*all ages

Disclaimer: They aren’t mine, I promise I’ll put them away when I’m done, and I won’t break them.

Author’s note: This starts pretty much right after the end of Gone Horribly Wrong. It refers to the culprit from GHW, so don’t read it if you don’t want to know yet. Thanks to Dawn, Jen C., Kyrie, Lissa and Mary for their help with revisions.

Senioritis Strikes Sleepyside

By Yankeegirl

Part I

Trixie couldn’t wait to get on IM and tell Hallie the latest news. They hadn’t "talked" for a few days, and Trixie couldn’t wait to fill her in.

SchoolgirlShamus: What’s up?

IdahoHMB: any good mysteries lately?

SchoolgirlShamus: We just finished one today. I couldn’t tell you about it the other night because Moms and Dad were listening.

IdahoHMB: so tell me now

SchoolgirlShamus: This nasty reporter stole a bunch of trophies from the school and tried to frame Jim and Brian for it.

IdahoHMB: what!?! not the two boy scouts.

SchoolgirlShamus: teehee

SchoolgirlShamus: We caught him tonight at school. Moms and Dad were really surprised to find out this had all been going on without them knowing

IdahoHMB: i’ll bet

IdahoHMB: hang on, dan just got online

SchoolgirlShamus: what’s his name? is he at Manor House?

IdahoHMB: yeah. he’s BlackIrishDan

SchoolgirlShamus: ooh

IdahoHMB: so what’s this he’s saying about the prom?

SchoolgirlShamus: how did he find out? jim and I didn’t tell him or mart we were going.

SchoolgirlShamus: brian and honey are going too

IdahoHMB: cool! I can’t wait to see you voluntarily wearing a dress

SchoolgirlShamus: I don’t want to , but I want to see Jim in a tux *drool*

IdahoHMB: yeah, I can just imagine -- grrr

SchoolgirlShamus: hey, hands off. I know another BWG who can’t wait for you to get here

IdahoHMB: that makes two of us

SchoolgirlShamus: anyway, the prom is about a week after you get here

SchoolgirlShamus: why does idaho get out so early? it’s not fair

IdahoHMB: got me, but I’m counting the days.

IdahoHMB: can you dig up another mystery as soon as I get there?

SchoolgirlShamus: we might have one already, but don’t go into empty hotel rooms this time

IdahoHMB: don’t worry, I learned my lesson

IdahoHMB: what’s the mystery?

SchoolgirlShamus: don’t know. The principal wants to meet with honey and me tomorrow

SchoolgirlShamus: oops, gotta go Brian needs the computer

IdahoHMB: see ya

Hallie closed her conversation with her cousin, but continued talking to Dan

IdahoHMB: trixie just left

BlackIrishDan: yeah, I saw

IdahoHMB: she promised me a mystery when I come out

BlackIrishDan: Don’t tell Jim and Brian

IdahoHMB: she just got them out of trouble and they tell her not to solve another mystery?

BlackIrishDan: got me -- depends if they’re in big brother mode again

IdahoHMB: Knut’s the same way

BlackIrishDan: he’s not following you out here, is he?

IdahoHMB: no, but I bet he asks Brian to fill in for him

BlackIrishDan: I’ll have to remember that

BlackIrishDan: speaking of big brother behavior, I’d better go before Uncle Bill comes looking for me

IdahoHMB: see you soon

*     *     *

The next morning, Trixie and Honey eagerly headed for Mr. Stratton’s office

When they had settled into chairs in front of the principal’s desk, he closed the door and cleared his throat. He seemed to be searching for the right words. Finally he spoke.

"I feel I must apologize to you young ladies for the way I spoke to you earlier this week. That was an excellent job, figuring out that Mr. Trent was behind the theft. Now that you’ve added another successful case to the resume of the Belden-Wheeler Detective Agency, I don’t suppose you’d like to take on another one."

"Really? You mean you’re actually asking us for help," Trixie exclaimed.

"We’d be glad to help," Honey said. "What would you like us to do?"

"Well, not quite as much as you did on the Trent case. It’s mostly a matter of keeping your eyes and ears open. It seems that someone has gotten into the computer records and changed all the seniors’ grades," Mr. Stratton said. "I don’t know what they did, but the class ranks are out of order from the last time we issued them. I need to fix this before we go to put the final grades in on May 1 so we can select the valedictorian and salutatorian. I was hoping you would help."

"Of course," Trixie said. "But we don’t know all that much about computers."

"Don’t worry about that end of it. If you can figure out who, we can take care of the rest. I figure you two have a better chance of finding out what the other kids are gossiping about than I do. You must promise not to say anything to anyone about the grades being changed, though."

"Does that mean we can’t tell the rest of the Bob-Whites?" Honey asked.

"We usually work as a team," Trixie explained. "It seems to work better that way."

"You may tell your friends and brothers in your club about this mystery. But any information I give you about actual class ranks is confidential. Jim Frayne isn’t on the class rank list because between his transfer and doing two years in one, we couldn’t figure out how to calculate it. Brian Belden is, though. It wouldn’t be fair for him to know more about the class ranks than any other senior."

"Of course," Honey murmured.

"I must emphasize the severity of the this," Mr. Stratton said. "Accessing confidential records and altering those records is a crime. The School Board and the administration will severely punish those responsible."

"Then why not call in the police?" Honey asked.

"Because we just had that regrettable incident with the trophy theft. If word gets out that Sleepyside Junior-Senior High School is having more problems, our reputation will suffer. That will hurt all the students, not just those whose grades were changed. I think you two can help us solve this problem."

"Mr. Stratton, how can we figure out who might have done it if we can’t see the changed ranks?" Trixie asked.

"For now, I just want to too see if you can find out if anyone has an unusual attitude toward class rank. Everything else is confidential, I’m afraid."

When he saw Trixie was about to protest, the principal held out his hand.

"I’m afraid that’s all I can give you now. If it warrants it at a later date, perhaps we can discuss it again."

Trixie and Honey left the office, holding passes to their first classes. Trixie ran her hand through her blond curls.

"Gleeps, can you believe it," she said to her best friend. "Somebody actually wants us to take a case."

"I know," Honey said, grinning. "This is turning out to be a great week."

"And it isn’t over yet."

"I know. We still have to go shopping from prom dresses."

"Ugh. You did have to mention the word dress when I was in such a good mood, didn’t you." Trixie rolled her eyes. "Don’t you remember what happened at Tom and Celia’s wedding reception?"

"That was almost two years ago. Jim can’t wait to see you all dressed up. He says you’re the prettiest detective he’s ever met."

"That’s because you’re his sister and most of the other detectives we’ve run across have been men. He wouldn’t think any of them are pretty. Now come on. We’re going to be late."

The two girls hurried off to class. Trixie spent the day alternating between glee at having a real case to solve, and excitement about the upcoming prom. By the time she met Honey after school, she felt like her smile was permanently tattooed on her face.

"Hey, Honey," she said. "Brian got Moms to invite everyone over for dinner tonight so we can discuss the case. They’re going to take Bobby to Wimpy’s as a special treat and let us work. Jim already called Ms. Trask and got permission for you two."

"Oh, good. I love eating dinner at your house. But we have to take the horses out before then. Regan was complaining about us not coming by to exercise them often enough."

"Didn’t Brian offer to take your turn on Lady if you’d fix his jacket? He said he would."

"He is, but not until tomorrow. Jim said he’d take Susie out at the same time so we could have the whole day to look at dresses."

"A whole day of shopping? You’ve got to be kidding."

"Don’t you want to look gorgeous at the prom?" Honey said, grinning. "Jim’s already counting the days."

"Yes, I do, but I’m not buying a dress tomorrow anyway. I’ve already grown an inch this week, and Moms thinks I’ve still got a couple more to go. She suggested looking this weekend, then buying one next weekend."

"So that explains why you’ve had Mart’s appetite lately."

"Hey," Trixie said, with mock indignation. "I’m not that bad."

"No, you’re not. Does this mean you might be Di’s height?"

"I hope so. All of 5’4". Do you realize Jim is more than a foot taller than me?

"But he’s tall. Brian and Dan aren’t even that tall. Besides, I’d give up a little height to have your figure."

"What do you mean?"

"I saw a picture of this gorgeous dress in a magazine, but I could never wear it. It was strapless, and I don’t have anything to hold it up with. But it would look perfect on you."

"That’ll be the day, when I look anything but odd in a dress. Now come on, let’s get going before we miss the second bus."

The two girls hurried off.

After the bus dropped them off at Manor House, they stopped by the clubhouse, where they found Jim and Dan. The girls started telling them about the case. Dan looked excited, but Trixie soon faltered as she noticed the angry expression on Jim’s face. When she stopped, Jim pounced.

"What is Mr. Stratton thinking, asking you two to investigate? That’s not right. Every time you two start snooping around, something bad happens. How many times have you guys been kidnapped? Paul Trent was about to take you yesterday, Trixie. If Honey hadn’t figured everything out, he would have gotten away with it."

Honey was standing there, shocked. But Trixie’s temper was about to blow.

"Excuse me," she retorted, "but I think you need to check your facts, Mr. Frayne. Trent was not trying to kidnap me, he was going to turn me in to Molinson and blame me. You too, I might add. If Mr. Stratton can trust us, why can’t you."

 

Part II

With that, she grabbed Honey’s arm and dragged her out the door.

Trixie didn’t stop until the clubhouse was out of sight. She looked over at Honey, and was startled to find her eyes filled with tears.

"Honey, are you okay?" she asked, concerned.

Honey just nodded, not trusting her voice. She took a couple of deep breaths, then spoke.

"I just hate it when we fight," she said. "I don’t think Jim was right, but I wish you hadn’t yelled at him."

"You wish I hadn’t yelled?" Trixie said incredulously. "I’m not the one who started telling us we couldn’t take care of ourselves."

"I know, and I’m mad at Jim. I think we can take care of ourselves just as well as any of the boys. But I understand why he’s upset. I was pretty scared too when I saw Paul Trent pulling you down the hall. Jim’s just afraid he’s going to lose you one of these times."

"So he’s just going to lock me up? I don’t think so."

"Don’t get me wrong, I thinks Jim needs to stop acting like such a parent. I’m just trying to see his side of the story too."

Trixie looked at her best friend and the miserable expression on her face. She realized how hard it was for Honey when she and Jim fought. She was so loyal to both of them. Maybe Jim does have a point. We’ve gotten into some pretty tough situations because we didn’t look where we were going first.

"I know he’s worried. I just wish he wouldn’t act so, so…"

"Protective?"

"That’s it. Oh, well. I’m not going back now. He needs time to cool off. I’ll talk to him at dinner. Come on, let’s get those horses before Regan comes looking for us."

The two girls hurried the remaining distance to the stable.

*     *     *

"What was that all about," Dan shouted as the clubhouse door banged shut behind the girls. "Last week you and Brian beg them to solve a mystery and today you lecture them like they’re little children. I’d be mad too."

Jim started to reply, but Dan cut him off. "Trixie and Honey have solved lots of mysteries, and faced some pretty dangerous crooks. That’s part of who they are. Where would you be if Trixie hadn’t gone investigating up at Ten Acres? Or what if she hadn’t been willing to trust me that night in the woods when Bobby got lost. I don’t know about you, but I’m a whole lot better off because Trixie was curious." Dan saw the expression on Jim’s face start to shift from mad to ashamed.

"I know you want to protect her and Honey. Sometimes when I think about some of the situations they’ve gotten themselves into, I worry too. But you can’t lock them up in a glass box. First of all, Trixie would find her way out somehow. Even if she didn’t, she wouldn’t be Trixie anymore. One day, you’d look over and see a shell that looks like Trixie and sounds like her, but doesn’t have all those qualities you love about her. What’s the point of keeping her safe if you’re going to lose her anyway?"

At that, Jim turned red. Dan feared an explosion of his famous temper, but it wasn’t anger on Jim’s face. It was fear.

"I don’t think I could live with myself if I lost her," Jim said. He ran his hand through his red hair, looking much older than his sixteen years. He had the eyes of someone who had been through years of sorrow. Dan recognized the look. He and his Uncle Bill shared it. Too many bad memories, too many nights of unshed tears. Jim continued, "I was as good as dead after my mother died. I was surviving, not living. Trixie stumbled into the mansion that day and broke open the walls around my heart. She’s so alive that I can’t help but feel the same way. Before I met her and Honey, I’d forgotten what real people were like. I just get so scared that I’ll lose her like I lost my parents that I wind up lecturing her."

"I’m glad to hear that," Dan said. "But I’m not the one who needs to know that. She is."

"I know. Looks like I’ve got some serious apologizing to do. Any suggestions?"

"Just tell her how you feel. Maybe sign her up for self-defense classes for her birthday next week. Give her the tools so she can take care of herself and let her know you support her. I can’t imagine a better fifteenth birthday present than that."

"Yeah, you’re right. And I think I know just what to do. See you later, Dan. I’ve got some groveling to do. Thanks."

"Anytime. Just be there for me the next time I do something stupid to the woman I love."

"With Hallie here instead of in Idaho, I’m sure I won’t have to wait long," Jim said, grinning. He ducked out of the clubhouse before Dan could retaliate.

But as he walked toward Manor House, his grin faded. Dan was right. He had to straighten this out. Honey wouldn’t be all that bad, but Trixie’s temper rivaled his own. Sometimes I wonder how two people as stubborn as us ever expect to date. I always manage to say the wrong thing and hurt her.

Suddenly, he knew what to do. He hurried into the house and called Brian, who agreed to help. The two boys started collecting everything they would need. Jim swung by the stable on his way to Crabapple Farm. Regan agreed to call the boys when the girls left for dinner so they could get everything done before they got home.

*     *     *

The girls rode back to the stable after looping through the Wheeler’s game preserve. They had stopped by to see Mr. Maypenny, but Dan still wasn’t home. When Regan saw them coming, he called down to Crabapple Farm.

Down at the small, white farmhouse, Mart answered the phone. After he hung up, he called up the stairs to Jim and Brian.

"Two tempestuous teens are traveling this way," he said.

Upstairs, Jim placed a note on Trixie’s bed. "Come on, we’d better get out of here before the girls get here. I hope this works."

"If Dan could talk you into apologizing, I’m sure Honey can reason with Trixie," Brian said, hiding a grin. At least he’d gotten the sense knocked into him before he’d said anything to Honey, since he would have reacted the same way as Jim.

The two boys headed for Brian’s room. Jim had just closed the door when he heard Trixie and Honey come in. He sat tensely on the desk chair, waiting for Trixie’s reaction.

*     *     *

Trixie saw Jim’s bike outside the farmhouse as she and Honey arrived. She bit her lip, dreading what was coming, but when she walked in the door, he and Brian weren’t there.

"Trixie, Honey, why don’t you go change. Everyone should be here in a minute," Mrs. Belden said. "Mart’s just finishing setting the table."

"Okay, Moms," Trixie said. "Thanks for doing all of this."

She and Honey walked upstairs. When Trixie stepped inside her room, she saw a folded piece of paper on her bed.

"What’s this?" she said.

"Open it and see," Honey said.

Trixie unfolded the paper and began to read.

"Dear Trixie,

I acted like a jerk earlier. What can I say. I didn’t mean for it to come out like that. I wish I knew what to say to make you realize how I feel, but I don’t. But somebody else does.

Love, Jim"

Trixie looked up, confused. "What does he mean, somebody else does?"

Honey finally figured it out. "Look at the note on your tape player, Trix."

She looked over and saw "Press play" in Jim’s bold writing. So she turned the tape on. Guitar music filled the room.

Well I know it’s kind of late
I hope I didn’t wake you
But what I got to say can’t wait
I know you’d understand
‘Cause every time I tried to tell you
The words just came out wrong
So I’ll have to say I love you in a song

Yeah I know it’s kind of strange
But every time I’m near you
I just run out of things to say
I knew you’d understand
Cause every time I tried to tell you
The words just came out wrong
So I’ll have to say I love you in a song

As Jim Croce continued singing, Trixie smiled and walked down the hall. When she saw Brian’s door closed, she crossed her fingers and knocked.

When he heard the knock, Jim felt his heart stop. What if she tells me there’s nothing I can do to make it up to her. I was so cruel earlier. I can’t believe I was so dumb. Please don’t let me lose her too. He slowly stood up and walked over to the door. In the hallway, Trixie started to wonder if Jim was even in there. When the door finally started to open, she held her breath, hoping to see her favorite redhead on the other side.

Jim opened the door. As soon as he saw Trixie standing there, he started talking, hoping to convince her he was sorry. As Jim spoke, Trixie realized he did look scared. I didn’t think Jim was scared of anything. He always seems so confident and brave.

"Trixie, I can’t believe what I said earlier. I didn’t mean to come off sounding like a jerk. I just got scared at the idea of people inviting you to help out on a mystery. I keep telling myself that you’re safe until you start your own agency, and that always seemed like a long way off. But now Mr. Stratton wants you to help solve a mystery, and suddenly it doesn’t seem so far away. I know you can take care of yourself, I just got scared and overreacted. I’m sorry." He stepped back into the room, and Trixie followed him. Brian stepped out in the hall with Honey to give them some privacy.

She couldn’t bear to see that look on his face any longer. "It’s okay, Jim. If I didn’t wind up in so many dangerous situations, you wouldn’t be worried. I’ll try and look before I leap, as long as I know you’re there to catch me when I fall."

Jim didn’t say anything, just hugged her. They stood there, locked in each others’ arms, for what seemed like a lifetime.

"I’m glad you and Dan talked some sense into those two," Brian whispered to Honey.

"I am too," Honey said. "But Brian Belden, don’t you ever try and talk to me the way Jim talked to Trixie and I earlier."

"Don’t worry, I’ve learned my lesson. Come on, we’d better break them up before Mart comes up to see what’s going on."

Just then, Mart called upstairs. "Come on down. Our gourmet repast awaits."

Trixie pulled away from Jim and sighed. "Why can’t he learn to talk like a normal human being?"

"Hey, if he was a normal human being, he wouldn’t be Mart," Brian replied. "Now let’s go talk about the Belden-Wheeler Detective Agency’s newest assignment."

The four teens headed downstairs, where the smell of grilled hamburgers filled the air. Mart, Dan and Di were already sitting around the kitchen table. Dan was dishing out baked beans and Mart was looking for the biggest hamburger. Di had a notebook next to her plate, which was filled with food.

For the next few minutes, all anyone said was "Pass the hamburgers, please." Finally, when everyone had gotten food and Mart had started his second burger, they started talking about the mystery.

"So what are you two investigating this time?" Dan asked. "You never did tell us."

"That’s because Mr. Stratton swore us to secrecy, except when talking to you five," Honey said. "Besides, it’s easier to tell it all at once. Before we start, you all have to promise that this information goes no further."

Once the rest of the Bob-Whites had promised, she and Trixie filled the group in on the case. Di took notes. When they had finished, there was silence for a minute before Brian spoke.

"Messing with class rank is serious stuff," he said. "Our class is so small that moving one or two places either way makes a big difference, particularly since we’re so competitive."

"Yeah, there are a lot of really smart kids in our class," Jim added. "It kind of makes me glad I don’t have to deal with the issue. But I know everyone’s been wondering who the top two are. There are a bunch of people it could be, and no one knows for sure."

"Like who?" Di asked.

"Brian for one," Jim said. "Also Jim Verdoorn and Loyola Kevins."

"Don’t forget Scott Hamilton, Lily Bates, Tracy Myers and Kevin Michaels," Brian said. "Your grades are right up there, too."

"Yeah, but I don’t figure in," Jim said.

"Does everyone know that?" Dan asked. "I mean, I didn’t. I was kind of hoping you and Brian would get the top two spots."

"Good question," Honey said. "I hadn’t realized it either."

Jim thought for a minute. "You know, I don’t think anyone in our class but Brian knows."

"So we could have another nefarious plot aimed at the eldest members of our covey?" Mart said.

"I don’t think so," Brian said. "Remember, I’ve know most of these kids since fourth grade. I don’t think any of them would pull something like this."

"I hate to bring this up, but what about Loyola?" Dan said. "She was so obsessed with good grades that we thought she was poisoning you to remove the competition. She didn’t do that, but what if she’s behind this."

Brian sat there for a second, not saying anything. Jim’s outburst earlier reminded him to think before he spoke. He took a deep breath, and tried to respond calmly. "I know Trixie thought so when I was sick, and she had good reason to. Even Loyola admitted that she had gotten too intense. But I think she learned her lesson. She’s still focused, but she remembers that grades aren’t everything. I think she’d love to be top two, but I don’t think she’d try and change the grades if she wasn’t."

"I think Brian’s right," Trixie said. "I don’t think Loyola’s that kind of person."

"You know, we don’t even know what we’re looking for," Honey said. "There are a whole bunch of reasons someone might have messed with the grades."

"Like what?" Di asked.

"Well, it could be someone who wants to raise their class rank," Honey said.

"Or someone who wants to lower someone else’s class rank," Jim added.

"A practical joker who can’t resist discombobulating the administration?" Mart asked.

"That’s an awful serious practical joke," Brian said. "It could put someone on academic probation next year at college."

"Or keep them off academic probation," Jim said.

"Hang on, you just lost me," Trixie said. "Everybody gotten their acceptances already and everyone has to pick by next week. How could this affect anyone at college?"

"That reminds me, where did you two decide to go?" Dan asked.

"Missouri," Jim said. "We sent in our acceptance letters a few weeks ago."

"I still want to know how this would affect anyone," Trixie said. She tried to push aside the thought of Jim going to school halfway across the country.

"If someone’s grades drop off after they get accepted to college, most colleges will put them on academic probation," Brian said. "It’s supposed to keep everyone from getting senioritis."

"Senioritis?" Di said, puzzled.

"That’s when seniors goof off because they’re almost done with high school," Jim said. "It’s just kind of this heady sense of relief that it’s almost over"

"Some days, I just want to leave all my books at school and forget about homework," Brian admitted. "It’s only because I know I have to do the work that I keep going."

"Really?" Mart said. "That seems so un-Brian-like."

"I’m a good student, not a saint," Brian retorted

At that, the rest of the Bob-Whites started laughing.

"Okay guys, we’re getting off the track," Dan said. "We need to figure out why a senior would change the grades."

"Are we sure it’s a senior?" Di said.

"Why would anyone else change our grades?" Jim said.

Since no one could think of an answer to this question, they ignored it. Although they discussed the case for another hour, when the Beldens brought Bobby home, the Bob-Whites were no closer to a solution than before dinner. They were cleaning up, when Honey asked Trixie to stay at Manor House that night.

"You too, Di. Ms. Trask won’t mind."

"Can I, Moms?" Trixie asked.

"Of course, Trixie. What time are we going shopping tomorrow?"

"I don’t know. Honey?"

"Why don’t we leave about 10."

"Wait, what did you do to induce my sibling to voluntarily enter a retail establishment," Mart said.

"Oh, nothing much, Mart," Mrs. Belden said. "Trixie and Honey just need to look for prom dresses."

"James, I bow before your great power," Mart said. "Who on earth would have thought anything could get Trixie into a dress."

"Now, Mart, that’s enough," Mrs. Belden said quickly, seeing the expression on Trixie’s face.

"Hey Jim," Brian said. "Since the girls are invading Manor House, want to stay here tonight?"

"Sure, if it’s okay with your parents."

"Of course, Jim" Mrs. Belden said. "You and the rest of the Bob-Whites are always welcome here."

*     *     *

Later, when the girls were in Honey’s room, Di pulled out a bunch of magazines, a sketch pad and colored pencils.

"Let’s look at some of the prom dresses in here," she said.

"I don’t know," Trixie said. "I still think I’m going to look silly in a dress."

"Trix, you’re going to knock Jim dead," Di said. "We just need to find the right dress. You too, Honey."

The three girls started flipping through the magazines. Suddenly, they heard a moo.

"Honey, are you hiding a cow in your closet?" Di asked.

"No, that’s my IM." She walked over to the computer and checked the message.

"Hey, it’s Hallie."

IdahoHMB: What’s up?

Watson: not much. Trix and Di are sleeping over. We’re looking at pictures of prom dresses.

IdahoHMB: tell them I said hi. What kind of look are you going for?

Watson: ummm. Hang on

"Guys, Hallie wants to know what kind of look I’m going for at the prom. She also says hi," Honey said.

Di narrowed her eyes and looked at Honey. "Stand up, and slowly turn around," she said. After watching her, Di nodded her head. "Definitely the elegant look."

Honey sat back down at the computer.

Watson: Di says elegant. What do you think?

IdahoHMB: Just what I would have said. And Trixie?

When Honey relayed Hallie’s question, Trixie buried her head in her hands.

"Just tell her I’m going for the goon look," she said. "That’s what I always end up looking like in a dress anyway. Even Jim said so."

"That was almost two years ago, Trix. He doesn’t think so now," Honey said.

Meanwhile, Di had been examining Trixie. "I’d say refined sexy," she said.

"What!" Trixie said. "I’m a tomboy, not Marilyn Monroe. You’ve got to be kidding."

Laughing, Honey relayed the exchange to Hallie.

IdahoHMB: Oh, she can pull it off. Jim won’t know what hit him. (evil grin)

Watson: This I can’t wait to see. What do you suggest?

IdahoHMB: definitely strapless

IdahoHMB: fitted bodice

As Hallie typed, Honey relayed the comments to Di, who started sketching.

IdahoHMB: full skirt, but no ruffles

Watson: color?

IdahoHMB: blue of course

Watson: what shade?

IdahoHMB: ummm

While Hallie was thinking, Trixie tried to look at Di’s drawing.

"No way, Trix," Di said. "Not until I’m done."

IdahoHMB: deep sky blue

IdahoHMB: try and match her eyes

Watson: you’d better come up with as good an idea for me, Hallie Belden

IdahoHMB: already working on that one

Watson: Di wants to know how long

IdahoHMB: floor length

Trixie groaned when she heard that. "That means I’ll have to wear heels," she said. "I’ll puncture Jim’s feet."

"That’s what you said before my Valentine’s Day dance and you did nothing of the sort" Di retorted. "Why don’t you ever give yourself some credit. You’re not the klutz you say you are."

"Hallie’s laughing at you two," Honey reported from her place at the computer.

"What does she have to say about your dress?" Di asked. She flipped to a new page in her sketchbook.

"Hang on," Trixie said. "I’m relaying the messages for this one." She got off the bed and switched places with Honey.

Watson: Schoolgirlshamus really

IdahoHMB: Hey, Trix. You want to know about Honey’s dress now?

Watson: of course.

IdahoHMB: Let’s see. High neck, up to her collarbone

IdahoHMB: straight skirt, but not skin tight. Let it fall softly from the top straight down.

Watson: Honey’s dying to see it. Di wants a color

IdahoHMB: forest green

IdahoHMB: Oh, and the back should stop about six inches above her hips.

When Trixie relayed that to Di, Honey almost fell off her bed. "She doesn’t expect me to actually wear something like that, does she?" she exclaimed

"Do you have any idea how amazing you’ll look?" Di said. "Brian will be shell shocked."

"Honey, if you can shell shock my brother, Mart will canonize you," Trixie said, grinning.

"Brian won’t be the only one," Di said. "You’re going to be stunning enough to make Mr. Honorable’s eyes fall out of his face."

"Di, I really don’t want to think about my brother thinking like that," Honey said.

"Sorry, but I couldn’t resist."

IdahoHMB: What on earth is going on?

Watson: (still Trixie) Honey was a little stunned by the back of her dress

IdahoHMB: you mean the lack thereof?

Watson: right

IdahoHMB: Brian will be even more shocked. ;)

IdahoHMB: speaking of shocking Brian, what’s the mystery?

Watson: Someone messed up the senior grades, and the principal asked us to look into it.

IdahoHMB: What!!!!

Watson: Yup. We’ve already got a bunch of ideas, but no clues

IdahoHMB: Did Jim and Brian hit the roof?

Watson: Jim did, but he apologized.

IdahoHMB: Good! Oops, gotts go. Knut wants the computer.

Watson: see ya.

After Hallie had signed off, Trixie joined the other girls on the bed. They continued to talk about the prom and dresses and the mystery until well after midnight.

Back at Crabapple Farm, Jim was asking Brian and Mart for help with Trixie’s birthday present.

"After what Dan told me today, you’d better have an outstanding expression of your affection for my female sibling planned," Mart said.

"I think I’ve come up with a way to show her I accept her mysteries, but I need your help," Jim said. "I want to give her a charm bracelet with something to symbolize each of her cases, starting from the time she and Honey found me at Ten Acres. Can you guys help me come up with something for each one?"

"Sure, Jim," Brian said. "I don’t know if there will be enough room on one bracelet, though."

"So I’ll get two or three," he said. "I plan to continue this with each new mystery, so I’ll have to add more anyway."

Jim flipped to a new page in the notebook Di had used earlier and started numbering the lines.

"I don’t know how much we can help you on the first two," Mart said. "We were off drowning the small fry in calamine lotion."

"That’s okay," Jim said. "I know what I’m doing for the first one. When they came to find me, it was Mrs. Smith’s crow Jimmy that helped Trixie figure out that mystery, so I’ll get a crow."

"What’s the first charm?" Brian asked.

"That’s a surprise for Trixie," Jim said. "You’ll have to wait and see."

"Well, for the diamond in the gatehouse, I’d say the strawberry we hid the diamond in," Mart said. "Then pots and pans, like the ones we threw from the trailer when the fake Uncle Monty had us."

"A car like my jalopy for that time when she and Honey thought we had a poacher," Brian added. "A cactus from Arizona, and a set of the SOS stick figures from the antique show."

"A catamount from when Bobby got lost in that cave and Dan saved him," Jim said. He wrote quickly as the three boys continued to list charms. "A rowboat from Iowa and a dragon from the marsh."

"What about when we went to the Ozarks," Mart asked. "I can’t think of anything."

"Why don’t we just skip it, and do all the obvious ones, than go back and fill in the hard ones."

The three boys stayed up well into the night working on the list. Jim planned to go into White Plains the next day to get the bracelets and order the charms.

 

Part III

When Trixie woke up for school Monday, she groaned as she thought about how little had happened since Friday. She and Honey hadn’t found their dresses, they had no clue about the mystery and she had spent Sunday cleaning the guest room out for Hallie’s bedroom. She grumbled under her breath as she dressed and tried to tame her curls. By the time she was done, her bed was littered in clothes. I must have grown some more over the weekend. None of my school clothes seem to fit right anymore. She finally managed to dig out a shirt that was baggy enough and some slacks that had been too long to start with, but were now just right. Now I sound like Goldilocks. When Jim and Honey came by to get her, she was still grumbling.

"Morning, Trix," Jim said. "Are you ready to argue with Mr. Stratton?" The two girls were going in early to ask the principal to let them see the class ranks.

"I think he’ll let us see them, once I explain my hunch," Trixie said.

"I’m sure he will," Honey said. "He wants this solved more than we do, and May 1 is coming up awfully quickly. Do you realize we only have until Friday, and there isn’t any school Wednesday for the teachers meetings."

"Don’t remind me," Trixie groaned. "For the first time ever, I wish April had a few extra days."

When they got to school, the girls headed for Mr. Stratton’s office and Jim went to his locker. Although Trixie and Honey didn’t have an appointment, the student who answered the phones showed them right in.

"Good morning, girls," Mr. Stratton said. "Does this mean you have an answer."

"No, sir, not yet," Honey said. Since she was the more tactful of the two, Trixie had agreed that she should bring the subject up. "Trixie and I and the rest of the Bob-Whites thought a lot about the case over the weekend though. We came up with several possibilities, but weren’t able to get much further."

"You see, Mr. Stratton, we had too many possibilities," Trixie chimed in. "We have a whole list of people who could have done it and reasons why, but until we know what effect the changes had on the real class ranks, it’s tough to narrow them down."

"We were wondering if you could give us a list with a number for each student instead of the name," Honey said. "Then we wouldn’t know everyone’s grades, but we would have a better idea of what effect the changes had. We might even be able to figure out the correct ranks, if you haven’t already."

"No, I haven’t," the principal said. "You two are the only ones I have told about this problem. I’m afraid that word would get around if I asked too many people about it. I tried to figure out the right order this weekend, but math isn’t my strongest subject, and it’s been several years since I’ve taken a math class."

"Maybe if we looked at it, we might have an idea," Honey said. "Neither of us is particularly strong in math either, but at least we still have to spend a couple of hours a day working on it."

Trixie crossed her fingers. He’s got to say yes. We’re running out of time and we don’t have a single clue yet.

"All right, I’ll do it," Mr. Stratton said after thinking about the idea. "Hold on a second and I’ll get you the list. On two conditions. First, this list must stay in a locked locker while on school property. Also, you two are the only ones who may see it. You can give the rest of the Bob-Whites the sense of the information contained, but they may not see it, especially not your oldest brothers."

Trixie and Honey thought about it for a second, then Trixie nodded imperceptibly to her best friend.

"Of course, Mr. Stratton. We really appreciate this." Honey said.

Within 20 minutes, the girls had the list and a pass to their first period class.

"You know, it’s a good thing they put that rotating schedule in this year," Trixie said while they were at their lockers. "Otherwise our first-period teachers would kill us. This is the third or fourth time we’ve been late in the last couple of weeks."

"I know," Honey agreed. "We’d better get going, or today’s teacher will be upset enough."

Trixie checked to make sure the list was hidden at the bottom of her backpack in her locker, then slammed the door. She thought of the list of Brian’s grades in her pocket, and sighed. "I can’t wait until school gets out so we can check my theory," she said.

"I know," Honey said sympathetically. "We’ve got plenty of people to talk to, though. The day will be over before you know it."

Then Honey headed to chorus. Lily Bates stood next to her in the soprano section, so she planned to talk to her. When she slipped in to her place on the risers, Lily smiled at her. Honey smiled back, then spent the rest of class waiting for the bell to ring. When it finally did, Honey turned to Lily.

"Did I miss much?" she asked.

"Not really," Lily said. "We didn’t do anything we haven’t done 60 times already. I wish I had a study hall instead."

"I thought you liked this class," Honey said. Lily was the best singer in school, and she always seemed to love chorus.

"I do, but I could have used the time to study for my other classes. All the seniors are trying to get that last little bit to put them in the top two. Isn’t Jim stressed out?"

Honey decided not to mention that Jim wasn’t in the running. "I guess so. He actually spent most of the weekend apologizing to Trixie after a fight. I think he wanted to make sure he still had a date to the prom," she said, smiling.

"Oh, so he is going this year," Lily said. "Is Brian going too?"

Lily hadn’t said anything unusual, but something didn’t feel right to Honey "Brian and I are going together with Jim and Trixie. Are you going too?"

"Of course. I’m sure you’ll have fun. See you tomorrow. I’m late for class." Lily rushed off.

 

Now I know something weird is going on. Lily’s usually calm, but not just now she wasn’t.

In the library, Trixie slumped in her seat during study hall. She wanted to work on the mystery, but couldn’t break her promise to Mr. Stratton. I should just do my homework. Then I’ll have time tonight to sort out the list.

She had just pulled out her science book when Teresa Hamilton sat down next to her. Teresa was in her biology class. More importantly, her older brother Scott was a senior. Maybe she can help me, if I just ask the right questions.

"Hi, Teresa," Trixie said. "What do you think of the homework tonight? I know I’ll never figure it out."

"I know what you mean," Teresa replied. She tugged one of her brown curls that had come loose from her ponytail. "Sometimes I think Ms. Bennett is trying to torture us."

"I’m sure of it," Trixie said. "I can’t even ask my brother Brian for help anymore. He’s great at science, but he’s been so busy with his own classes that he hasn’t had time."

"Tell me about it," Teresa said, with a bitter laugh. "Scott is trying so hard to be valedictorian that it’s like nothing else matters."

"At least I don’t have to worry about that when I’m a senior," Trixie said. "I sometimes wonder how Brian wound up with such a dumb sister. I think my teachers do too."

"I’ve heard it all before," Teresa said. "Why can’t I be more like my brother. He was such a model student."

Trixie winced at the heavy sarcasm in the girl’s voice, but kept going. "So he really wants to be first?"

"That’s all he’s talked about lately. He figures your brother and Jim Frayne are the ones to beat, followed by Loyola Kevins and Jim VerDoorn."

"I know Brian and Jim have been thinking a lot about class rank lately," Trixie said. Well, they have. Just not about their own.

"Not as much as Scott," Teresa said. After that, she bent over her homework and didn’t say another word.

Brian was asking similar questions in his AP Chemistry class. He and Loyola were lab partners, and they were talking about their latest lab report.

"I think we did pretty well," Brian said. "We should get another A."

"I hope so," Loyola said. She sounded worried. "I can’t afford to get a bad grade in this of all classes."

"What makes you think you’ll get a bad grade?" Brian asked. "You know almost as much as Mr. Jennings." She wouldn’t think of changing her grades if they slipped, would she?

"I guess I’m just worried about class rank," Loyola admitted. "My college offers a special scholarship to all valedictorian and salutatorians, and I could use the money."

"I know how that feels," Brian said. "Medical school is going to be so expensive that I’m trying to save as much money as I can while I get my bachelor’s degree. My senior year, my parents will have three of us in college at the same time."

"I guess I’m lucky that it’s just me and my grandfather than," Loyola said. "He’s been really good about letting me study late at night the last few weeks."

At the end of the day, all the Bob-Whites met at the station wagon. Each had a similar story. All the seniors were concerned about class rank.

"It’s nice to know I’m not the only one stressing out," Brian said on the ride home. "But I don’t know that we know much more than we did earlier."

"We know that people think you and Jim are the top two," Di said. "That means this could be another case of someone out to get you both."

"If this is what senior year is like, I don’t ever want to be a senior," Dan said. "It seems like everyone’s out to get you."

"What about the list," Jim said. "Did you girls get it from Mr. Stratton?"

"We did, but we had to promise not to show it to any of you," Honey said. "Trixie has it, so I haven’t even gotten a chance to see it."

"I haven’t either," Trixie said. "We need to do that now."

"Okay, here’s the plan," Jim said. "You and Honey go to Manor House and work on the list. Check out whatever that theory you have is. I’ll help Brian and Mart at Crabapple Farm with their chores and yours. Dan and Di can go help at home, and we’ll all meet back at the clubhouse after dinner to sort this out. We’re running out of time."

"Sounds good," Trixie said. "I hope you enjoy dusting."

"For you, anything," Jim said. He kept his tone light, but Trixie still got a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. For once, Mart kept his mouth shut. Since she was sitting in the front seat, Trixie didn’t realize it was because Di had kicked him as he was opening his mouth.

Jim proceeded to drop everyone off, then drove to Crabapple Farm with Brian and Mart. Trixie and Honey ran up the long driveway at Manor House and into Honey’s room. Honey grabbed Jim’s desk chair as they passed his room, and the two girls sat down to look at the list. Trixie pulled a piece of paper from the pocket of her slacks and started comparing it to the list.

"Are those Brian’s grades?" Honey asked.

"Depressingly good, aren’t they," Trixie said. "I sometimes wonder how I ended up so dumb when Brian and Mart are so smart."

"Just because you don’t get straight As doesn’t mean you’re dumb," Honey protested. "No one who’s solved as many cases as you can be called dumb."

"Don’t give me credit for all of them," Trixie said. "All the Bob-Whites have helped. All I did last time was catch Paul Trent in the act. You were the one who figured out that he had done it and why."

"But unless you had caught him in the act, it wouldn’t have made a difference," Honey said. "Now I don’t want to hear you say how dumb you are again. Do Brian’s grades match up?"

Trixie was still comparing the paper he had given her to the class rank list. She wrinkled her nose as she tried to keep the lines straight. Honey handed her a ruler.

"What are you trying to prove, anyway?" she asked.

"If one of these lines matches up with Brian’s grades, then whoever did this didn’t mess with the grades themselves. They messed with the math that turned these grades into the class ranks." As she said it, Trixie found the right line. "Great, I was right."

"Umm, Trixie, why do you sound so excited about this being a math problem?" Honey said. "You hate math."

"I know, and I’m not looking forward to figuring this out," her best friends said, grimacing. "But if it’s just math, we can solve this with the list Mr. Stratton gave us. I don’t think we could if all the grades were changed."

"I still think you’re crazy," Honey said. "But if you’re willing to do math to solve this thing, I’m not going to argue."

"I’m not exactly willing, but I don’t see any way around it. Jim and Brian are going to think I’ve lost it, not to mention Mart." Trixie sighed, then went to sit on the bed. "Why do I bother? I’m never going to be as smart as them. I should just ask one of the boys to figure this out and not tell Mr. Stratton."

"Trixie!" said a shocked Honey. "We promised."

"I know, I know. I’m just frustrated. I wouldn’t really show them the grades. I’m not going to admit that we can’t solve this."

So the two girls pulled out pencils and paper and started working the numbers. They were still at it when it was time to meet at the clubhouse. Celia had brought them some sandwiches at dinner, but both girls were so intent on the problem that they remained untouched.

Part IV

When the girls got to the clubhouse, everyone else was there. As soon as they walked in, Mart pounced.

"Have you discovered which dastardly deviant created this academic discrepancy?" he asked.

"If you’re asking if you’re crazy, the answer’s yes," Trixie said. "No, we don’t know who did it."

"Did you make any progress?" Dan asked.

"Trixie figured out part of it," Honey said. "Then we spent the rest of the afternoon doing math to find the rest of the answer."

Brian looked at the two girls in amazement. "Since when have you two liked math?"

"Who said we liked it," Trixie said. "But the only way we’re going to figure out who did this is to know what they did and who it hurt and helped. If that means I have to do math, I’ll do it."

The clubhouse was silent for a minute as everyone thought about what she had just said. Finally, Mart spoke.

"Methinks our academic leaders should have adopted this method of teaching ages ago," he said. "Then Beatrix might have a higher success rate in the mathematics department."

"I don’t know what you just said, but I’m pretty sure I don’t like it," Trixie said.

"He just said that your teachers should have used mysteries to get you interested in math earlier," Brian translated. "Now that he’s done, why don’t we get to work." He shot a glare at his younger brother.

"I’m afraid there’s not much you can do," Honey said. "We really aren’t much further along, and until we know who the target was, we don’t know who to investigate."

"So why don’t we all keep poking around our prime suspects," Jim said. "We’ll work on that end, and you two can try and figure out what the switcher tried to do. Maybe we’ll meet in the middle."

"Sounds good," Dan said. "Now let’s get going. I don’t know about you, but I’ve got homework calling my name."

"Three more weeks," Brian and Jim said simultaneously. Everyone laughed.

"You don’t have to rub it in just because we have school for another six weeks," Di said.

The seven Bob-Whites left the clubhouse laughing and scattered to their respective homes.

By Tuesday afternoon, Trixie and the rest of the Bob-Whites were frustrated. Too many suspects, not enough clues. "Usually it’s the other way around," Trixie thought.

Trixie and Honey had worked on the list all afternoon. Honey finally left for dinner with her parents, who were home from one of their many trips for a few days. Trixie finally went to sleep about 10, after her mother made her.

"If we’re going shopping for new clothes tomorrow, you need some sleep," Mrs. Belden said.

"Yes, Moms," Trixie replied. "I can’t believe I’m spending my day off shopping."

"Well you can’t keep borrowing my clothes or your brothers’ shirts, Trixie," she said. "You need some that fit you. First stop is Crimper’s in the lingerie department. After you’ve got some bras that aren’t bursting at the seams, we’ll tackle the rest of your wardrobe."

Trixie grumbled, but went to bed. She fell asleep immediately, but woke up about 3:30 in the morning. She tossed and turned for a while, but finally gave up. If I’m awake, I might as well work on the list some more.

*     *     *

Trixie waited until 8, then called Honey. "I’ll be there in a few minutes," she told her startled friend. "I know what happened to the class ranks."

Trixie ran up the path to Manor House. When she finally joined Honey in her room, she had to sit and catch her breath before she could say anything. Honey tapped her feet as she sat waiting for Trixie to speak.

"Trixie, the suspense is killing me. Who did it?"

"I don’t know," she gasped.

"What do you mean you don’t know! You just said you’d solved the mystery. How can you solve the mystery without knowing who did it?"

While Trixie tried to catch her breath, there was a knock on the door. Honey opened it to see Jim standing there. "What’s wrong, sis?" he asked. "I could hear you all the way down the hall."

"Trixie called me up all excited and said she knew what happened with the class rank. She ran all the way up here to tell me, and now she’s so out of breath she hasn’t been able to say anything except that she doesn’t know who did it," Honey said. Jim stifled a laugh at his normally calm sister’s rant.

"I don’t know who did it, but I know what he or she did," Trixie said, still slightly breathless. "I figured out what the class ranks are supposed to be."

"That’s great, Trix," Jim said. "Just in time, too."

"I know," she said. "I’ve been up since four this morning doing the math, but I finally sorted it out. I even know who the target probably was. I just don’t know who did it."

"Now that we know what we’re looking for, we’ll figure it out in no time," Honey said loyally. "Did you really say you’d been up since four doing math?"

"I never thought I’d say this, but yes, I did." Trixie laughed.

"What’s so funny?" Jim said.

"About seven o’clock, I was starting to get really frustrated and I remembered all the work I did when we went out to Arizona that time. All my problems came out in gallons instead of square miles until Tenny showed me what I was doing wrong."

"Who would have thought you would ever use math in a mystery," Jim said. "I’m proud of you, Trix."

"I’m proud too," Honey said, impatient, "but could you just tell us what happened."

"Sorry, Honey. I guess the lack of sleep has made me a little slap-happy. We need to find out who has it in for Scott Hamilton."

"Scott’s a nice guy," Jim said. "I can’t picture anyone holding a grudge against him. Are you sure?"

"He was definitely the target. The person changed all the grades the same way, except for Scott’s. His were changed differently, and it dropped him way down the list."

"But you don’t know whose the grades belong to," Honey said. "Mr. Stratton just gave us the list with numbers instead of names."

"When I figured it out, I called him at home this morning to find out whose name had been dropped down the list and who the top two were."

"So you figure someone was out to get Scott, and changed the rest of the grades to hide the fact," Jim said. "Who would do something like that?"

"I don’t know. Jim, I hate to say this, but could you leave. I need to show Honey what I figured out, and we promised not to let anyone see the class ranks."

"Sure. But don’t leave without finding me. I have something for you." With that, he walked out of the bedroom and down the hall.

"Oh, good," Honey said. "He’s finally going to give you your birthday present. I’ve been dying to see what it is. Brian and Mart know, but wouldn’t tell me."

"I’ve been trying not to think about it," Trixie admitted. "Let’s get this done, though, so I can find out."

The two girls looked at the class rank list Trixie had made. One side had the real rank, and the second showed the changed order.

"I see what you mean," Honey said. "Everyone else is within three or four spots of their real rank except Scott."

"That’s because when whoever did this changed it, they weighted each of the years differently for everyone. Each year is supposed to count for 25 percent. But whoever messed with the grades counted freshman year for 30 percent, sophomore year for 15 percent, junior year for 45 percent and this year for 10 percent. It threw things off just enough to confuse us all."

"I’m not even going to ask how you came up with that. I’ll just take your word for it. How is Scott’s different?"

"His freshman year counts for 85 percent and the other three years count for 5 percent each. That made his final average much lower than it should have been."

"So what happened when Scott dropped down the list?" Honey asked. She pulled out a pad of paper and started jotting notes.

"Well, he and Brian are really tied for second place. Loyola is valedictorian."

"Good for Brian, and Loyola. Now she’ll get her scholarship."

"She would have even if Mr. Stratton hadn’t noticed the changes. The only difference was that Brian was first and Loyola was second. Their grades are pretty close except for first term this year when Brian was sick. Since senior year counted for so much less in the wrong list, Brian jumped back on top."

"Wait a minute," Honey said. "You mean if Brian hadn’t gotten sick from the Waldorf salad, he would be valedictorian."

"Yeah," Trixie said absently. Then she thought about it for a second. "You don’t think…"

"What?" Honey asked. She saw the far-off look in Trixie’s eyes that meant she had a hunch. "Come on, Trix, spit it out."

"What if Loyola felt guilty about the salad," she said. "If it weren’t for that, Brian would be first. What if she decided to fix things so Brian was first out of a misguided sense of guilt."

"She would still keep her scholarship, but Brian would get the honor of being first. It’s not a bad idea. There’s somebody else that didn’t ring true when we compared notes, but I can’t think who. But you know this was directed at Scott, so why would it be Loyola? She’s even going to the prom with him."

"Really?" Trixie said. "How do you know that?"

"Jim told me. I guess the seniors spent their study talking about the prom yesterday, since their term ended Monday. Nobody wanted to do anything but relax."

"I don’t blame them. That’s all I want to do, but Moms is taking me shopping so I can get some clothes that fit. I had to raid Brian’s closet this morning."

"I thought that shirt looked oddly familiar," Honey said. "I hate to say it, but I like it better on him."

"You’d like anything better on him," Trixie said. "Well, I’ve got to see what Jim wants, then brave Crimper’s. Can you pass the word about Scott and see if everyone can meet at the clubhouse about three?"

"Sure. Now go see what your birthday present is."

Trixie walked down the hall and knocked on Jim’s bedroom door. He had the door open while her hand was still in mid-air. Wow. He must have been sitting there waiting.

Jim picked up three gift-wrapped boxes and stood up. "Would you like some company on your walk home?" he asked.

"Of course I would," Trixie said. "What’s in the boxes?"

"You’ll just have to wait and see," Jim teased. "Now let’s get going. I believe you have a date with your mother and some clothing stores this afternoon." He grabbed her hand with his free one, and they walked down to the lake. When they were sitting on the end of the dock, Jim handed one of the boxes to Trixie. "Happy Birthday, Trix."

"Three presents?"

"No, three parts to one present. After you left the clubhouse the other day, Dan reminded me how much your mysteries mean to me and everyone else you’ve helped. I wanted to remind you of that. Now open this box and I’ll explain the rest."

Trixie carefully unwrapped the long, thin box and opened the lid. She gasped as the sunlight reflected off the silver charm bracelet inside. Before Trixie had a chance to look at it, Jim picked it up.

"Each charm represents a mystery," Jim said. "There are 20 charms on each bracelet, plus an empty bracelet. When you figure out what happened to the class ranks, I’ll give you the first charm for that bracelet.

"Your first mystery was helping me find Uncle James’ treasure. Along the way, you found a whole lot more," Jim said. He blinked away the tears beginning to form in his eyes. "When I cam to Sleepyside, I had no hope. Life with Jonesy had made me less than human. Then you tumbled into my life, literally. When I left here a few days later, I left behind my great-aunt’s ring. That wasn’t the only thing I left behind."

Jim opened his hand to uncover the first charm, revealing a small heart inside a ring. "I left my heart behind with this wonderful girl who made me whole again. Now I’d like to give you this reminder that you still have my heart. You always will."

Trixie sat there for a minute. She saw a tear run down Jim’s cheek and threw her arms around him. He bent over and smoothed her curls. She snuggled closer, enjoying the feel of his soft shirt on her cheek.

"You’ve just made my birthday perfectly perfect," she said. She tipped her head back and kissed him softly. Jim pulled her closer and they stayed that way for several minutes. Finally, Jim pulled away.

"I hate to say this, but your mom will be looking for you," he said. "I wouldn’t want to make you late. I know you can’t wait to go shopping."

Trixie stuck her tongue out at him.

 

Part V

That afternoon, Honey, Mart Dan and Di sat in the Wheeler’s living room talking about the upcoming prom.

"I wish you guys and Hallie could go too," Honey said.

"We’ll get our turn next year," Dan said.

"It still feels weird not having all the Bob-Whites there," Honey said. She thought for a minute. "I know. Why don’t we all meet here afterwards. We can have a house party all weekend. We can sleep late, have a picnic at the lake on Saturday and relax before we all have to go to graduation. Jim said he and Brian don’t plan to go to any graduation parties that night, so we can have our own."

"Are you sure Jim and Brian don’t have other plans for after the prom?" Dan said, trying not to smile.

"Dan, you’d better not be thinking what I think you’re thinking," Mart said. "That’s my brother and sister. Besides, this is Jim and Brian. They’re to honorable to try anything."

"You mean they’re too scared the other will kill them to try anything," Dan retorted.

While the boys argued, Honey and Di just grinned at each other, remembering the sketches hidden in Honey’s desk. Just then Mrs. Wheeler walked in, a plastic bag over her arm.

"Honey, I saw just the dress you were looking for while I was in the city today, so I bought it," she said. "If it doesn’t fit I can return it, but I think it will. Why don’t you go try it on."

"Oh, good," Dan said. "I want to see what’s so special about this dress. Every time I find you girls talking about them, you stop."

"That’s because they’re a surprise for prom night," Honey said. "You can see then. Di, will you come with me to see how it looks?"

Meanwhile, Trixie was having her own luck dress shopping while out with Moms. Once they had finished at Crimper’s, they stopped at Wimpy’s for lunch then drove to White Plains. Trixie had changed into one of her new bras in the bathroom at Wimpy’s.

"That feels so much better," she said once they were in the car. "Thanks for taking me out today, Moms."

"No problem, Trixie," she said. "Of course it feels better. You just went up two sizes. Now let’s see if we can find you some clothes that show off your new curves."

"Moms!" Trixie said, blushing. "I can’t believe you just said that."

"Why? That’s part of dressing well. You wear clothes that emphasize your best features. You already do that when you wear blue, and Di does when she wears purple. You both know that those colors make you look good, so you wear them more often. This is the same thing. Once you have clothes that fit, there is no reason for you to hide under baggy shirts."

"If you say so," she said, still embarrassed

Two hours later, Trixie was still trying on clothes. They had found some nice outfits, but nothing spectacular. Then Trixie’s mother handed her a powder-blue bodysuit, a darker blue button-down shirt and some jeans. When Trixie had them on and looked in the mirror, she couldn’t believe how nice she looked. The jeans rested on her hips, but were loose enough to be comfortable. The bodysuit clung to her curves better than anything else she had tried on, even the fitted shirts. Trixie left the outer shirt unbuttoned. The two blues looked perfect with Trixie’s coloring. There’s no way I’d ever wear just the bodysuit, but under this shirt it looks nice. Maybe I really can look nice and be comfortable at the same time.

Trixie was about to change back into her old jeans and Brian’s shirt when her mother’s voice stopped her.

"Trixie, I think I just found a prom dress for you," she said. Trixie opened the door to pass out a shirt she hadn’t liked in exchange for the dress, which turned out to have two pieces.

As soon as she looked in the mirror, Trixie knew she had found the perfect dress. The long skirt was full, but not frilly. The top had spaghetti straps and the neckline dipped deep enough to reveal just a hint of cleavage. And the color was perfect. Honey would know what this is made of. All I know is that I love it. The deep blue shimmered subtly with undertones of black. It rustled faintly when she moved.

"Moms, you’re a genius," Trixie exclaimed from the dressing room. "I can’t wait to show the other girls."

Three weeks later, Trixie wished for some excitement. Nothing had happened since that day. Mr. Stratton had announced the final class ranks, and everyone was thrilled that Brian had done so well. He, Scott and Loyola spent time every week working together on their speeches.

Trixie fidgeted her way through school. Between Hallie’s arrival, the unsolved mystery and the upcoming prom, she wanted to be anyplace but class. I hope Hallie can help us figure out who switched the ranks. Scott’s so nice; I don’t who would do something like this to him.

She couldn’t remember anything that happened all day by the time she got off the bus. Trixie ran up to the house, leaving Brian and Mart behind.

"I still find it hard to believe our sleuthing sibling hasn’t cracked this case," Mart said after she took off.

"Give her some credit for figuring out the important part, Mart. You know she didn’t enjoy doing all that math. I certainly wouldn’t have."

"I know. Now let’s get going or this party won’t ever happen," Mart said. "Remind me again why we’re doing this."

"Because Trixie’s stumped enough to hope Hallie can figure this out, since we haven’t gotten anywhere," Brian said. "It’s been three weeks since Trixie figured out what happened and we still don’t know who did it."

"And inviting the unwitting suspects for a salutary feast and revel so our fraternal cousin can examine them for impure motives is the solution?"

"I haven’t seen you come up with a better idea," Brian retorted as they reached the front steps. "Now shush before anyone hears."

They walked inside to find Trixie, Hallie, Bobby, Reddy and Moms all tangled up in what looked like one big knot in the kitchen.

"It’s about time you two showed up," Trixie said. "Would one of you take Reddy and put him outside."

Brian stifled a laugh and grabbed the unruly Irish setter. He headed out back where he could laugh without being heard. Mart corralled Bobby, giving Trixie, Hallie and Moms a chance to stand back up.

"What unusual circumstances led to this Gordian construction in the center of our abode?" Mart asked.

"Hasn’t anyone managed to remove that dictionary you swallowed?" drawled Hallie. "I would have thought they’d have a cure by now."

Trixie stifled her laugh, but Brian, fresh from his chuckles about the mess he and Mart walked in on, could not. Mart glared at his older brother before escorting Bobby to his room where he could do his homework.

"It’s great to see you again, Hallie," Brian said. "Now what exactly happened before we walked in?"

"Too many people with too much energy in the same place at the same time," Mrs. Belden said. "Bobby came in the back door, Trixie came in the front, Hallie walked in from her room and Reddy came running down the stairs. Everyone was in such a rush that when we all met in the middle, well you saw what happened."

"We promised you some excitement," Trixie said. "I just didn’t expect it this quickly. Now let’s go get ready."

"Ready for what?" Hallie asked.

"We’re having a party down at the Wheeler’s lake to celebrate your arrival and graduation," Brian said. "All the BobWhites plus some other seniors will be there."

"Cool," Hallie said. "I even have my own clothes this time." She grinned, remembering the suitcase mix-up the last time she visited Crabapple Farm.

"Come on up to my room," Trixie invited. "I promise there aren’t any dogs, little brothers or walking dictionaries up there."

"Sounds great. I want to see this prom dress anyway," Hallie said. She grinned as she thought of the description Trixie had given her on IM. Jim won’t know what hit him.

"Wouldn’t we all," Mart muttered.

"What was that, my dear twin brother?" Trixie asked.

"Nothing, little sister. Just make sure you’re at the lake in half an hour," Mart retorted.

As Trixie and Hallie walked upstairs, Hallie whispered to her cousin. "This is the party where I check out all the suspects, right."

"You got it."

When Hallie and Trixie arrived at the lake, they found the rest of the BobWhites waiting. They were holding a huge banner that read, "Welcome Hallie."

"You kids are great," she said, smiling. "I’m glad my parents came up with this idea."

"We have something for you, Hallie," gentle Honey said. She handed a package to Jim.

"Hallie, as co-presidents of the BobWhites, Jim and I would like to welcome you to the club," Trixie said. Jim handed Hallie the box.

"Hallie, we’d like you to have this as our newest member," he said.

She opened the box and saw her own BWG jacket inside. Her face lit up with a smile as she took it out to put on.

"Thanks, you guys," she said. "You have no idea how glad I am to finally be a real BobWhite.

Di could see Hallie was about to lose it, so she spoke up. "Come on, let’s get into our suits and go swimming," she said. "The others will be here soon."

The teens all changed and soon the lake was full of laughing, splashing teens. Honey and Jim had flipped the banner around to read, "Congratulations Seniors!" and hung it on the boathouse. As the seniors arrived, the joined them in the water. When Hallie looked back on the party later that evening, she remembered individual scenes.

Todd Maurer and Mark Nelson dunked each other by the dock. The two boys clowned around in the water, then joined Mart for hamburgers on shore.

"Great setup you guys have here," Todd said. "Your own car, your own lake, and two of the brightest boys in school. No wonder you always seem to have so much fun."

Mart’s mouth was too full of food to reply, so he just nodded.

Loyola and Scott laughing over Mrs. Belden’s chocolate cake. They were starry-eyed over each other when alone. Once Brian came over, talk turned to their graduation speeches.

"I’m glad you have to go first," Loyola admitted to both boys. "I hate public speaking."

"I’m not crazy about it either," Scott said. "I never could understand how you could get up and face down half the town during the factory debate, Brian."

"I just figured all the facts deserved to be aired," Brian said. "At least this time people actually want to hear me speak. My parents are pretty psyched about it, not to mention Mart and Trixie."

"My parents are too," Scott said. "I didn’t tell them I almost didn’t get it."

"Good, since I wasn’t really supposed to tell you two that," Brian said. "I just thought you should know."

"Thanks. My family is making a big deal out of this," Scott said. "Neither of my parents managed to graduate, so they’re always pushing Teresa and I to do well in school so we’ll get to college."

"My grandfather feels the same way," Loyola said. "He’s always very proud of anything I do."

Jim Verdoorn and Hallie sat on the end of the dock. Jim was asking Hallie about the Idaho woods. She told him about the camping trip with the Bob-Whites and Cap’s kidnapping.

"So Trixie doesn’t just get mixed up in all these adventures around here?" he said.

"Not as far as I can tell," Hallie replied. "London, Missouri, Idaho, Arizona. It’s all the same to her."

"You’d think by now crooks would know better than to try anything when she’s around," Jim Verdoorn replied.

Lily wandered over to Brian, who was at the picnic table.

"I can’t wait to hear your speech at graduation Saturday," she said, smiling. "I’m sure it will be excellent."

"Thanks, Lily. I hope everyone likes it."

The two talked for a few minutes, then Honey wandered over. "Have I mentioned how nice you look in that suit?" Brian asked. "Is it new?" He slid his arm around Honey and pulled her close, kissing her forehead. Lily’s smile stiffened, and she left after a few minutes of idle chatter. Once she did, Brian turned to Honey.

"I’m glad you came over," he said. "Lily’s been acting odd, and I’m not sure why."

"I thought it was just me," Honey said. "But maybe she was just uncomfortable because you kissed me. Some people are."

"That’s her problem, then," Brian said. He pulled Honey even closer, admiring her green bikini.

After everything was cleaned up, Hallie dragged Trixie and Honey back to her new room at Crabapple Farm. As soon as they sat down on the bed, Trixie almost exploded with curiosity.

"So what do you think?"

"I know who did it," Hallie said.

Part VI

"At least, I think I do," Hallie said.

"What is it with you Beldens and suspense," Honey complained. "First Trixie figures out the how but can’t tell me because she’s out of breath from running over to tell me. The Hallie says she knows who, then says she only thinks she does. You two are driving me crazy."

Di couldn’t help it. She started laughing. Trixie and Hallie tried to stifle their giggles but were soon rolling on the floor laughing. Honey looked at her three friends, growled, then gave up and joined in.

"I guess I did sound a little silly," Honey said between giggles.

After a few minutes, the girls calmed down enough to get back to the mystery.

"What I meant, Honey, was that based on what I saw today, I have a pretty good idea who did it and why," Hallie said. "But I don’t know any of them all that well, so I want to ask some questions before I accuse anyone."

"Where did you and Brian get the ‘think first, act later’ gene that I managed to miss?" Trixie said. "How can I get it?"

"Too late," Hallie retorted.

"So what are your questions?" Di asked, trying to defuse the tension between the two cousins.

"Have any of your cases outside of Sleepyside been written up around here?"

"A couple of them have," Honey said. "I have the clippings in the club scrapbook down at the clubhouse."

"Who knows Brian is dating Honey?"

"After seeing him kiss her at the party today, a whole bunch of people," Di said, smiling.

Honey turned red. "I didn’t think anyone except Lily had seen," she said. "Brian was getting some weird feelings from his discussion with Lily and I think he was kind of using me to scare her off."

"That doesn’t sound like Brian," Trixie said.

"How often have you seen one girl flirting with him while he’s engaged to marry someone else?" Disaid.

"Good point."

"Hang on, I still have more questions," Hallie said. "Who have Loyola and Scott dated in the past?"

"I think Loyola and Jim Verdoorn had a couple of dates last year," Di said. "I heard some of the cheerleaders talking about how they both deserved each other as the two nerds."

"No wonder I ignore them in the locker room," Trixie said. "How catty can you get."

"What about Scott?" Hallie asked. "The subject kind of came up last time Honey and I were waiting to talk to Mr. Stratton. His sister is in some of my classes and she was working in his office and we got to talking."

"Do any of our suspects have the same job? That would give them computer access," Hallie said.

"Jim Verdoorn works in the computer lab during his free periods to help other students," Honey said. "I think he might have access that way."

"Lily has the same job as Teresa," Di said. "I don’t know how much access she has through that, but it must be more than an average student."

"Okay, I think I know who did it," Hallie said. "Everything you just told me fits with my theory."

She explained her idea to the other girls, who agreed.

"If that’s what really happened, I’m going to kill her when Mr. Stratton gets done with her," Honey said.

"In that case, why don’t you let Hallie and I tell Mr. Stratton," Trixie said. "You’ve got to fill out some paperwork anyway, don’t you Hallie."

"Yes, but I was going to wait until after the graduation craziness," her cousin said.

"Why don’t you come in tomorrow to do it," Trixie said. "Brian doesn’t have school, so he can drive us in early. We’ll tell whoever is working in Mr. Stratton’s office that you’re here to register for next year. When we see him, we’ll explain your solution."

"Works for me," Hallie said. "What else is going on tomorrow?"

"Trixie and Honey have to get ready for the prom as soon as they get home," Di said. "You want to help?"

"Of course," Hallie said. "I can’t wait to see the guys’ faces when they see you two all dressed up."

"Once they leave," Di continued, "we’re going to watch a movie here with Mart and Dan, then head over to Manor House. When they all get back from the prom, we’ll start the weekend house party."

"Remind me again why Jim and Brian’s plans for tomorrow night include all of us," Hallie said.

"They’re too scared of each other," the three girls said, then laughed.

*     *     *

The next morning, Trixie and Hallie walked into Mr. Stratton’s office before homeroom. Teresa Hamilton was working.

"Morning, Trixie," she said. "How can I help you?"

"Hi, Teresa. This is my cousin Hallie from Idaho. She’ll be going to Sleepyside next year and wanted to come by and register today."

"Your parents have your cousin here at the same time as graduation and the prom? Your place must be a madhouse."

"So what else is new," Hallie said. "The last time I came for a visit was right before Jim’s cousin got married and Trixie was mixed up in both a wedding and a mystery. This is nothing."

"I just can’t wait for it to be over," Teresa said. "My parents are driving me crazy talking about Scott. Why don’t you wait in Mr. Stratton’s office. I’ll see if I can track him down."

The two girls walked into the principal’s inner office and closed the door. As soon as the door was closed, Trixie turned to Hallie. "I think we had it all backwards," she said. "Something Teresa said just clicked with another piece of information rattling around in my so-called brain. We were looking at this all wrong." She explained her new idea, and Hallie agreed. Just then, the principal walked in.

"Ah, Miss Belden. How nice to see you. I don’t suppose you have any good news for me?" he said.

"Actually, Hallie and I just figured it out," Trixie said. "Mr. Stratton, this is my cousin from Idaho. She’ll be living with us at Crabapple Farm, and came in today to register. She’s also a new BobWhite and after her help on this case, I think the Belden-Wheeler Detective Agency has a new partner.

"Nice to meet you," Mr. Stratton said, shaking Hallie’s hand. "The way things have been going lately, I’ll welcome any additional detectives. Now, what did you figure out?"

As Trixie explained, the principal listened closely. He was filled with a growing resignation as he realized she was right about the culprit.

"I hate to admit it, but your theory makes sense," he said. "I’ll have to straighten this out today. I must ask you not to tell anyone until I sort this all out. I want to thank you girls for all your help. Although I really can’t compensate you for your time, I do realize tonight is the prom, and both you and Miss Wheeler are going. So I’m giving you both the day off from school. I’ll make sure the rest of the BobWhites know where you are. So why don’t you two wait here while I find her, then you can leave. I’ll make sure your teachers know not to penalize you for this."

"Really!" Trixie exclaimed. "Thank you so much, Mr. Stratton."

Within a few minutes, Honey had joined them in the office. They headed for the parking lot, where Brian was still waiting for Hallie.

"Why are all three of you here?" Brian asked. "Why aren’t you in class?"

"Mr. Stratton was so happy that we solved the case that he gave us the day off," Honey said as she slid in the front seat next to him. "We have all the more time to get ready for tonight."

"Gellpes, Honey. How much time were you planning on?" Trixie asked. "I don’t like dressing up today any more than the last time I had to."

"Oh, I think Jim would be willing to trade my company for yours when he exercises the horses this morning," Brian said.

"So where does that leave me?" Honey asked.

Brian pulled her close. "Oh, I think we can find something to do," he said.

*     *     *

Later that evening, Trixie and Honey stood in Trixie’s bedroom. Hallie and Di sat on the bed, grinning.

"You two look great," Di said. "Jim and Brian won’t know what hit them."

"Hang on," Hallie said. "I think I hear Auntie calling." She dashed down the stairs, and returned smiling. "Ladies, your dates are here."

Di and Hallie went down to watch everyone’s reaction when they saw Trixie and Honey. Brian and Jim stood by the front door, looking older than their years in tuxedos. Both carried corsages for their dates.

Brian looked up as Honey walked down the stairs. Her forest green silk gown cascaded softly from the high neck. From the front, her dress looked demure and elegant. She wore a matching silk wrap across her back and around her arms. When did she start looking so grownup?

When Honey reached the bottom, she walked over to Brian, then turned to watch Trixie’s entrance.

At the top of the stairs, Trixie took a deep breath. Just concentrate and go slowly and you won’t trip down the stairs. She started down, only to hear a soft gasp from the crowd of people at the foot of the stairs.

Jim looked up, expecting to see the tomboy who stumbled through the window at Ten Acres that summer morning. Instead, a blond beauty descended. The shimmering blue gown hugged her voluptuous figure, anchored in place by the thinnest of straps. Her blond curls had been pulled back from her face and framed it with soft waves. He gasped in amazement. I always knew you were beautiful on the inside, Trixie. When did you become so beautiful on the outside as well?

Trixie halted her careful decent when she heard Jim gasp, afraid that she looked like a little girl playing dress up. But when she looked down and saw the smile on his face, she realized that whatever that gasp meant, it was something good.

She continued down and only stopped when she was next to Jim. Mart and Dan were standing in the living room, open-mouthed.

"Everyone looks so grown up," Mrs. Belden said, sniffing back tears. "Now let’s get pictures of all of you."

After all the pictures were done, the four teens headed outside to the Wheeler limousine. The remaining Bob-Whites settled down in front of the TV to watch Dirty Dancing.

Outside, Brian and Jim carefully escorted their dates into the car. Jim put his arm around Trixie and held her close as Tom Delanoy backed out of the driveway onto Glen Road.

On the other end of the seat, Brian did the same, only to discover that Honey’s wrap was covering, well, not much. No wonder the front of her dress is so high. She’s using all the material that’s missing from the back. He gently caressed Honey’s back, trying to find out just how little back there was – and how far Honey planned to test his honor with this dress.

Honey felt a warm, fuzzy feeling spread through her as Brian’s warm hand rubbed her back. Hallie was right about this dress. And Dan might have had a good point about Brian’s plans after the prom.

On the other side of the car, Trixie was snuggled against Jim. His large, freckled hand rested on hers as he pulled her close. It’s a good thing Honey planned this house party with everyone, or I’d be seriously considering some plans that Brian would kill me for. I don’t know where Trixie found this dress, but I love it.

Trixie looked up into Jim’s green eyes, and smiled. She loved the feel of his arm around her.

All too soon, they reached the prom. When the two couples entered the room, they saw Scott and Loyola already at a table. Scott saw them, waved, and motioned them over.

"If you’re looking for a seat, we have room," Loyola invited.

"That works for me," Brian said. "How about the rest of you?"

Jim agreed readily, but Trixie and Honey were reluctant. Only when Scott seconded the invitation did they agree. Jim and Brian looked confused; Trixie and Honey were embarrassed.

"I just want to thank you again, Trixie, for solving the class rank ccase," Scott said. "And I want to apologize for Teresa’s actions."

"Teresa?" Jim and Brian exclaimed.

"Trixie and Hallie realized this morning that Teresa switched the ranks," Honey said. "Mr. Stratton asked us not to say anything until he had spoken to her, so we couldn’t tell you."

"She, Mr. Stratton and my parents were having a good, long talk when I left to pick Loyola up," Scott said. "But let’s not talk about that now. The prom’s supposed to be a night of fun for all of us. Tomorrow is soon enough to talk mysteries."

"Don’t even mention that word around Trixie or she’ll find something to investigate and I’ll lose my date," Jim said.

"Not a chance," Trixie retorted.

"We’ll wait until Sunday, but we do have a mystery that we hope the BobWhites can solve for us," Loyola said. Although Trixie asked, she said nothing more. She usually wouldn’t give up, but when Jim pulled her on the dance floor, all thoughts of mysteries melted away.

The three couples danced the night away. The music started out fast, but soon slowed down.

When the band first switched to a slow song, Brian slid his arms around Honey’s waist, forgetting about the back or her dress, or lack thereof. Brian felt the temperature in the room go up as his hands slid across bare skin. It’s a good thing we’re meeting the other Bob-Whites after the prom, or I would have a real hard time controlling myself. I have to pull her closer. As he did, Honey lay her head on his shoulder. Brian felt his heart stop.

Honey’s heart felt like it was going to fly right out of her chest. Brian’s hands on her bare back sent tingles up her spine. When he started caressing her skin, she leaned closer. Soon, only the thin layers of clothing they both wore separated them. I don’t know what this dress is doing to him, but his hands are making me crazy. She looked up into Brian’s deep brown eyes and stretched up to brush his lips with hers.

Across the room, Jim was in as much agony as Brian. Even with her growth spurt, he still had a foot on Trixie. He had to look straight down to see her face as they danced. The first time he did, Jim realized her face wasn’t the only thing he could see. Oh, god. I shouldn’t have done that. I hope she can’t tell how much I want her. I’m going to have some really frustrating dreams the next few nights. He leaned over and brushed her forehead with a kiss.

"That’s all I get?" she said, looking up at him. Mischief glinted in her eyes.

"That’s all I can reach, shorty," Jim replied. "Don’t worry, I’ll make it up to you later."

It seemed like the prom was over way too soon. As they headed back to Manor House, both couples snuggled in the back seat. Jim looked to make sure Brian and his sister were engrossed in each other, then bent and whispered in Trixie’s ear.

"I told you I’d make it up to you," he said before brushing her lips with a kiss. She returned the kiss, but instead of a quick brush, she lingered and deepened the kiss. Jim felt her newly curvy body pressed up against his. It’s a good thing we’re not going to have a chance to be alone any time soon, Trix, because I couldn’t handle it.

When they reached Manor House, Mart, Dan, Di and Hallie were waiting in the living room. All eight went to either Jim or Honey’s room to change, then met down the hall. The Wheelers had filled that room with comfortable chairs and couches, a TV and a stereo system so the BobWhites would have someplace to hang out when they were up at the mansion. Tonight, there were sleeping bags piled in the corner and sandwiches, chips and soda on the table.

Once everyone had picked a place to sit, Jim called the BobWhites to order.

"Okay, Trixie. We all want to know how you figured out Teresa Hamilton switched the records and why," he said.

"Teresa?" exclaimed Dan, Di and Mart.

"I thought we decided it was Lily?" Di said.

"Lily?" the guys said.

"We thought it was Lily until Hallie and I went to see Mr. Stratton today," Trixie said.

"I got suspicious when I saw her flirting with you yesterday, Brian," Hallie said. "She was pretty upset after you kissed Honey, so I figured she must have a pretty big crush on you."

"But Scott was the target," Dan said. "Why does Lily’s crush on Brian matter?"

"It matters to me," Honey said.

"Whoever altered the grades moved you into first," Trixie said. "Loyola dropped to second and Scott was moved way down the list. You and he have the same grades in the same years, so no matter how the list was changed, the two of you would have ended up tied."

"So we figured Lily changed his scores differently to drop him below you and throw anyone who noticed the changes off the track," Di said.

"She works in Mr. Stratton’s office, so she had more opportunity to access the files than anyone else," Honey said. "Or so we thought."

"When Hallie and I went in this morning, Teresa was pretty upset at all the attention Scott was getting because of graduation," Trixie said. "Then I remembered that she always seemed to be complaining about Scott. I didn’t notice it before because I was caught up in what she had said – that Scott was stressed over class rank. I wasn’t noticing how she said it."

"And since she also works in the principal’s office, she had as much chance to access the files as Lily," Hallie continued. "Luckily, Trixie realized what had really happened before we accused Lily."

"So what’s going to happen to her?" Dan asked.

"Scott said she was talking to Mr. Stratton and her parents this afternoon," Brian said. "The whole family will probably need some kind of counseling. It was Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton’s pressure to excel in school that started this mess, and that kind of thinking can take a lot of effort to change."

With another case solved, the eight teens settled down for some serious fun. They didn’t get to sleep until after 3 in the morning, and even early-rising Dan slept until almost 11 the next day.

They goofed around until it was time to get dressed for graduation. Trixie tried hard not to cry during the ceremony, but when Brian spoke, she couldn’t help it.

"Today we open the door to the next stage in our lives," he said, looking mature beyond his years in his black cap and gown. "However, we should not leave our past behind because it has made us who we are today. As we step out from our small home of Sleepyside into the endless world that awaits us, we must remember all we have learned here.

"Those lessons will serve us well as we step out to make our mark on the world. We are the leaders, the thinkers, the dreamers and the healers of tomorrow. Each of us has a gift to share with the world. Today, we begin that journey. Yet we must never forget our roots and our home. They made us what we are today, and they will shape us as we step into tomorrow."

"It’s a good thing Jim isn’t speaking too, or I’d never be able to handle it," Honey said, sniffling into a handkerchief.

Finally, Loyola spoke. Trixie was doing okay until the end of her speech.

"One of the benefits of living in a small town is the sense of family," she said. "I know my classmates the way students in larger schools cannot. We are going our separate ways after today, but we are a family and the bonds among us will not be broken. Whether it be Thanksgiving, college graduations or our 50th reunion, we are there for each other today and always. I am curious to see what our future holds, but I am certain of one thing. In ten years’ time, all 52 of us will be standing here reunited once again. No matter where we travel, Sleepyside will always be home."

The End