intermission

9. If memory is what holds the Big Plan together, then forget it.

Planning her new strategy, Mimi remembered the big problem with each of her past strategies - her memory. Devising her strategies is fun and creative, but they always fail because she forgets to check the results.

After a long day of school, teachers complaining and friends being mental, who can remember to see if a trap has been sprung?

What to do, what to do...

Hmmm, she thought, maybe an actual trap? A bear trap or something like that? Maybe Susy would chew her own leg off to escape. That'd be cool! Then Mum couldn't deny it, and while they were at the hospital, Susy would have to admit what she'd been up to. So where does one get a bear trap?

Sigh, but seriously. How to catch Susy in the act and prove once and for all what a horrible little sister she is. Proof that Mom and Dad couldn't ignore or gloss over or say oh but she's just little. 

8. Hallways & Mirrors

Slamming her locker shut and spinning the lock, Mimi turned around to see Cathy staring at her.

"What?", asked Mimi. "What's that look for?"

"I saw them. I saw your designs. You are amazing! Where'd you learn to draw like that? And where'd you get those ideas? Wow."

"Really? You like them? Thanks. That means a lot." Mimi gave Cathy a quick hug.

Wandering down the hall together, Cathy said, "Remember in kindergarten, the first day of school and I was scared and you sat with me?" She smiled at her friend. "Well that was first day of our friendship and I love how we have supported each other ever since."

"Except Grade Two."

Cathy laughed, "yes, except Grade Two. That was pretty awful. I missed you."

"I know. That was the worst year. I had to hang out with Stephanie and Angel." The names were ejected as if Mimi was afraid they'd soil her tongue.

"They're not so bad anymore, are they." A statement more than a question.

"I know, but in Grade Two they were the worst - the very worst."

"You're right. Anyway I'm back now and no plans to move away again. Except when we go to college."

Linking arms, they smiled happily and got to Chemistry just in time to see Mazurski close the door.

"Aw, I bet he's locked it", opined Mimi. "I hate when he does that. It's so embarrassing having to stand there until he deigns to open the door."

"And when he does let you in, he humiliates you in front of the class", agreed Cathy. "Oh well, let's put on our disappointed-in-ourselves faces and see if we can get in."