and it showed on his face. I guess that tells me where I stand…The rest of the week passed in much the same way. Mart avoided the group when Diana was present. Jean-Pierre continued to receive much of the dark-haired beauty’s attention. The rest of the Bob-Whites felt torn in two. Loyal to both Di and Mart, they didn’t really know what to do. It didn’t help that Jean-Pierre was so nice all the time. Diana and Jean-Pierre often spoke in French, and it was impossible for the rest to understand, since the rest took Spanish in High School.
The lodge’s annual New Year’s Eve party was planned for the last night of the group’s vacation. Late the night before, Mart sat in his room, alone again. I won’t go, he told himself. I won’t spend my New Year’s eve watching the girl who used to gaze at me with that look in her eyes give it to the Frenchman. …. No I will go, and I will dance with that beautiful girl from Georgia… Mart sighed. Who am I kidding? There’s only one girl for me!
Dan interrupted Mart’s thoughts. "Say, Mart, Brian is escorting Honey to the party, and Jim is sticking with Trixie. How about you and I going stag? I’d love to dance with that Hawaiian girl, you know the one whose parents moved to Vermont when she was a kid? Or that gorgeous chica from Atlanta…" Mart had to grin.
"Sounds like a great plan, my man! You always come through for a guy, huh?" His smile faltered. "It hasn’t been the greatest vacation, I’ll admit." Mart smiled so hard it was almost a grimace. "But tomorrow night will be great! Hey, it’s going to be a New Year, a new beginning."
Dan didn’t return Mart’s smile. "Hey man, I know… I mean, you want to talk about it? I don’t want to force you or anything…""Dan, I guess… Well, it’s kinda tough you know, I always liked Diana, I mean you know, I still do and all, but…." Mart paused. "How can I compete with a guy like that?"
Dan shrugged. "Heck, man, I don’t know how any of us could compete with a guy like that. But I don’t think Di…"
"No way. Haven’t you seen them together? I mean, watch the way he looks at her. And she looks at him like he’s tuna and she’s a starving cat. Shheeeesh."
Dan bit back a laugh. "Come on, Mart, this isn’t like you! Why don’t you stand up for yourself? Don’t assume! Ask the girl who she likes. Maybe she’ll surprise you."Trixie, Honey, and Diana were in their room talking. "I guess I’ll wear my green dress. It’s not my favorite, but I’m so pale right now I can’t wear the white one! I don’t even know why I brought it!" Honey was saying.
"Get real Honey. You can wear anything and you know it. I’m going to wear that long silver skirt and my royal blue sweater over my pale blue shell," Trixie said. Trixie was a tomboy at heart, but she had recently decided that dressing up once in a while – for parties, anyway – was kind of fun.
Diana said nothing. Trixie turned to her and added, "So Di, what are you wearing? And speaking f the party, who are you going with?" Despite Trixie’s new addiction to pretty clothes, she hadn’t lost her direct manner or her curious mind. And grammar still wasn’t her strength.
"I don’t know. I mean, I know I’m going to wear my purple dress, but I don’t know who I am going with. I mean, Mart didn’t ask me," Di added getting slightly choked up. "Jean-Pierre asked me to save him a dance, but I guess he thought I was going with Mart. Why didn’t he ask me?" She burst out.
Stunned, Trixie leaned back against her pillow. Honey said, "Oh Di! I don’t know why he didn’t ask! I’m sure he meant to, but you know boys…""He’s been avoiding me all week," Di stated flatly. "I guess he doesn’t want to ask me to the party. Can’t I just come with you girls?"
The time of the party arrived quickly the next evening. The entire lodge was involved. Dancing was held in the great room of the hotel. A DJ had been hired; she played a mix of just about every kind of music. After playing three or four songs of big band dance music, she’d switch to country, and then to salsa or meringue. The music was all, in Trixie’s words, "Highly danceable!" Even Miss Trask was swept away time and time again by eager dance partners.
Diana danced with everyone but Mart, but she seemed to spend a lot of time in the arms of Jean-Pierre – at least, it sure seemed like it to Mart! The young man himself danced with the beauty from Georgia and the Hawaiian-Vermonter, but found that after a while, he couldn’t keep up the façade. Fifteen minutes to midnight, he found himself standing alone next to the refreshment table, glaring at Diana across the murky room. He even dances well. Mart scowled. Then he sighed, a pained look flitting across his features as he turned to go.
He walked right into his older brother. "Hey Mart. Snap out of it! What’s going on here anyway?" Brian asked, concerned.
Mart shrugged and glanced at Di. "So that’s it," Brian said. "You’re angry she’s dancing with someone else. Well, tell me this, little brother, did you ask her, even once?"
Brian sighed. The answer was written on Mart’s boyish face. "That’s what I figured." Just then, Dan materialized, with Jim not far behind. "Mart, are you going to stand by and give up? You obviously want to fight for the girl. Sheesh. Do something. You’ve taken her for granted for too long." Dan, clearly exasperated with Mart’s behavior, said. Jim stood, looking thoughtful. Brian appeared stunned. Honey, he thought. He looked like he’d been sucker punched.
Mart, on the other hand, managed to look like a deer caught in headlights and more determined than they’d ever seen him, including when he was determined to win a verbal fight with Trixie, all at the same time. "You’re right, Dan, you’ve been right all week." With that, he strode purposely toward Diana.
Jean-Pierre spoke quietly in French and Diana giggled. Mart tapped on him shoulder. "I think it’s my turn for a dance, my man. May I cut in?" Both turned toward Diana, who looked uncertain for a moment. Mart wants to dance with me? Should I? YES. Who cares if I look eager! I am! Di grinned slightly at Mart. She did want to dance with him, but she wasn’t going to forgive him that easily for ignoring her all week!
As Mart took her in his arms, the Frenchman walked away. "Diana Lynch," Mart said, looking slightly sick, "tell me now. Would you rather dance with that French guy, or me? I can’t stand this any longer…"
Di looked confused. "Mart, you are the one who failed to ask me to this party. What are you talking about?"
"Jeez, Di, how can I compete with a guy like that? I’ve watched you all week. I see how you look at him and giggle."
"Mart Belden! I thought you were ignoring me. And of course I giggled, he was making hilarious jokes in French about the guests of the hotel. It was mean, I think, but it was funny. I couldn’t help but laugh, even though I didn’t want to sometimes. He was helping me with my accent!"
Di continued, her voice softening. "And just so you know, Martin, you don’t have to compete with anybody in my book."
Color flooded back into Mart’s face. "Really, Di? I mean, you’d want to be with me?"
Di took a deep breath. "You’re the only one, Mart…"
Mart whooped, picked up Diana, and whirled her around. "Do you mean that, Di?" without waiting for an answer, he set her down and kissed her, softly. Oh my, he thought, I’m kissing Diana! He broke away, sputtering. His ears got red, but Diana didn’t notice.
She was a little dazed herself. As she pulled herself together, she leaned up and kissed him. "Yep," she said, just before she found her target.
Honey and Trixie stood, stunned, about 10 feet from the boys and about the same distance from the couple smooching on the dance floor. Trixie’s mouth hung open. The boys stood, whistling and clapping. Honey started to smile, and she and Trixie began to laugh.
As Mart and Diana broke off again, they noticed the others. "Well, what are we going to tell them, dearest Di?" Mart looked down, anxiously. Around them, people began the countdown to the New Year. 10- 9-
"How about we tell them that we aren’t just friends any longer? As if that’s not obvious," Diana grinned. 8- 7-
"I have a better idea. Diana Lynch, will you wear my class ring? I mean, when I get one, of course?" 6- 5- 4-Laughing, Diana accepted. "So can I call you boyfriend, now, Mart?" 3- 2- 1-
"Happy New Year!"
"You’d better," he replied, kissing her soundly.
The End