On a Slippery Slope by Melody Fitzpatrick

Now don’t get me wrong, I really do appreciate that I got off super lucky, but I still have to face the fact that I only have a hundred bucks in my bank account, when I need, like, a kazillion more. Why do my problems always involve money?

8
    Pizza with Cucumbers
    S chool was pretty tame today. Chloe wasn’t there, so without her partner in crime, Ivy left me alone the entire day — a happy surprise, to say the least. So, aside from the fact that Gabby talked nonstop all day about our upcoming shopping spree (which I know won’t happen because of an extreme shortage of cash), it was a pretty good day. Especially in the computer lab, where I created an amazingly perfect babysitting ad that I’m positive is going to get me tons of jobs in no time flat!

Hannah Smart ’ s Quality Babysitting Service
    Stuck without a babysitter? Well, not for long!
    I am a motivated, dependable, nurturing, fun-loving , encouraging, energetic, and prompt child-care provider who is fully trained and certified in Advanced First Aid and CPR. If you are looking for quality care for your children, then look no further! You can count on me for all of your babysitting needs. I am available most days after 3:30 and most evenings until 9:00. (Much longer on the weekends.)
    Your children deserve the best!
    That ’ s me: Hannah Smart!
    So, don’ t hesitate! Message me now to avoid disappointment at:
    [email protected]
    I can’t wait to put this ad up at Dad’s office! Almost everyone he works with has kids. If they need a sitter, they can just call me!
    I haven’t really sat down and figured it out yet, but I’m hoping that if I babysit every day after school, some nights and most weekends, combined with my allowance and what I have in the bank, I might just be able to save enough to buy some gear in time for the trip in March. Fingers crossed.
    I walk into the Channel Nine building and see Andy right away. She looks panicked as usual. She must have the hardest job ever!
    â€œHi, Hannah,” she says looking up from a stack of Post-its littering the reception desk. “I know it’s here somewhere. Gosh … what did I do with it?”
    â€œDo with what?”
    â€œA list … an extremely important list.”
    â€œCan I help?”
    â€œOh …” she says, gravely, “I don’t think so, Hannah, but thanks.”
    â€œSo, what’s on the list?”
    â€œWell,” she says, frowning as her eyes dart from left to right, “we have a very special guest in the green room.”
    â€œThe green room?”
    â€œIt’s like a fancy waiting room where our guests go before they are interviewed.”
    â€œCool. So what’s the problem?”
    â€œIt’s very important, Hannah, to make sure our guests are happy before they go on air. So, we ask them to provide us with a list of things they want waiting for them in the green room for when they arrive. Sometimes, it’s a snack, sometimes a meal, and sometimes it’s just a cup of tea. Regardless, we always, ALWAYS make sure we have exactly what our guests want so they’re relaxed and comfortable before we interview them.”

    â€œSo, do you need me to get food?”
    â€œThe problem is I lost the paper with all the info, and our guest wants some pretty specific stuff. I just can’t go in there and ask her to tell me what it is she wants again . She’s a sen­ator, Hannah. We’re interviewing her for part of our Women in Power segments.
    I nod. “Sounds important.”
    â€œShe is,” Andy agrees, “and honestly, I would look like an unprofessional mess-up if I went in there right now, at the last minute, and asked her to tell me again what she already told me she wanted. I have to find that paper, Hannah.”
    â€œI wish I could help you.”
    â€œMe too, sweetie.” She smiles. “So, you’re looking for your