The Great TV Turn-Off by Beverly Lewis Page B

characters.
    â€œWe’re David and Goliath. Wanna see our play?” Carly said.
    Eric smiled. “Maybe later. I have to talk to Abby.”
    Carly rolled her eyes. “Oh, you came to see Abby , didn’t you?”
    â€œCut the comedy,” he said. “Where’s your sister?”
    Jimmy grinned up at him. “Betterwatch out,” he said. He held up his slingshot. “I come in name of God!”
    â€œThat’s what David’s supposed to tell Goliath,” Eric said. “Here, point your slingshot at Carly.”
    â€œShe not Carly Anne Hunter. Now sister is BIG giant!” Jimmy shouted.
    Eric had never heard Jimmy talk so loud. But then, Jimmy hadn’t heard Bible stories before. Not till he came to America last Thanksgiving.
    â€œCome in and wait. I’ll go get Abby,” said Carly, the enemy giant.
    Jimmy zipped off after her. Eric saw him hold out his slingshot.
    Eric ended up waiting in the kitchen. It was impossible not to wander in there. Mrs. Hunter was making chocolate chip cookies. They were still warm. And the chocolate pieces were all gooey when she gave him one.
    â€œM-m-m, thanks!” Eric said. “My favorite.”
    â€œEverybody’s favorite,” Mrs. Hunter agreed.
    Soon, Abby and Shawn came downstairs. They had a bunch of papers. “Here they are,” Abby said.
    Eric looked at the sign-up sheets. And Shawn ate cookies.
    The promise sheet was very cool. It said the following:
    I promise not to watch TV for one whole week. I will not turn on the TV set from March 2 through March 8. If I am caught sneaking TV, The Cul-de-sac Kids will box up my TV. They’ll put it away. On March 8, my TV will be returned.
    Signed : ______________
    â€œHey, this is great,” Eric said. “How’d you think this up?”
    Abby shrugged. “It’s nothing much. Anybody could’ve done it.”
    â€œNot this body,” Eric said and laughed.
    Abby reached for a cookie. “This is my third one,” she whispered. “Here, have another.”
    Eric thought she’d never ask. “Thanks,” he said.
    â€œWant some milk to go with it?” Abby asked.
    â€œSure!”
    Abby poured milk for Eric. Then for her brother Shawn.
    They drank milk and ate warm cookies together. They watched the David and Goliath show. But the story ended too quickly. Goliath (Carly) turned the slingshot on David (little Jimmy.)
    â€œThat’s not how the story goes,” Abby said, giggling.
    Eric hooted with laughter.
    Then Mrs. Hunter tempted the future king of Israel. She did it by bringing out more cookies.
    Wicked Goliath spied them. She declared, “Time out. The play is over.”

    â€œNot over!” Little David whined and fussed. He took a handful of cookies. “Time for chocolate manna!”
    â€œThat’s a different story,” Eric said.
    â€œEric’s right,” said Mrs. Hunter. “You may continue the play tomorrow.”
    â€œYay! We’ll do a play instead of watching TV,” Abby said. Then she showed her mother the sign-up sheet.
    â€œWhat’s this?” Mrs. Hunter said.
    â€œTake a look,” Abby said.
    Eric wondered what would happen. He crossed his fingers behind his back. Would Mrs. Hunter promise no TV? Would she sign?
    â€œWe want the whole cul-de-sac to agree,” Abby said softly. “One hundred percent.”
    Jimmy wiped his mouth. “Jimmy sign now!”
    â€œWait a minute,” Mrs. Hunter said. She found a pen in her kitchen drawer. “Ladies first.” She was smiling.
    The kids watched Mrs. Hunter sign her name.
    â€œCool! You’re the first on the block,” Eric said.
    Mrs. Hunter twirled around the kitchen. The kids clapped and cheered. Especially Eric.
    After all, it was his idea.
    Now . . . off to Mr. Tressler’s house!
    Would the old gentleman want to be cool, too?

FOUR
    Eric, Abby, and Shawn crossed the street. They