School Report Card Day
After school let out for that day, Lisa ran inside her house happy as a clam.
"Mom, Mom," Lisa called. "I got an A plus on my geography test! Which means another straight A... Mom? Where'd you go?"
Melanie skipped up to Lisa and grabbed a juicy green pear from the fruit bowl on the kitchen table.
"She went to the supermarket to buy groceries," Melanie answered Lisa. "she'll be back in half an hour."
"But Melanie, I got an A plus on my geography test," Lisa exclaimed. "plus, a straight A report card to match!"
"What else is new?" Melanie asked Lisa.
"I'd like to know how school report day has gone for you, Melanie." Lisa said.
Melanie swallowed hard, she was nervous.
"Mom's not going to be very happy with my grades, Lisa... just like Orlando wasn't too pleased with Jess's grades." Melanie answered, taking a bite of her pear.
"And, what has Orlando decided to do?" Lisa asked Melanie.
Melanie burst into tears.
"He has decided to send her away... to Wentworth Academy! Pine Hollow just won't be the same for me without her!" Melanie sobbed bitterly.
"And, if you don't mind me asking you," Lisa said. "what were you and Jess doing instead of studying and doing homework?"
Melanie swallowed hard again but did manage to look Lisa straight in the eye.
"We've been... playing with Trouble at Pine Hollow." Melanie answered Lisa, continuing to sob her eyes out.
"Your donkey friend?" Lisa asked Melanie.
"That's right, Lisa," Melanie said, drying her eyes. "Trouble and I will both miss Jess horrendously!"
"Melanie," Lisa said seriously. "I think I know a way for you and Jess to be together at Wentworth."
"What?" Melanie asked Lisa.
"Isn't it obvious, Melanie," Lisa suggested. "you simply will just have to show Mom your report card just as soon as she gets home."