After sitting by herself in the kitchen for a while, Tibby got up, grabbed the phone and went into her room. She climbed into bed and pulled the covers over her head, just like she used to do when she was little. Tibby dialed Bridget's number. No answer. The answering machine picked up, but Tibby hung up on it. Tibby tried Lena's house. Effie answered.

"Hello?"

"Hi, Effie, it's Tibby. Is Lena there?"

"Yeah, hold on."

Tibby could hear running and banging doors on the other end of the phone.

"Hello," Lena said.

"Hi, Lenny."

"How are you?"

"Confused," stated Tibby, "But I don't want to talk about that. I wanted to ask you how your first day with the Pants went."

"Pretty much like all my other days."

Tibby laughed. "Something will happen soon, I'm sure."

"We'll see, Tibby, we'll see."

"Bye Lenny," said Tibby.

"Bye, Tibs," replied Lena.

They hung up.

Tibby lay covered up in bed for several hours. She heard her parents come home. First her mom, with Nicky and Katherine, then her dad. They called up to her when it was dinnertime, but Tibby made no effort to respond. She was too busy thinking.

Around ten, Tibby finally uncovered herself and went downstairs. She grabbed a snack, sat down at the table, and tried to call Bridget again.

Ring, ring.

Bridget answered, "Hullo?"

"Hi, it's me," Tibby said.

"Hi Tibs, how are you?"

"I need her, Bee. I need to tell her, too. I just don't know how."

"Bailey?" Bridget asked.

"Yes."

Silence. "Bee?"

"Yeah?"

"What should I do?" asked Tibby.

"Well, Tibs, you should do what you need to."

"And what is that?" Tibby asked.

"You know," was Bridget's reply.

"No."

"Think about it."

Bridget was right. Tibby did know what to do, but she couldn't. She couldn't tell Bailey how she felt. Not now.

The summer seemed to pass by slowly for Tibby. Days seemed like weeks. Everyone around her appeared to be moving as if they were on fast-forward, while Tibby moved in slow motion.

After what felt like months (Although it was really only a week), it was Tibby's turn with the pants. They made her feel stronger. Maybe even strong enough to face Bailey without going crazy.

Tibby stood in front of her mirror clad in a t-shirt and cotton underwear. She was holding the Pants, trying to decide whether to wear them or not. She started to slide one leg in, then retracted it, pulling it closer to her other leg. It felt safer there, rather then in the Pants. Bailey would be here in less than five minutes. Tibby knew she had to put them on. She knew she couldn't interview someone in her underwear.

Maybe I should just wear different pants? Tibby questioned herself.

No. She knew she had to be wearing the Pants. Finally, Tibby shut her eyes and pulled the Pants on, buttoning them quickly. Tibby let out a sigh and opened her eyes.

There. She thought, while admiring her reflection. They're on.

Tibby jumped when she heard the doorbell ring. "I'll get it!" Tibby shouted while running down the stairs. She stood in front, her hand on the knob. The doorbell rang again. She held her breath and flung open the door. Tibby let out a sigh and looked at Bailey, taking in every shape of Bailey's face.

Her staring was interrupted by Bailey saying, "You ready to go?"

"Yeah, uh, let me just…get my stuff," Tibby muttered. She rushed back upstairs and grabbed all of her equipment then raced back downstairs and out the door.

"Coming?" Tibby called to Bailey. Bailey shook her head and followed.

"Hey, Tibby, you alright? You've been acting weird lately."

"Hmm, what? Oh, I'm fine…" Tibby said absently.

"If you say so," replied Bailey.

Walking home from her interview with Brian McBrian gave Tibby some time to herself. She thought of all she had accomplished today, besides the interview. She had managed to face Bailey, even hold a conversation, without freaking out. The next step was telling her. Tibby knew this, but she also knew she couldn't do it quite yet. She was through with the pants for the moment.

When she got home, Tibby stripped off her clothes and put on her pajamas. She folded the Pants up and sat down to write a letter.

Bee,

I believe I have exhausted my share of the Pants' magic for the moment. I haven't done it yet, but I will. Promise. Have a blast with the Pants.

Your insane friend,

Tibby