is Artie He is nine years old Their real names are Howard and Arthur No one ever calls them that I have three grandparents I don't see them very much because they live far away I am glad my mommy and daddy don't live far away Mrs Michaels looked over Elisa's shoulder Very good she said How much did the teacher say you had to write One page said Elisa The words she had written almost covered the paper in front of her I am going to copy it over to make it neater she told her mother If I write a little bigger it will be just right You didn't tell anything about your grand parents How they come to visit the gifts they send even when it isn't your birthday the special things you do with them I wrote enough said Elisa Writing is hard work Welcome to the real world said Russell
coming into the kitchen And if you think second grade is hard wait until you get as old as I am Will you help me with my homework when I'm in sixth grade Elisa asked Fat chance said Russell When you're in sixth grade I'll be in high school I'm not going to have time to help you I wouldn't worry about sixth grade now said Mrs Michaels as she folded up the ironing board and put it away And you're doing just fine in second grade Anyhow what's for supper asked Russell I'm starving Look said his mother pulling a pan out of the refrigerator Lasagna My favorite Russell shouted when he saw it Hurry and put it in the oven Who wants to help me cut up the vegetables for a salad she asked Not me said Russell I've got tons of
homework I just came to check on supper I'll help said Elisa I can copy my homework later Then put your papers away and wash your hands said her mother As Elisa tore the lettuce leaves into small pieces she said I wish Grandma could come and visit I haven't seen her in a long long long time Grandma was what Elisa called her mother's mother Nana was what she called her other grandmother Grandma is planning to come here in April Mrs Michaels said Elisa stopped tearing the lettuce leaves and counted out the months on her fingers Seven months she said That's too long to wait Seven months is a long time agreed Mrs Michaels Marshall pulled his pacifier out of his
mouth One four five seven eight nine ten he called out before sticking the pacifier back inside his mouth I miss her said Elisa We always have good talks together She tells me about when she was a little girl and she tells me about when you were a little girl I know her mother said And I'm sure she misses you and those long conversations that you have too I wish she would come right now Elisa complained She'll come but you just have to be patient Elisa sniffed back a tear Suddenly her mother laughed I have an idea she said How would you like to have breakfast with Grandma on Saturday Could I asked Elisa eagerly I think so I have a plan said Mrs Michaels I'll try and work it out so that just
