I would like to create Baby-Sitters Club, but I can't since it belongs to Ann. Martin

I'm Mary Anne Spier and a resident in Stoneybrook, Connecticut. I just started high school as a ninth grader. See, my mom passed away when I was still a baby. He recently got remarried to his old high school girlfriend, Sharon Schafer, who is a divorced mother of two kids, Dawn and Jeff. The kids grew up in California- Jeff didn't last here and moved back there to live with his father. He was just homesick.

I was walking to school with Logan. My (adopted) siblings, Carlos and Meredith. I was also walking with Dawn along with my neighbors, Kayla and Kaylee Willis, who are twins.

At school, after a roll call, I was heading to English when I saw a Chinese girl who is feeling upset and I went to her.

"Is everything okay?" I asked.

"My parents just died a week ago," replied the girl.

"I'm sorry," I said.

"Thanks. We had an earthquake and I was the only survivor," said the girl.

"That's tough," I said.

"I'm from China and just got adopted by a loving American family. I'm Tonya," said Tonya.

"It's nice to meet you," I smiled as we shook hands. "I'm Mary Anne. I'm on my way to my English class."

"I'm heading there, too. This is my third day here in Stoneybrook," said Tonya.

"How do you like it here?" I asked her.

"It's different being in a strange country," replied Tonya.

"I bet. I have a sister who is from London, we adopted her when we were thirteen. At first, she came here as an exchange student until she learned she lost her mother and sister when their apartment got caught in fire. She already lost her father to bus tour crash after a driver suffered a heart attack," I explained.

"That's too bad," said Tonya.

At lunch, Tonya was alone when I saw her on my way meeting my friends and sat with her.

"Do you want to join me? You can meet my friends," I said.

"Okay," said Tonya.

That was when we went to join my friends.

"Hi, who's your new friend?" asked Kristy.

"I'm Tonya. I just got adopted in China," said Tonya. "My parents got killed from an earthquake."

"Wow," said Dawn.

"I know," agreed Tina. "May I tell you a secret that you haven't learned about me? I have a problem."

"Is everything alright? I'm a good listener," I replied.

"I never had a friend until now," said Tonya. "I'm glad you girls would change my life."

"Wow," said Stacey.

"You'll have us," I said.

"I agree," said Kristy.

"Some of the kids judged me," said Tonya. "I'm the only Chinese here."

"Ignore them. They feel bad for themselves," said Kristy.

"We'd treat you fine," said Dawn.

"You can stay with us, Tina," said Claudia.

"Okay, thanks for inviting me," smiled Tonya.

"No problem," said Kayla.

"We don't mind," said Kaylee.

I'm not surprised if it was Cokie. She likes to judge people.

"I'm also afraid I'd be judge by boys," said Tonya.

"My boyfriend don't judge people," I said.

"I don't want to meet him yet," said Tonya. "I want to get to know the school first. I just started here."

My friends and I stared at each other.

"You can meet my father and stepmom," I said.

"I'll do that when I'm ready," said Tonya.

"They'll like you for who you are," I said.

After lunch, I was with Kristy.

"I don't like to keeping stuff from Logan," I said.

"I know. Lying won't fix it, either," said Kristy.

"I don't know what to do. I don't want to betray her trust," I said.

"When Tonya is ready to meet Dad and Sharon and Logan, I wonder if he would understand," I said.

"Good point," said Kayla.

"I do know, we won't say anything around Cokie," whispered Kaylee.

"I agree," I said. "She has a habit of embarrassing people."

"Exactly," said Kristy.

"I don't know what to say if he's looking for me," I said.

I noticed Meredith and Carlos went to meet Tonya. Meredith was with her best friend, Cassandra, and Carlos was with some friends from the orphanage where he was living since he was eight. They listened from what Tonya was telling them.

"We know what you're going through," said Meredith. "I lost my family, too."

"Same here," said Carlos.

He hardly talks about his family because it upsets him, but this was different since he knew how Tonya was feeling.

After school, Logan was waiting for me outside.

"I didn't see you at lunch," said Logan.

"I was with my friends. Then, I was in the library studying," I replied.

"Who was that girl that was with you?" asked Logan.

I freaked out not wanting to break my promise.

"She was offering to help me studying for a test," I replied.

"Do you want to go see a movie tomorrow night?" asked Logan.

"I have to baby-sit first, so I can't meet you until then," I replied.

"Okay. The movie is at night," said Logan.

"What time does the movie start?" I asked.

"At seven-ten," replied Logan.

"Okay," I said.

That was pretty close because I promised Tonya I'd show her around Stoneybrook tomorrow although baby-sitting is also true. She knew that I would be baby-sitting first.

The next day, at school, I was having the Science test. Tonya wanted to help me, but I just said I can do the test on my own and that I don't peak at anyone's paper. I wasn't having trouble with it.

After school, I went to go baby-sat for Jenny. Her mom's working and her father has a meeting until eight. Her mom won't be home until around six. We had a fun time until she got home. She paid me and I left.

Then, I went to the mall and Tonya met me there like we planned. I met her family. They're new, too. They moved from Florida. They adopted her. Her parents, Zack and Jackie Gomez and their daughter, Zoey, who is only six. She's cute. We explored the mall until I looked at the time: six-fifty five pm. We were at the food court and boy, you should see the line at Subway! Luckily, it went fast.

"We better get going soon. I'm supposed to meet my boyfriend at the movies for seven to see one in fifteen minutes," I said. "I might as well take it to go."

"That's fine," said Mrs. Gomez.

"No problem, thanks for showing me around," smiled Tonya as we left.

"When can I tell my boyfriend?" I asked.

"Soon," said Tonya.

I find keeping that makes me feel comfortable. I was able to eat my sandwich.

Once she left there, I made a dash to the movies and it was seven-five. Logan was there waiting for me.

"Sorry, I lost track of time, I just had dinner with a friend after baby-sitting and the lines at the food court were very busy. I had to wait for ten minutes for my sub," I said.

"Don't worry about it," said Logan as we went in the movie. "Was that the same girl who helped you study for a test?"

"Yes," I said.

"What was her name?" asked Logan.

"I didn't know her yet. She was just offering to help me study and she was a good tutor," I said. "Plus, I treated her just to thank her for helping me study."

"That was thoughtful of you," said Logan.

"I know," I agreed.

I didn't want to tell him that I made a promise because he will know what's going on.

After the movies, at home, I went upstairs to get undressed to get comfy. I was brushing my hair.

"How was the movie?" asked a voice.

When I turned, it was only Dad.

"Good," I said.

"I was almost late for Logan because you should see the line at Subway. I had just gotten after baby-sitting for Jenny. I was treating a friend who was helping me study for a test. It was very long and I had to wait for almost ten minutes to get a sub," I said. "Luckily, I made it to the movies in time. It was seven-five and the movie was at seven-ten."

"That's good," said Dad.

"Tell me about it," I agreed.

I stayed up with Dad for a bit since he goes to bed for twelve-thirty. I talked about the movie. It was midnight when I went to bed. I feel bad about not telling a thing about Tonya, but I'm afraid to betray her trust. I don't know if I should ask her first, but then, I remembered what she said, I'll meet them when I'm ready. Honestly, I never had a secret friend before. I felt sick to my stomach. At least she met my friends and that's all it matters.

The next day, at lunch, I went to join my friends while Tonya was in line.

"I got a problem. Logan saw me with Tonya, but I only told him I treated her to thank her for helping me study," I said.

"That works," said Kristy.

"The only thing is I never lie to my boyfriend," I said.

"At least you're keeping your promise," said Kayla.

"But I'd be afraid he could be mad at me for lying," I said. "I don't like keeping stuff behind his back."

"You're right to be worried about that," said Dawn.

"Logan better understand that, too," added Marci.

"I agree," said Kayla.

Kaylee was out sick with a cold.

"I want to tell my father, but that's another issue if I can't bring that up since she wants to meet them when she's ready," I said.

"That makes sense," I said. "I can't do anything about it."

Then, an intercom came on and said, "Attention please. Mary Anne Spier, please report to the principal's office thank you."

Now what? I muttered to myself.

"I'll see you later," I whispered.

I gathered my stuff and left. At the the office, I was in the waiting room.

"Mary Anne, the principal is ready for you," announced the secretary.

When I got in there, Cokie had a bruise on her face.

"Did you punch Cokie in the face?" asked the principal.

"Punch her? Why would I do that?" I asked. "That's not true."

"Yes, it is," said Cokie.

"I don't want to hear it from you," said the principal.

She stormed off.

"She was trying to accuse you," said the principal.

"I'm not surprised. You know me, I would never hit people. I was just in the lunchroom the whole time," I said.

"I believe you," said the principal.

Marci came to join us.

"Cokie is lying to you. I just overheard that she banged herself, which is why she had that bruise," said Marci.

"Thank you for the information," said the principal. "I knew Mary Anne was telling the truth."

After we had a long talk, Cokie got in BIG trouble for lying and got a detention for three to four days.

"You should apologize to Mary Anne," said the principal in his firm voice.

She kinda did and she left.

"I'm glad Marci came in," I said.

"Me, too," said the principal.

I left feeling much better. Kristy was waiting for me.

"What was going on?" asked Kristy.

"Cokie tried to accuse me of punching her," I said.

"Why I'm not surprised," said Kristy.

"But the principal knew I wouldn't punch anyone," I said. "Marci came to my rescue and guess what? Cokie banged herself and pretended it was me. She got in trouble for lying and she's got a detention for three to four days."

"Good," said Kristy. "That would teach her a lesson."

Later, at home, I was doing homework. I was still doing it when I noticed at the clock: 5:15 pm as I looked down. That was when I put my homework away to finish it later. Kayla and Kaylee were waiting for me. That was when we walked over to Claudia's and it was 5:29 pm when I entered the room to get the record book ready.

"Oh, good, you made it," said Kristy.

"I nearly lost track of time getting my homework done when I noticed the time at 5:15 pm," I replied.

"No excuse," teased Claudia.

"According to the clock, she was on time," Kristy pointed out. "I'm the president, so she was right."

"I think she was just teasing me," I said as we laughed.

"You could tell Tonya is very happy when she made new friends," said Kristy.

"I know. She met Meredith and Carlos and they knew what Tonya was going through," I said.

"That's good," said Mallory.

"I bet those three would be very close," said Kristy.

"Yeah, she told them not to say anything to my dad or Sharon until she's ready," I said.

I told them about Cokie and they were glad that she got punished for lying.

"It's a wonder that the principal believed you," said Stacey.

"He knew I don't hit anyone," I said.

"You and I can go to your house for awhile and if Charlie is out there, I'll just tell him to let my mom know where I would be," said Kristy.

"Sounds good to me," I smiled.

When we got out there, Charlie was there.

"Let Mom know that I'll be with Mary Anne at her house," said Kristy.

"Okay. Want me to bring you both there?" asked Charlie.

"Sure," I replied.

"I don't mind," said Kristy.

Kristy and I were cooking dinner together while we were talking. I was setting the table. Kristy told her mom where she would be and her mom mentioned Charlie had just told her and said she can stay until after dinner. So, I set an extra plate for her. We talked about Tonya. We talked for a bit until Dad came home from work, so we talked normal.

"Hi, girls," said Dad.

"Hi," said Kristy.

"Hi, Dad, how was work?" I asked.

"Very busy," replied Dad.

"Dinner's ready and Kristy is staying for dinner tonight," I said.

"Good," said Dad.

Sharon came home then.

"Just in time, dinner is served," I said.

"Good, I'm starving," said Sharon.

"Dawn, dinner's ready!" I called to her from the stairs.

We had a good meal. I told Dad about what happened.

"Thank god Marci came to bring that up on what she had heard," I said.

"She deserved to get in trouble," said Sharon.

"I know," said

After dinner, Kristy's mom came for her at around 8:00 pm.

The next day, at school, Tonya said, "Do you have plans this weekends?"

"What do you have in mind?" I asked.

"I'm going to have a sleep over at my house. Mom said I can invite you," replied Tonya. "I'll be baby-sitting for Zoey. We can watch her together. Mom has a meeting to go to until ten-thirty, but Dad sleeps because he goes to work. He's a doctor at Stoneybrook General Hospital and works from eleven at night through seven in the morning."

"Okay," I said. "There's where I go for my doctor's appointments."

"Cool," said Tonya.

I gave her Claudia's house number for the club for Wednesday and added, "Your mom can call between five-thirty and six."

"Okay, I'll have Mom to call the club," said Tonya.

"Okay," I replied.

Later, I got my Science test back with a A+. After school, I did end up proving Logan that I was studying for a Science test.

"A+ proves it. That's what I was being tutored," I said.

"That's right," said Dawn. "She was telling you the truth."

At home, I said, "By the way, we're going to have another client."

"Oh, good," said Dawn.

"Mrs. Gomez will be calling for a sitter. Her husband is a doctor for a hospital and works overnight, so he naps for a few hours. She usually keeps Zoey busy, but has a meeting this weekend until around 10:30 pm. I'll explain the rest at the meeting," I said.

"Got it," said Dawn.

"I didn't want to mention it in front of Logan to keep Tonya's trust," I said.

A few hours later, at Claudia's house, the phone rang as Kaylee answered.

"Baby-Sitters Club," said Kaylee.

"Hi. I'm Mrs. Gomez a new client," said Mrs. Gomez.

"Hi, welcome aboard, Mrs. Gomez," said Kaylee while they were talking. "Alright. Hold on."

She held the phone and said, "Mary Anne, Mrs. Gomez needs a sitter for Zoey on Saturday night from five to ten-thirty pm."

"Okay," I said as I checked. Mallory, Jessi, and I are free, but Mallory and Jessi can't sit at night unless it's for their siblings, which is why they're called Junior Officers. They're only twelve and in the seventh grade.

"Tell her that I will be there for five," I said.

"Yes, dear," joked Kaylee. "You're all set, Mrs. Gomez. Mary Anne will be there."

"Okay, may I talk to her before you hang up?" asked Mrs. Gomez.

"Sure," said Kaylee as she gave the phone to me.

It was Tonya who wanted to talk to me. "Sure, I don't mind sleeping there. I did it before with the other client during a snow storm."

"Okay, great," said Tonya.

"See you then. Bye," I said as I hung up.

I wrote the new client in the information area in the record book along with Zoey's age six. I remembered her age when I met them.

"That was for a new client?" asked Dawn.

"Yes, it's for Tonya's younger sister, Zoey. It was her idea that we can watch Zoey together," I said.

"That's a good idea," said Claudia.

"Her husband sleeps at night because he works at Stoneybrook General Hospital as a doctor from eleven to seven. I already checked to see if who was free and I was because Mal and Jess can't sit at night yet," I explained. "Mr. Gomez goes to bed before he goes into work, which is why she gets a sitter since she lets him sleep when she's not home. Zoey's six years old. I met them at the mall and they're nice. I was showing Tonya around."

"At least you didn't mention it to Logan," said Stacey.

"I know, but I'm feeling uncomfortable about keeping that secret from him. I don't think he would judge her," I said.

"I don't think so, either. He's not like that," said Claudia.

After the meeting, Dawn and I were walking.

"I'll just tell Dad that we have a new client and the parents are giving an older sister a break," I said.

"That would be a good way to keep a promise," said Dawn.

"I'm debating to tell him about Logan, but I'll wait until Tonya meets Dad and your mom," I said.

"Good thinking," said Dawn.

Later, I was letting Dad what was going on.

"So, I won't be home until the following day," I finished.

"Okay, thanks for letting me know," said Dad.

On Saturday, I walked to Tonya's for four-forty five in the afternoon. I rang the doorbell as she opened the door.

"Hi, come in. Mom just left early in case of traffic since the meeting's in Stamford. She got the hot dogs for the both of us. She said we can eat anytime if we get hungry," said Tonya as I came in. "The only things Zoey's allergic of food is milk and strawberries, but she takes a Lactid pill before having any dairy products."

"Okay," I said as I got a pad to write it down. "We collect information in the record book for a new client. I'm the secretary."

"That's good. Zoey decided to have peanut butter sandwich anyway," said Tonya.

"She's also allergic to animal fur," continued Tonya as I wrote that down as well. "All they have is fish."

"Where is she anyway?" I asked.

"Oh, she's in her room coloring," replied Tonya. "She's a good kid."

"What time does she go to bed?" I asked.

"At around eight-thirty pm, even on weekends," said Tonya.

"Alright," I said.

Tonya showed me her room, which was the former guestroom.

"This is a nice room you have here," I commented.

"Thanks," said Tonya.

At five, Tonya said, "You can make a peanut butter sandwich and make a hot dog for you & me while I go get Zoey ready for dinner."

"Okay," I replied. "Do you like yours steamed? I do."

"So do I," answered Tonya.

In the kitchen, I had the hot dogs in the boiler while making a peanut butter sandwich. The hot dogs were ready in two minutes and pretended they were both for me as I headed up to get Tonya.

"The hot dogs are ready and tell her that the sandwich is all set for her," I said.

"Okay," said Tonya. "I'll go get her."

Tonya went to get Zoey and they came down while we were having dinner together. After dinner, Tonya said, "I'm going to take a shower. Do you mind keeping an eye on Zoey?"

"I don't mind," I replied. "We can switch when you're done."

"Deal," said Tonya.

I kept Zoey busy by playing Scrabble. Zoey was a good speller and she beat me by the time Tonya came down.

"Your turn," said Tonya.

"Okay. Zoey was an excellent speller and she just won," I told her.

"Zoey is a genius when it comes to spelling," said Tonya. "Mom and Dad told me she joins the spelling bees. She wins most of them."

"Wow," I said. "A smart kid."

"I know," said Tonya.

I took a shower as well and called Dad to say good night and told him I was having fun with Zoey.

"That's good," said Dad.

"I know. We played a game of Scrabble and she won. She's a very good speller," I told him.

After we talked for a bit, I went to put Zoey to bed. I read her a story since she can't read on her own yet. At ten, Mr. Gomez got up to get ready for work. He was on his scrubs.

"How was everything?" asked Mr. Gomez.

"Good. Zoey was very good," I replied.

"Thank you," said Mr. Gomez.

"Mom said she can sleep over," said Tonya.

"I remember her telling me that," said her adopted father.

"Mary Anne, is it okay if I can meet your father and stepmom Monday?" asked Tonya.

"Sure," I said. "Is it okay to tell them now?"

"You can," replied Tonya.

Mr. Gomez left at ten-thirty.

"Mom said we can stay up for a little longer until she comes home," said Tonya.

"Okay," I said as we headed up to her room.

We were talking for a bit when Mrs. Gomez came home.

"Girls, I'm home," said Mrs. Gomez.

"I'll go see her," said Tonya.

"Okay," I said.

Tonya went out to her adopted mother.

"Hi, Mom," said Tonya.

"Hi, honey, how was your night?" asked Mrs. Gomez.

"We had a fun time," replied Tonya.

"That's good," said Mrs. Gomez.

Tonya and I went to bed thirty minutes later.

The next day, Mrs. Gomez paid me big for watching Zoey. At home, I was unpacking my overnight bag when I saw a picture, it was Zoey and it says, We should be like sisters. I thought it was so cute. I showed it to Dad.

"That's very cute," said Dad.

"I know," I agreed. "We had a fun time."

"Good," said Dad.

"Can we talk about something?" I asked.

"Sure, what's up?" asked Dad.

That was when I told him about Tonya. "She lost her parents to earthquake."

"That's a shame," said Dad.

"She found it tough being in a new country," I said.

"I bet," said Dad.

"She's Chinese and she told me she got judged by a few kids," I said. "She was afraid that boys could do that. The only issue is that she didn't want me to tell Logan yet."

"I don't think he would," said Dad.

"That's what we said. My friends met her and liked her. Carlos and Meredith liked her, too. They knew what she went through," I said.

"Which is good," said Dad.

"Would Logan understand why I haven't mentioned about Tonya?" I asked. "I'd be afraid he would get mad."

"I think he'd understand," said Dad.

Later, I explained that to Sharon. Even though she says I was a good friend to keep a promise, I didn't think so. I just played around by agreeing with her.

The next day, I went to Tonya and said, "Dad said you can come over for dinner."

"Good," said Tonya.

"I have a club until six pm," I said.

"Okay," said Tonya.

"Maybe she can go to the meeting with you," said Kristy.

"I could do that if she wants to," I said.

"Sure," said Tonya.

"We can hang out at my house," I said.

After school, Tonya called her mom when we got to my house, we pretended that we were taking turns to be teachers and students doing homework. That was a fun thing to do.

"Oh, by the way, did you see what Zoey drew me?" I asked as I showed it to her and read what she wrote.

"That's cute," said Tonya.

"Dad said the same thing," I said

"How about your mom?" asked Tonya.

"I never met her, she died when I was a baby," I replied as I told her on how I got a stepfamily. "Dawn and I were already best friends before becoming stepsisters."

"That's cool," said Tonya.

After we did our homework, I showed her the backyard. We had time before the club meeting.

"That's a neat barnhouse," said Tonya.

"My stepbrother, Jeff, plays in there all the time or if we'd have a picnic in there if it rains," I said.

"Cool!" exclaimed Tonya in her excited voice.

"You can always join us anytime," I said.

"Swell. Thanks," smiled Tonya.

"Zoey is a quiet person when Mom's at work she lets Dad sleep. When I'm home, I keep her busy until Mom gets home," Tonya told me.

"That's nice," I said.

We left at five so I can show her around at Claudia's. Kayla and Kaylee are still watching their siblings.

"This is a nice house," said Tonya.

"This is where we do club meetings and here comes the best part: Claudia has her own phone with a private line," I said.

"Cool," said Tonya.

After the meeting, at home, Tonya helped me make dinner.

"Cooking's my favorite thing to do especially when I was in China. My real parents taught me how to do so when I was around Zoey's age," explained Tonya.

"That's cool, no wonder you're a good cook," I joked setting the table.

"Yep," said Tonya as we laughed.

"I'm a pretty good cook, too," I said.

"I'm ready to meet your boyfriend now, too," said Tonya.

"Okay," I said.

What if Logan finds out I have been lying? I'll have to tell him that I had promised Tonya not to say a thing. That's not going to be very easy. Why? I get too shy to do so.

It was almost ready when Sharon came home. Dad had just texted me saying he would be late due to heavy traffic. Carlos had a game until nine and Meredith was out with Cassie.

"Hi, Sharon," I greeted her.

"Dinner's almost ready," said Tonya.

"Hi, you must be Tonya," said Sharon.

"Yes," said Tonya.

"It's nice to meet you," said Sharon.

"I was adopted from China two weeks ago after I lost my parents," replied Tonya.

"Sorry to hear that," said Sharon.

"Thanks," said Tonya.

"She's a nice person," said Dawn. "We all liked her."

"Where's you father?" asked Sharon.

"He texted me saying he would be running late. He's stuck in traffic," I said.

"That's okay. We can start eating anyway," said Sharon.

"Good idea," I agreed.

"So, Tonya, how you do like Stoneybrook?" asked Sharon.

"I like it even though it's different and new for me," answered Tonya.

"That's good," said Sharon.

"I got judged at school," said Tonya. "I didn't want to be judged by boys."

"That's why she didn't want me to tell Logan," I said.

That was when Dad came home.

"Good timing, dinner's almost ready," I said.

"Oh, good," said Dad as she spotted Tonya. "Hello, Tonya. It's nice to meet you."

"Same here, I live with the Gomez family," said Tonya.

"Is Zoey adopted, too?" asked Dad.

"No. She's the Gomez' daughter," replied Tonya. "But I baby-sit her when Mom's not home because Dad works the final shift as a doctor and he sleeps before he goes to work."

"That's good," smiled Dad.

"Zoey was excited to have a sister, either older or younger," said Tonya.

"Good," said Dad. "I'll just put my stuff away later."

"How was work?" asked Sharon.

"Busy," replied Dad. "Glad to be home."

"I bet," said Sharon.

"What you do for living, Mr. Spier?" asked Tonya.

"I'm a lawyer at Stamford Law Office," replied Dad as he sat down while Tonya and I placed dinner on the table.

"That's cool, you must be a very good lawyer," said Tonya.

He just chuckled and said, "I sure am. I'm only off once a week, Saturdays and Sundays unless there's a jury duty."

After dinner, we were in my room. We hung out when we heard a car honked at eight pm.

"Oh, that's my mom. Thanks for dinner. See you tomorrow, Mary Anne," said Tonya.

"Bye, Tonya," I said.

"Thanks, Mr. Spier," said Tonya.

"Come again anytime," said Dad as she left for the car.

"She's a nice girl," commented Sharon.

"Yes, she is," I said.

I went to put my nightgown on. I was getting tired, so I went to bed up at nine-thirty pm.

The next day, at school, at lunch, Kristy said, "Was Tonya able to meet your dad and stepmom?"

"Yes, she did. My dad and Sharon liked Tonya a lot. Dad understood that I kept my promise and Sharon told me I was a good friend to do that," I continued.

"That's a good thing," said Kristy.

"I know," I said. "She told me she wants to meet Logan now."

"Wow," said Claudia.

Tonya came to join us after getting her lunch.

"Hi," said Tonya.

"Hi," we all said.

"When do you want to meet Logan?" I asked.

"Maybe after school," said Tonya.

"How are you going to explain to him about this?" asked Dawn.

"I can explain it to him," replied Tonya.

Then, she and I came up with a plan.

After school, I went to Logan.

"I would like you to meet my tutor now," I said. "She's at her locker. She'll be right out."

That was when Tonya came out.

"I'm Tonya. I'm the tutor for the tests," said Tonya.

"The one you treated the other night?" asked Logan.

"I told you I did it to thank her, remember?" I asked.

"Yes," replied Logan. "But how come you never brought it up?"

"We had a reason," said Tonya.

"She asked me to wait for me to tell you about her. You see, she wanted to get used to the new country after she got adopted from China. Her parents got killed by an earthquake. It can be very tough. She was also worried you could judge her," I said.

"She was?" asked Logan.

"Yes," said Tonya.

"She was already judged when she first came to the school," I said.

Logan realized what I was saying.

"I get it now," said Logan. "I wouldn't judge."

"I knew you wouldn't," I said.

I walked with him while she went home.

"The truth is that I didn't want to betray her trust," I said. "Good friends keep a promise. I wouldn't spill a secret without a friend's permission unless keeping them safe."

At home, I told Dad I had no problems after all.

"I told you he'd understand," teased Dad.

"I know you did," I smiled as I laughed.

I was doing homework.

At the meeting, Claudia said, "How did Tonya made out meeting Logan?"

"She made out fine," I said. "He understood that I didn't want to lose a friend's trust if I broke that promise."

"I agree with you on that," said Kristy.

"Tonya and I plan to hang out more often," I said.

"Good," said Kayla. "As long as she's a good friend, another culture doesn't really matter. Like you, Kaylee, and I are best friends."

"Exactly," I said.

I'm glad things are going good.

The end.