heads They stuck in their hair and piled up on their book bags Hey Abby yelled turning to see who was throwing them Dakota stood grinning behind them His freckled cheeks were red Oh it’s you Abby giggled as she untangled a leaf from her brown curls You’re so lucky Dakota You already know what you are doing for your project Sydney and I don’t have one yet Sydney shifted from one foot to the other She didn’t look at Abby as she said Abby I do have a project Mom asked if I could help at our church Katie and I are going to visit Evergreen Nursing Home twice a week with Pastor Elizabeth Abby’s lower lip stuck out Tears stung her eyes Why didn’t you tell me before Sydney I thought we were going to do a project together I’m sorry Sydney said looking at the sidewalk Katie goes to my church 6
My mom talked to her mom about the project without telling me A blue van pulled over to the curb Sydney’s mom waved at Abby and Dakota See you tomorrow Sydney said I’ll ask about sleeping over Best friends forever Abby called But Sydney just waved The van door slammed shut Abby kicked at the leaves by the curb as the van sped away What will I do for a project now she asked Dakota I’m going to miss my bus Dakota yelled He ran off dragging his book bag behind him The canvas scraped and bounced on the cement Abby stood alone Bye she called But Dakota didn’t hear her He was already climbing into the bus Abby turned to cross the street She wished Sydney was walking home with her 7
Hi Abby said Betty the crossing guard She had a big yellow button on her bright green crossing guard vest It said SMILE Abby didn’t feel like smiling What’s the matter honey Betty asked bending to look at Abby’s face Abby shrugged Her book bag bounced up and down on her back All the third graders have to be community a helpers month she said I don’t know what to do for When’s your project due honey Betty asked We have to tell our teacher where we will be working by Monday Abby said Betty stood up and smiled She 8
patted Abby’s shoulder Then you have the whole weekend to come up with something Don’t you worry I don’t have any ideas Abby said Ask Betty suggested I’ll bet she can help you think of something grandma your Gram always had time to talk She was staying with Abby for a few days while her parents were away Maybe they could come up with a project together Abby gave Betty a big smile Thanks Betty she said See you tomorrow 9
