Lila and Ada had a very happy summer together, but the air soon began to cool down. When that happened, Lila knew that it was time to go back to school.
Lila liked school. Learning was fun, and she would be in the second grade this year. She had lots of friends, too, and she couldn't wait to see them again. All the same, though, she had a worry. What would Ada do while Lila was away? It would be all day, and she was sure Ada would become bored after a while. Did Lila trust Ada enough to let her stay home?
Ada always did whatever Lila told her to, and she didn't seem like the curious, adventurous type. Lila was pretty sure that if Ada was told to, she would stay in Lila's room the whole time she was away. But she couldn't be certain.
There was the option of taking Ada to school. But that could be dangerous. If someone saw Ada, it would be very tempting for the person to take her. No, she couldn't do that. Besides, Ada would not like being hidden away for the whole day, Lila thought.
When the first day of school came, Lila woke up bright and early and poured pixie dust onto Ada. Then she said, "Ada, I'm going to be gone for the whole day. Stay in my room until I get back, and don't leave for anything."
Ada nodded and waved to Lila as she walked out of the room. Lila went to eat breakfast, and then brought an entire carrot back to her room. This would satisfy Ada's hunger for the day.
"Goodbye, Ada," Lila said. "I'll be back."
Ada waved and opened her mouth to make the jingle bell sounds like she always did. Lila smiled and walked out the door.
Her mother was waiting. "Ready for your first day of second grade?" she asked. Lila smiled and said, "I'm definitely ready!"
Lila's mother picked up Lila's backpack and handed it to her. "Your lunch is packed, and you have all the things you'll need," said her mother. "Be a good girl while you're gone!"
Lila smiled and put on her backpack. Her mother kissed her on the cheek, then went to go get Isaac. When she returned, she said, "Give Isaac a hug!" Lila gave her baby brother a hug, then raced out the door. "Bye, Mother!" she called. Soon, the yellow school bus pulled up, and Lila got on.