Sophie Hartley and the Facts of Life by Stephanie Greene

great,” Nora said. “We were a little worried we were going to see chicken chow mein every night, but we didn’t. Not even once.”
    Mrs. Hartley looked closely at Nora. “What did you do to your hair?”
    â€œI had it professionally blow-dried yesterday,” Nora said. She shook her head back and forth to make her straight hair fly out around her. “I wanted to get it straightened, but Dad said I had to wait until you were home. Besides, I checked, and hair straightening is so expensive! Dad treated me to the blow dry, and I bought a round brush the stylist recommended. She showed me how to do this myself. I love it.”
    â€œIt looks very nice,” Mrs. Hartley said, “and if it makes you happy, that’s wonderful. How was your date?”
    â€œGreat! But I’ll have to tell you tomorrow.” Nora looked at the clock and started moving toward the door. “Kate’s mom is picking me up in about ten minutes. We’re going to play practice and then I’m spending the night at her house.”
    â€œHave fun,” Mrs. Hartley called to Nora’s disappearing back.
    She sat at the table with Maura in her lap and sighed. “It’s so nice to be home. Tom, would you get me a glass of water, please? Where’s Thad?”
    â€œPlaying soccer. After that, he’s going bowling with friends. And after
that,
” Mr. Hartley said, handing the water to his wife, “he’s going over to his new girlfriend’s house.”
    â€œWhat happened to Emily?” said Mrs. Hartley.
    â€œLong story. I’ll tell you later.”
    â€œHow are you, Sophie?” Mrs. Hartley said. “I see you’re headed out too.”
    â€œJenna and I are spending the night at Alice’s. First I have to change Patsy’s litter box, and then I have to eat lunch. Want me to make you a sandwich?” Sophie put her suitcase next to the back door and went to open the cabinets.
    â€œThanks, but I bought a sandwich in the airport and ate it on the plane. Well,” Mrs. Hartley said, as Maura held tight to her mother’s necklace and contentedly sucked her thumb, “it certainly seems that everyone’s in good shape and spirits around here. It’s lovely to be home.”
    â€œIt’s lovely to have you,” said Mr. Hartley.
    When they kissed, John clutched his neck and made gagging noises. “Dad wasn’t all lovey-dovey when you weren’t here,” he said disgustedly.
    â€œI’m glad to hear that, John,” said Mrs. Hartley. She sniffed the air. “Don’t tell me you’ve even been baking, Tom.”
    â€œJohn and I made brownies,” Mr. Hartley said. “Come on, let’s go sit in the family room so you can be comfortable. I want to hear about the conference.”
    â€œAnd I want to hear about what went on here.”
    â€œThe brownies are for tonight!” John announced, leaping around in front of his parents like an excited puppy as he led the way down the hall. “We’re going to eat brownies and play Candy Land. The whole family.”
    â€œIt looks to me as if the older children are busy, John,” Mrs. Hartley said. “But you and Maura and Dad and I will have a good time.”
    â€œYes, John, the
older
children are busy,” Sophie said. She tried to toss her hair the way Nora had done, but it was too curly to move as easily. “Darn you, Mrs. Witherspoon,” she said haughtily as she opened a can of tuna fish. “It’s all your fault.”
    Â 
    â€œI have to ask one more thing,” Alice said.
    â€œ
Al-
ice,” Jenna said impatiently. “Your five minutes are up.”
    They were in Alice’s bedroom, plotting what to do for the night. Sophie was sprawled on one of the twin beds. Jenna was rewinding her yo-yo for the millionth time.
    â€œBut—” Alice protested.
    â€œWe’re done talking about it!” Jenna