Baby-Sitters Club belongs to Ann M. Martin

I had just came home from baby-sitting for Jenny when Sharon saw me excited.

"I have some news. We're having an exchanged student tomorrow," said Sharon.

"Really?" I asked.

"Yes, my co-worker, Amanda Vipers, was planning to take the student in, but her son was diagnosed with leukemia yesterday, so she asked me to take over," explained Sharon.

"How long does an exchange student stay with a family?" I asked.

"About ten to twelve months," replied Sharon. "It's a pretty long time."

"Sweet! I love that idea!" I exclaimed.

"Amanda told me that her name is Meredith Sousa. She's coming from London, England," said Sharon. "She'll be coming home with me after work."

"Wow," I said.

"We're not sure which room she'll be sharing," said Sharon.

"We'll figure it out when she comes home with you tomorrow," I said.

"Good idea," said Sharon. "Your father has to work late and he doesn't know about Meredith yet."

"Is she excited about being an exchanged student?" I asked.

"Yes," replied Sharon.

Later, Dad came home and Sharon told him the news.

"That's very good," said Dad.

"I know," said Sharon.

The next day, Sharon came home from work early with Meredith when I came home from school.

"Mary Anne, this is Meredith," said Sharon.

"Hi," I said.

"Hello, it's nice to meet you," said Meredith shaking my hand.

"We're trying to figure out which room you'll be sharing while you're here," said Sharon.

"Well, I like the music off when I do homework," Meredith told us.

"So do I," I replied.

"Sounds like a perfect match to share your room," said Meredith.

"Let's go unpack your stuff now," I said as I went to pick up her suitcase and went upstairs to my room.

"You have a nice room," said Meredith.

"Thanks. This was a guest room before I had this room," I replied. "I can put my clothes in my closet and you can put yours in my drawer."

"Sounds good," said Meredith who liked the idea.

That's what we did and were done within ten to twenty minutes. My closet was like a walk-in, so it's easy for me to walk in and out of it, and I can get dressed in it, too.

"So, do you have any siblings?" I asked.

"Yes. It's just me, my mom, and my ten-year-old sister, Kara. My dad died three years ago," replied Meredith.

"Does your sister remember him?" I asked.

"She does. She was only seven at that time. I was heartbroken when he passed away," said Meredith.

"I barely remember my own mother. She died when I was a baby," I said as I explained how I have a stepfamily.

"Wow! That's cool," said Meredith.

"I know. Dawn and I were best friends, even before we became stepsisters," I told her.

"That sounds nice," replied Meredith.

"It sure is," I said.