It was now time for Kristy and her family to head out to the airport, and she could hardly believe it was happening.
"Kristy, I know you didn't get to know your great – aunt, but I thought it was a good idea for you to show up with us," her mother told her.
"I know, Mom. I just feel guilty about not knowing her in the past."
"So do I, but there was no choice."
"I understand it's like that sometimes, Mom. What was she like?"
"She was very nice. Even loved baby – sitting just like you did."
"So that meant she looked after you?"
"Sometimes, but not all the time," her mother answered.
"I was grieving her when my friends showed up to say good – bye."
"Who's taking over your place as president?"
"Claudia is since she's vice – president."
"It's a good thing she knows how the job works since you see each other three days a week if you don't count school."
"Of course I don't count school. Did you tell the principal when I would be coming back to school?"
"Yes, I told her. She said to have a safe trip."
"Did my aunt have any other jobs besides children?"
"She was home most of the time, so that's all I can remember since it was a long time ago."
"I know it is. It's hard to believe all of us are getting older," Kristy told her mother.
"Did you give Claudia her phone number?"
"No, I didn't, Mom, but I did say I would call from the house when we arrive in Nevada."
"That's good enough. The girls will do just fine without you."
"Of course they will. Claudia might even take the job again in the future when something like this happens."
"How is this going to work since Claudia will be acting president?" her mother asked.
"You remember Dawn, right?"
"Yes."
"She's acting vice – president since she's alternate officer of the Baby – sitters Club."
"That's a good switch. Claudia president and Dawn vice – president."
"Yes, it is, but Claudia and Dawn came up with the idea, and I already like it. But there is one thing I know."
"What's that, Kristy?"
"If Claudia gets a good idea when I'm gone, then I can't hear what it is and find out when I return."
Kristy had a seat with her mother on the plane, so they were able to have this conversation.
"I feel better that we get to sit together and chat like this, Kristy."
"Me too, Mom. The girls will do just fine, but Claudia called an emergency meeting. At least it was a start and I didn't have to show up."
"It was about you in the first place," she agreed.
"Yes, it was. She starts on Monday."
"I thought I heard her when she was over at the mansion."
"Yes, you did. Even Mary Anne and Dawn wanted to show up and say how sorry they felt for my aunt."
"That was nice of them to show respect on how much they care about you since you're the leader of the group."
"Yes, that's true," Kristy agreed.
So Kristy and her mother were able to talk most of the way on the airplane. Kristy didn't mind airplanes, but maybe Mary Anne might be, and it's hard to tell.
"I'll check in with Claudia tomorrow morning so that way we could do what we need tonight."
"You can do that so we wouldn't be able to do it when we first get in but might be a bit late for a phone call."
"Yes, I know, Mom. I understand about time differences."
"We sure do."
"I'm happy the Baby – sitters club has been a hit since I made it up on the first day."
"I'm right behind you, Kristy. You'd make a great businesswoman in the future."
"You think so?"
"Yes," her mother answered.
"If I do, it might be something with sports."
Kristy likes baseball and has her own team.
"Did you cancel out any baseball games?" her mother asked.
"No need to since I didn't have anything planned," she answered.
Her mother didn't say anything after that, which was okay.
Once they got into the airport a few hours later, it was sometime after six – fifteen when showing up. When Kristy and her mother kept talking, she noticed Watson was asleep while he had Emily Michelle and Andrew with him.
"Looks like Emily Michelle and Andrew are behaving themselves. Where is Karen sitting?" Kristy asked.
"She's sitting a few seats behind us," her mother answered, looking all over the airplane and saw Karen.
She saw Karen wave back, but looked bored since there wasn't anything to do on the plane, but that can wait until tomorrow to find something to do.
Once getting off the airplane, Kristy and her family were able to find their suitcases waiting for them at the luggage claim.
"Good thing we made it safely. Claudia would be happy to hear about that," Kristy told her mother.
"Yes, she would. There shouldn't be a big deal on when to call your friend tomorrow."
"I know. I have all day, don't I?"
"Yes, you do. Let's see what kind of fun we'll find if there is any besides the funeral."
"What kind of fun?" Kristy asked.
"We'll figure it out."
"I know we will."