Chapter Text
Arthur belongs to Marc Brown while Ann Martin wrote The Baby-Sitters Club.
Mrs. Franklin's class was in the middle of a lesson when an announcement came on.
"Attention, sixth grade students. There will be a cruise for Bahamas in April as a treat before you kids graduate. They'll be flying to Miami, Florida before boarding on Royal Caribbean cruise in Port Carnival. Students may come by the office during lunch or after school for more information and for permission slips. Everything on the cruise will be covered by the school. Both sixth grade teachers supervision will be required. Any other responsible adult can be invited. Thank you," said Mr. Haney.
"Oh, cool," said Buster.
Later, at lunch, Arthur and his friends were talking about the cruise.
"That will be fun," said Fern.
"I know," said Francine.
"I never been on the cruise," said Arthur.
"None of us have, so I'm sure we'll have a fun time," said Sue Ellen. "This would be the first we'd be taking a trip with the school."
"Yes," said Arthur. "I'm used to go on a family vacation."
"Same," said Francine.
"I wonder we should wait to get permission slips until after school so we don't lose them," said George.
"I think so, too," said Binky.
"It would be cool to do this before we start junior high," said Buster.
"It's hard to believe we'll be graduating," said Arthur.
"I know," said George.
After lunch, they played baseball for recess.
"Depends on the dates, I'm not sure if my parents can go if it's their busy season especially during tax season," said Arthur.
"Oh, yeah. You'll never know if your father would be busy with catering, too," said Francine.
"I think your mom would be all set because the deadline is on the day we leave," said Muffy.
"I'll see what happens," said Arthur.
"They need a vacation sometimes," said George.
"I know, but if they can't, my grandmother or grandfather can go," said Arthur.
"That's true," said Buster.
"Your grandfather would meet you at the airport because it's not far from his house," said Sue Ellen.
"How can he go with his memory problems?" asked Francine.
"Oh, yeah," said Arthur.
"I know my mom would love to attend," said Buster.
"I'm sure any of my parents can come," said Francine.
"Agree," said Binky.
After school, the kids went for the office to gather information.
"Does a parent count for a responsible adult?" asked Buster.
"Yes. It can be any family member, but it needs to be a parent or grandparent or any other relative," said Mr. Haney.
"Oh, cool," said Muffy.
"You guys can sign up while I give you permission slips. All slips are due by April 7th. We'll be from April 12th-20th. All the flight info is on the slip. The pick up time is to be determined and we're all leaving from here to the airport in Pittsburg. We'll be staying over in Port Carnival the night before the cruise," said Mr. Haney.
The kids signed up while gathering the permission slips and put them in their backpacks. The other students from Mr. Potter did the same thing afterwards.
At home, Arthur was trying to do homework at the kitchen table when D.W. kept bothering him. He left there to do homework somewhere to have peace and quiet. He recently had his lock installed, so his parents allow him to lock his door while he's doing homework, especially when it comes to studying or any other projects. He was able to finish it without being disturbed.
Although Arthur and D.W. get along for most part, he hopes in a way that she won't be included on the trip because he wants to enjoy himself. Lately, he's starting to have a crush on Francine, but is waiting for the right time to tell her. He's going to be 12 in May.
Later, at dinner, Arthur was telling his parents about the trip coming up.
"That's a nice idea for them to treat before you guys graduate," said Jane.
"Yeah, that is cool," said Kate.
"I know. All sixth grade students and our teachers will be going. Mr. Haney said that any other adult like a relative is included," said Arthur. "We'll be flying out of Pittsburg."
"I'd go, but I'm booked up with catering," said David.
"No problem," said Arthur.
"I'll check my schedule," said Jane. "I should be all set after the deadline."
"If you can't, can I ask either Grandma Thora?" asked Arthur.
"Sure," said Jane.
"I thought about Grandpa at first, but I forgot about his memory problems," said Arthur.
"It's okay. If your grandmother can't, you can always invite my sister," said Jane.
"Would she have her hands full since he lives with her?" asked Arthur.
"Bill would take over," said Jane.
"That's true. I'll just wait to see what happens before asking them," said Arthur.
"You have a good point," said Jane.
"We got permission slips after school because we didn't want to lose them," said Arthur. "They're not due until April 7th, so we got time for it."
"I wish I could go," said D.W.
"I know, but you heard what your brother just told us: Only an adult can go," said Jane.
"The only way you can go is if the whole family is included," said David.
In the meantime, Buster was telling his mom about the cruise.
"I can take time off from work," said Mrs. Baxter.
All of the other kids gathered information. Francine will have her mom, George's father will be going, Sue Ellen's father is coming, Binky's mom is coming, Muffy's mother will be coming because her father will be busy with work, and so on.
After dinner, Arthur was in his room getting things ready for school. He kept his permission slip in the folder for now. That was when his mother comes by.
"Do you want a milkshake for a dessert?" asked Jane.
"Sure. I'll keep the slip in my folder for the time being so I won't lose it," said Arthur.
"That's fine," said Jane. "I'll let you know tomorrow."
"Okay," said Arthur.
He went down there to have a milkshake. He enjoys it as a treat.
"Do you want chocolate or vanilla milkshake?" asked David.
"I'll take a chocolate milkshake please," said Arthur.
"Okay," said David.
After they finished their milkshakes, Arthur helped clean up while the girls went to get ready for bed.
"I'll get ready in a minute so I can help Dad clean up," said Arthur.
"No worries," said Jane.
His parents let him stay up for a bit longer on school nights now since he's old enough and gets up on time.
D.W. and Kate had already brushed their teeth when Jane comes up and said, "It's almost time for bed. Are you both all set for bed?"
"Yes," said Kate.
"Lights out in five minutes, girls," said Jane.
"Okay," said D.W.
Jane leaves the bedroom closing their door. When Arthur finished helping his father, he came up to get ready for bed. He changed into his pjs and went to brush his teeth before getting into bed. He was reading in bed for a bit until he went to sleep 10 minutes later.