Tessa was out of breath by the time that she reached the classroom. The teacher told her that since she was late she would have to go to the office, obtain a late pass and serve an hour of detention after school. She smiled at her before Tessa made her way to the office. 'What a bogus policy!' Tessa thought. She obeyed anyhow.

................................

Meanwhile, three thousand miles a way in New York, Zoë and Tessa's mother awoke from her nap to find that she had an assignment. She did not feel well enough for an assignment but she had to go. She lye there for a moment and then finally forced her self out of bed, down the stairs and out the door. A small piece of paper with an address scribbled on it appeared in her hands. She unwrapped the paper and carefully read the address. Thankfully, the place she was supposed to go was only a few blocks a way from there. When she finally got there, she glanced at the building. The outside read, "Dolley Madison School for Girls." No sooner had she glanced at the sign than she found herself wearing much different more business-like attire. She took a deep breath and went in.

................................

After school, Tessa found a desk near the front of the room, as always and sat down. Maybe detention wouldn't be so bad after all. She was one of the first ones there. After the bell rang several kids filled in the seats around her. Wait, what about Zoë? She was supposed to meet Zoë? Oh well, something would happen. Suddenly Tessa's thoughts were interrupted when she felt someone tap her on the back. She quickly turned around. It was her assignment.

"Hi." She said, "I'm Lindsay. I've never seen you before, are you new here?"

"Yeah, my sister and I just got here."

"That's neat, well I'm glad to meet you." Tessa nodded in agreement. "Listen, I couldn't help but notice that you are really good at history." She smiled and nodded. "I wanted to know if you would help me?"

"Of course!" She cried, delightedly.

"Shu!!!" One of the teachers cried.

"I'd love to help you." She whispered. They laughed. "So what do you need?"

"Well, we're learning about the First Ladies."

Tessa was excited about this prospect. The First Ladies were Tessa's absolute favorite history subject. Her mother had had the privilege of being Mary Lincoln's dressmaker, but she wasn't about to tell Lindsay that.

"This is great." She said, "The first ladies are my favorite history subject!"

...............................

"Where were you!?" Zoë screamed. As she and Lindsay walked out of the detention room.

"Calm down, Zoë."

"Calm down! I've been sitting here freezing for an hour now!"

"Freezing?" Lindsay asked. "It's August?"

"Well, it is San Francisco. The wind you know. You see Zoë and I have only been here for a couple of days. We were in New York before. Its much hotter there in the summer." Tessa said as the three girls began to walk.

"And much cooler there in the winter." Zoë added.

Soon they came upon the house. It was a Friday.

"Do you want to come in, and study for a while?" Tessa turned around as she and Zoë headed up the steps to the house.

"Sure. I'd love to." She said, following them. "Just as long as I can call my Mom and tell her where I am."

"Of course!" Tessa said. The girls walked into the house and immediately headed up another flight of stairs. When they got to Tessa and Zoë's room Tessa turned around to shut the door. Zoë stood before her.

"What are you doing here?"

"I'm coming in."

"No your not." Tessa said, shutting their door in her little sister's face.

"But it's my room too!" She sobbed through the door. Zoë thought she was going to cry, so she ran down the hall, and down the back steps into the kitchen. By this time she was visibly crying. Tess turned around and saw her.

"What's the matter baby angel?"

"Tessa and her friend won't let me in our room."

"Come here sweetheart." Tess said, sitting on one of the kitchen chairs. Zoë climbed onto her lap. "This girl is just her assignment. You know that. It's fine, she's not forgetting about you or anything."

"I know but..."

"But what?"

"She's my best friend, and she's ignoring me and forgetting about me. She slammed the door in my face!"

"Be patient darling, be patient Zoë Michelle. Now, would you like to help me to make cookies?"

"Yes, please!"