" Psst, Moe! Psst!''

Maurice looked over at Tess, whose desk was now right beside his,'' How did you get there?''

'' Ms. Wlison moved us around. She called it a change of scenery, I think,'' Tess grinned,'' Are you okay? What did your Ma want?"

" We went to 'Dan's Diner' for lunch,'' Maurice began,'' I figured she had something to tell me. I thought maybe she had got the job she wanted. You know the one at the store on 5th Avenue?''

Tess nodded, and pulled her chair over so it was right beside his.

'' Well, she said that she and Dad,'' Maurcie stopped,'' That her and Dad..''

'' Come on Moe, you can tell me,'' Tess urged.

Maurice lowered his voice, and leaned closer to her,'' She said they're going to get a divorce.''

Tess looked shocked,'' What?!"

He clapped a hand over her mouth,'' Tessa! You can't tell anyone! Swear!''

She nodded solmenly, and he removed his hand. Tess spit onto her hand, and Maurice did the same. They shook hands.

" Ms. Wilson! Ms. Wilson! Maurice and Tess are spitting!''

Maurice and Tess looked over to see Vinnie Spedaro pointing at them, and hollering for their teacher, Ms. Wilson. They quickly wiped their hands on their pants.

'' Maurice? Tess? What's going on here?,'' Ms. Wilson came over gracefully.

'' Nothig Ms. Wilson,'' Tess and Maurice replied sweetly in unison,'' Nothing.''

'' What's this about you two spitting?''

Maurice and Tess shook their heads. Ms. Wilson looked back at Vinnie,

'' Vinnie?,'' She began.

'' They were spitting on their hands Ms. Wilson! I saw them!,'' Vinnie argued.

Ms. Wilson looked back at Maurice and Tess, '' Let me see your hands please.''

Obediently, Tess and Maurice held out their hands, palms up. They were clean.

'' I see,'' Ms. Wilson turned back to Vinnie,'' Vinnie, I think we need to talk.'' She walked towards him and directed him away from the other children.

As soon as Ms. Wilson was out of ear shot, Tess broke into giggles. She clamped her hand over her mouth to muffle the sound. Maurice looked at her with his sad blue eyes, and she quickly stopped.

'' I'm really sorry Moe, I couldn't help it.''

'' That's okay Tessa. I just feel awful,'' Moe hugged himself. Tess's eyes sparkled with tears. Moe saw, and put his arms around her,

'' I'm sorry Tessa,'' He murmered,'' I'm sorry.''

'' It's not your fault Moe,'' Tess muttered against his shoulder,'' I just hate seeing you so sad.''

'' Ms. Wilson! Maurice made Tess cry!''

Moe looked over his shoulder to see Vinnie again,'' Shut your mouth Spedaro!,'' He hissed.

'' Tess? Maurice? What's going on?'' Ms. Wilson approached cautiously. Considering the 'false' alarm from before.

'' Um,'' Moe studdered. Screw this, he thought, I'll tell her. Ma never said it was a secret,'' My parents are getting a divorce.''

" Oh, Maurice, I'm so sorry,'' Ms. Wilson knelt down beside them,'' If there's anything you need, let me know.''

Moe nodded,'' Thanks Ms. Wilson.''

'' Vinnie,'' Ms. Wilson stood, and headed towards Vinnie,'' I think we need to talk, again.''