The Bailey School Kids: Book 120 (Chapter One)

"I can't even believe it! We have to go on that stupid field trip, and it's no thanks to that Mrs. Jeepers!" Eddie threw his football hard at the tall oak tree that sparkled in the early morning sky. "It might even end up as a project if we go!"

"It's almost the end of spring," Melody said. "And school will be out in three more days!"

Howie walked over to them, smiling proudly. He had a bag carried in his arm.

"What's that?" Liza asked.

Howie smugly raised his eyebrow and ruffled Liza's hair. "Mrs. Jeepers said we'll be going on the field trip on Monday and today's Saturday. Two whole days of fun and two whole nights under the tall oak tree." He then pulled out a big bag of vegatable mix and then four bags of hot chocolate. "I bought these at the store last night."

Eddie stopped throwing his football and ran over to Howie, his face happy and joy.

"Hot chocolate, my favorite!" he said. "But we can't have some now, could we?

Liza turned the color of chalk. "I'm afaird we can't, but I'm sure we can have a short breakfast eating those eggs over there. That little boy ain't eating them."

She pointed across the playground where a three-year old snoozing on a nearby bench with his mother sewing a scarf next to him.

"But I want to play," Eddie whined, sticking his low lip out. "I never get to play!"

Melody twirled her black pigtail nervously and her face turned pale, fading the color of her skin.

"I doubt that women will let us," she complained. "I'm hungry!"

Howie rubbed his stomach. "Me too, but if we can sneak past that boy, I bet we'll have some breakfast."

"And his mother," Liza groaned. "Don't forget his mother."

The four kids tiptoed by the bench, the mother didn't see them. She just kept on knitting.

The kids went behind the bench and crowded down, listening to the boy snoozing away.

"You go check on the boy, me, Eddie, and Liza will stay behind." Howie told Melody.