A WORD FROM MALLORY My name is Mallory McDonald like the restaurant but no relation I’m ten years old and in the fifth grade and there are lots of things I like doing I like to watch TV draw paint my toenails bake cookies spend time with my cat and hang out with my friends There are also some things I don’t like doing such as washing lettuce and setting the table That’s what I did this afternoon but I didn’t really mind because I’m so excited about what’s happening at my house tonight The Goldmans who just moved into the Winstons old house next door are coming for dinner along with Chloe Jennifer and her parents Even though Chloe Jennifer and I met the Goldmans when they moved in earlier this week we don’t know much about them aside 6
from what we’ve seen a mom a dad two identical twin boys a blue minivan in the driveway and newly planted pink flowers in the front yard When the Winstons moved out I was sad that two of my best friends Mary Ann and Joey wouldn’t be living on Wish Pond Road anymore When I told Mom I was worried about a weird mean unfriendly family moving in she told me that my imagination was running away from me I don’t always agree with Mom but this time I think she was right Chloe Jennifer and I thought the Goldmans were really nice when we met them and the twins were so so so cute I’m excited to get to know them better and so is Chloe Jennifer And the good news is that we don’t have to wait any longer dinner is served The doorbell just rang which means
GIRLS TO THE RESCUE They’re here I yell Mom Dad and Max aren’t far behind me as I run to the front door and open it Mr and Mrs Goldman are standing on our front porch along with their sons It’s almost impossible to tell the boys apart They’re identical in every way They even have on matching striped shirts The only difference is that one of them is 8
holding a pretty bouquet of flowers Before we have a chance to find out who is who the twin who isn’t holding the flowers asks a question Are you the mom or are you the mom He wags his finger back and forth between Mom and me like he’s trying to determine who his brother should give the flowers to I can’t help but laugh and so does Max Lucas don’t be silly says Mrs Goldman She points to Mom That’s Mrs 9
