Together we crossed the yard and climbed the creaky back steps. Inside, the smell of cinnamon filled the room.
Matt and Kate sat at the table with a pile of French toast in the middle. Mom was at the stove, still cooking.
“I told you she’d be out there,” Kate said.
“Morning, honey.” Mom kept her eyes on the skillet. “We’ll let your brother and sister eat while we run some over to the Parkers. Just be sure to save us some.” She pointed a warning finger at Matt, who grinned wickedly.
“Hey, you snooze, you lose.” Matt stabbed two pieces and dropped them on his plate.
“Matt.”
“Geez, I’m kidding. I think you’ve been working too much, mi madre.”
The whole scene felt so normal. I had a hard time believing this was the worst day of my life.
I held the ziplocked plate and we left to say our last goodbyes. Next thing I knew, we were in front of the Parkers’ house handing over our offering. Dad helped Mr. Parker load the last of the suitcases. Mom chatted with Mrs. Parker, waving away thanks and exchanging pleasantries. I stood next to Jason, suddenly not sure what to say. I’d already said everything in the cemetery.
Then I remembered my promise.
“Did I ever tell you my Slurpee-sipping secret? It’s why I didn’t get brain freeze.”
“You managed to keep a secret from me?” Jason rocked on his feet.
I nodded. “I only pretended to drink so you would go too fast.”
“But … that’s cheating!”
“How?”
He opened his mouth, then closed it. “Well, it was sneaky anyway.”
I grinned. “Like an expert spy?”
We fell into silence until Jason asked the question I’d been trying to avoid.
“Think we’ll ever see each other again? California’s pretty far.”
I slugged him in the arm. “Of course we will!”
Jason rubbed his shoulder. “I won’t miss that.”
I ignored him. “Plus, you’re going to e-mail me.”
“E-mail isn’t the same.”
His negative thoughts would jinx us both. What was he going to do without me? “And I have a plan.”
“You do?” Jason looked nervous.
“Disneyland’s in California, right? So I’ll just go online and put my parents on a bunch of mailing lists for Disney brochures. I’ll have them convinced by summer for sure.”
He nodded. “Your plans are getting better.”
I was about to slug him again when his dad approached.
“Sorry to interrupt, but it’s time to go. I want to get there by tonight, if possible.” He eyed me. “Do you think our secret angels will know to stop delivering food?”
I squirmed, but my mom jumped in. “I’m sure they’ll figure it out. Whoever they are.”
Mr. Parker nodded. “Well if you ever discover who did it, be sure to tell them thank you for us. Times a thousand or so. That might almost cover it.” He held out his hand.
I shook it firmly. “I’ll keep my eye out.”
“All right, say your last goodbyes. It’s time to go.” Mr. Parker jingled the keys.
Mom gave Jason’s mom a hug. “Take care, Bianca. And let us know when you get there.”
My face suddenly felt hot, and Jason’s turned red. We both stepped back.
“Don’t forget to e-mail me,” I said.
“And don’t forget your promise about the … you-know-what.”
“Never.” I stuck out my hand. “Peanut butter?”
He grinned and grabbed my hand. “Jelly.”
We each clapped our other hand over the top and shook the PB&J oath one last time. There was no going back.
Jason’s dad climbed into the moving van. Jason followed his mom to the car. When both vehicles disappeared around the bend, Mom put her arm around me.
“You okay?”
I stared at the corner where the cars had vanished. My ears buzzed, and everything looked a shade duller. But now was no time to be a sissy. I had a plan to carry out. Swallowing back what felt like a whole glob of smushed PB&Js in my throat, I took a deep breath.
“Do you realize we’ve never been to Disneyland?”
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Much like PB&J, writing a book is a sticky business. And over the years, as I’ve worked toward getting published, all kinds of people have left their flecks of peanut butter in my jelly. (Oh yeah, I’m totally the jelly.) ;)
So, with Annie and Jason’s approval, I hereby propose SPB&J Rule #10: A sacrificial sandwich may be offered up to individuals in order to show respect or appreciation. As such, I offer a gigantic one to the following people, and induct them as honorary members of the PB&J Society:
First, my agent, Victoria Marini, who worked tirelessly to find the right home for my story. Her passionate belief in it kept me going when I wanted to give up.
My editor, Donald Lemke, who laughed at all the right spots, and who understood the importance of PB&J from the beginning. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect editor match. Who knew edits could be so FUN?!
Brann Garvey, Senior Graphic Designer, whose vision for the cover and general book design exceeded all expectations. One of my new favorite pastimes is staring at the cover.
And everyone else at Capstone who had a hand in ushering this book out into the world. Including my proofreader, everyone in marketing and publicity, the production crew, and those in printing. Thank you!
Brenda Drake, who sponsors Pitch Madness and who tirelessly supports other writers and helps them achieve their dreams. Dee Romito who pulled my book from the Pitch Madness slush pile and is now a friend and trusted confidante on this crazy road to publication. And Erica Chapman, who selected my book for her Pitch Madness team. Without these guys, I never would have connected with my agent.
Sarah Barley and Laurel Garver, whose thoughtful and encouraging critiques pushed me to make that last crucial revision that led to getting an agent.
My Virginia Critique Group — Julia, Heather, Carolyn, and Megan — who painstakingly read the thing chapter by chapter when the story still needed A LOT of work. Thanks for believing in the story, even then!
The Firehouse Five — Tessa, Lisa, Victoria, Jane, and Angela — who generously let me back in the group and who have been there to cheer and commiserate with me every step of the way. Love you guys!
Amy Sonnichsen, who not only read my book, but kept me sane by encouraging my inner silliness with Hacky Sack Videos, ice cream eating contests, and the like. Hacky Sack Club Forever!
Sarah Schauarte, Rebecca Sumner, and Patricia McCleve, who all took the time to read and comment on early drafts.
And of course, Becca, Mike, Paul, and Kim, who inspired so many of the events in the book. Our childhood rocked! (And because I can’t resist — Neener, neener! I got McDonald’s and you didn’t!)
Janet and Wayne (a.k.a. Mom and Dad) who always believed in me and taught me that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to (even if it takes ten years or so).
London, Brandt, and Khyah, who are my everything. Who patiently waited for me to “finish one last sentence” too many times to count. And who make me feel like a rock star by bragging about me to their friends and to every stranger they meet. I love being your mom!
Rick, who listened to my horrible rough drafts and gave honest feedback even when I didn’t want it. Who hugged me at those worst moments, and did the happy dance with me at the best. Thank you for always inspiring me to be better. Forever or bust, baby!
And finally, the real-life Jason. My first ever best friend who, despite his ill-fated move when we were five, left the globbiest of peanut butter globs in my life. The memory of that glorious, crazy friendship was at the heart of everything I wrote.
JANET SUMNER JOHNSON
The Last Great Adventure of the PB&J Society
is published by
Capstone Young Readers
A Capstone Imprint
1710 Roe Crest Drive
North Mankato, MN 56003
www.mycapstone.com
Text copyright © 2016 by Janet Sumner Johnson
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission of the publisher.
Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available on the Library of Congress website.
978-1-62370-636-4 (paper over board)
978-1-4965-2695-3 (library)
978-1-4965-2697-7 (ebook PDF)
978-1-6237-0741-5 (ebook)
The Last Great Adventure of the PB & J Society Page 19