After returning to school from their recent winter break, the Bob-Whites became concerned over Trixie's change in behavior. Often absent at lunch, Trixie was strangely quiet and deep in thought on the bus rides home.

When questioned, Trixie would just shrug.

"Nope, everything's just dandy."

Yet her perplexing behavior continued throughout that first week of January.

Finally in desperation, the group had a discussion at lunch. Di mentioned that she would frequently catch Trixie staring at nothing during Algebra.

Mart let out a deep groan.

"Well that's a sure sign she's working on a mystery. She gets like that every time."

Perhaps even more puzzling was Jim's report of seeing Trixie talking earnestly with Regan at the stable. "But she stopped talking as soon as she saw me standing there. And I didn't get the chance to hear anything either."

"Honey, has she told you anything?" asked Brian. "I would think she'd tell you first."

Almost in tears, Honey shook her head. "She hasn't told me a thing. If it is a mystery, why hasn't she said anything? We're supposed to be partners."

Jim looked at all the distressed faces at the table. "Well then gang, I propose we have a meeting with Trixie and ask her point blank what's going on."

There was an almost unanimous chorus of agreement from the group, except for Dan. "I hate to put the damper on a good idea old buddy, but think of it this way. How would you feel if we all ganged up on you and started blasting questions at you? I know how that feels. Trixie will just get defensive and clam up."

"Well what are we supposed to do then?" asked Di. "This just isn't like Trixie. I mean if she were working on a mystery, I think we'd see other signs by now."

"That's true," said Dan. "That's why I think Honey should be the one to talk to Trixie. After all, we all know about her legendary tact. I think, Honey, if you just explain to Trixie that we're concerned about her, she just might open up."

Honey gave a big sigh. "All right, I'll give it a try. Just don't expect miracles ok?"

Later that day on the bus ride home, the rest of the Bob-Whites made sure that no one sat next to Trixie. When Honey got on the bus, they all motioned for her to sit next to Trixie.

Heaving an inner sigh, Honey sat down.

"Hi, Trixie, how are you doing?" Maybe if I start out with polite talk, I'll figure out what to say.

Trixie who had been staring vacantly out the window, turned to look at Honey. "What? Oh, um, hi Honey."

Oh, gosh, I just can't do this on the bus with everyone looking! "Um, Trixie, do you think you could come to my house this afternoon? Cook was saying that with everyone back in school, she doesn't get to make anything special anymore. We could ask her to make us a special after school snack." Honey delivered this last sentence with a pleading look in her eyes.

Trixie must have understood the look. "Sure, I'll check with Moms and see if she'll let me out of Bobby sitting--Just this once!"

The two girls chuckled at the patented phrase that so often worked. For the rest of the ride home, they made small talk about school. The rest of the Bob-Whites exchanged puzzled looks but could do little else for the time being.

The bus pulled up in front of the Belden home. Trixie stood up quickly. "See you in a little bit I hope. I'll call if I can't make it."

"Ok. Good luck!" Honey held up crossed fingers.

"Moms! I'm home!" Trixie burst into the kitchen and exchanged a quick hug.

"My goodness, Trixie! You'd think you hadn't seen me for a long time."

"Oh Moms." Trixie flashed a big grin. "You know I'm always glad to see you."

"Hmm! Why does this sound like a request is coming?"

"Maybe cause you know us too well?" Trixie sat at the kitchen table and put her head in her hands. "Moms, do you think I could go up and visit with Honey for a while this afternoon? I know I'm supposed to watch Bobby for a while, but I've been kinda busy this week, and Honey looks a little hurt."

"Well--I suppose I could let you…

They both said it together. "Just this once!" and dissolved into giggles.

Later that afternoon, Trixie arrived at Manor House. Celia let Trixie in. "Honey's expecting you Trixie. You can find her upstairs in her room."

"Thanks Celia."

As Trixie was heading up the stairs, Jim stood in his open doorway looking at Honey who stood in hers. Hearing Trixie's footsteps, he flashed a quick thumbs up and ducked into his room.

Trixie knocked politely on Honey's door and then impudently barreled in and threw herself on Honey's bed. "Greetings and salutations!" She immediately slapped her hand over her mouth. "Oh horrors, I'm channeling Mart! Quick wash my mouth out with soap!"

Honey collapsed on the bed next to Trixie in a fit of giggles. "I don't think soap is going to help you, you're beyond help!"

The two girls glanced at each other and burst into fresh gales of laughter.

"Oh Trixie!" gasped Honey as she held onto her stomach. "It's so good to see you acting like normal again. We've all been so worried about you."

As soon as she said it, Honey wished she could pull back her words. So much for my legendary tact.

Trixie got a somber and almost distant look on her face. Honey thought she could almost see the mental struggle going on as the silence dragged on. Finally, Trixie sighed and plucked at the bedspread.

"I've been acting kinda strange this week haven't I?"

"Since we're channeling Mart today, I could say that's a colossal understatement." Honey giggled again. "But let's leave Mart out of this shall we?"

"I have no problem with that." Trixie sighed again. "I guess I owe you an explanation don't I?"

"No Trix - you don't owe anyone an explanation. It's just…well…you've been so distant this week, and quiet, and you haven't been at lunch, and, and…"

"I get the picture. And even though I don't owe anyone an explanation, you're my best friend Honey, and you deserve a better friend than I've been this week. No, wait, don't interrupt." Trixie placed her hand on Honey's. "Let me finish.

"It's just that on New Years Day I got to thinking. About a lot of things." Trixie stared down at her hands in her lap for a moment. "Especially about how lucky I am-how lucky we all are. And how we, I, take so much for granted. And, well, since New Years is a time for resolutions, I kinda resolved a few myself."

Honey asked quietly. "Any you'd care to share?"

"Some I'd think would be obvious. Like - quit leaping into situations without thinking things through. You know, stuff like that. And I've really been trying, Honey. That's why I've been so quiet this week. I've been thinking about an idea that I got while watching the Rose Parade and its just such a big idea that I don't want to say anything yet. At least not until I've figured out a few more details. Please say you understand."

There was another long moment of silence. Finally, Honey gave a weak smile. "At least its not a mystery. Mart was convinced you were going to involve us all in a new one."

"No, I can honestly say it's not a mystery. What I can tell you is this. You know how we're always looking for new fund raisers for charities. Well, after watching the parade I realized that maybe raising money isn't enough. Maybe we should try doing something directly. That's why I been thinking this through so carefully. This is big, bigger than anything we've ever done before. And it would involve more people than just us Bob-Whites. So I can't say anything until I talk to those other people. But I'm glad I could finally tell you this much."

"Oh Trixie, I'm glad you told me too!"

The two girls hugged each other.

"You know - there is just one other problem," said Honey.

"What's that?"

"What am I going to tell everyone else? They've all been terribly worried about you Trixie."

Trixie sat thoughtfully for a moment and then got an evil grin on her face. "You could always tell them I found another mystery! It would serve Mart right! Ooh, and get this, you could tell him Molinson actually requested my help!"

They looked at each other for a moment to see who could keep a straight face longer. Honey broke into laughter first. "I wouldn't mind seeing Mart's face either, but you know he'd never believe either one of us. Nope. Try again."

"Well, I guess the truth is always the best policy. I'll talk to everyone at lunch tomorrow. By then I might know a little more too." Trixie stopped for a moment to look at her watch. "Oh woe, I didn't realize I'd been here that long. I promised Moms I wouldn't stay too long. I'd better hurry up and get home."

Trixie gave Honey another quick hug. "Thanks for putting up with me partner."

"Anytime, partner."

The next day at lunch, Trixie approached "their" table and noted with amusement the look of expectation on everyone. Well, here goes.

"I understand that you all have been worried about me lately." Before anyone could say anthing, Trixie motioned them all to wait. "I'd just like to say, thank you, for caring."

The look of shock on Mart's face was worth the humbling statement. "I know, I know, not what you were expecting. But really, I mean it. And I'd like to apologize for acting so distant this week."

"Oh Trixie," broke in Di. "We're just glad you're ok."

"Yes, we are," said Jim. "We missed you."

"Thanks Di, thanks Jim. I'm glad I have such good friends. And I'd like to tell you a little bit about what's been distracting me this week. I warn you though, I can't tell you everything yet. But I will tell you as soon as I learn more."

"So let's expedite the illuminating revelations. Oof!!" Mart rubbed his shoulder. "Gee Dan, you didn't have to punch so hard. I was only kidding."

"Mart, shut up!" Dan bowed as the rest of the Bob-Whites applauded.

"With that kind of invitation, who could resist." And with that, Trixie proceeded with her explanation.