“You jerk” Strawberry laughed.

“So, are you coming tonight, Strudel?” Pancake asked.

“Well,” said Strudel. “You guys come home with me to ask my mom”

“Ok” said Pancake. “I can sweet-talk that chick into anything.”

So they all walked to Strudel’s house.

“Strudel, is that you?” Pearl called from upstairs.

“Yes, mother dearest!” Strudel called back. “Come here!” He quickly let go of Strawberry’s hand.

“Oh, hello girls” Pearl walked into the front room where they were.

“Pancake has a question for you” said Strudel. “It’s her birthday”

“Well happy birthday, Pancake” said Pearl.

“Thanks” Pancake said sweetly.

“Why are you home so late?” Pearl asked Strudel.

“Uh, Mom” said Strudel. “Pancake? Question?”

“Can Strudel come over for my party?” Pancake asked. “I know he’s supposed to be grounded, but we don’t have school tomorrow and it’s a long weekend”