Stacey McGill is moving back to New York!

"You're moving in a month? I just can't...I don't know." Claudia's eyes filled with tears.

That was all it took to start me crying again. "I don't want to leave here," I wailed. "I like it here. I'm happy. There aren't any green lawns in New York.... You aren't in New York."

Claudia had bent over and was crying into her lap. She looked worse than I felt. "Hey, Claud," I said. "It's going to be okay. We can still visit each other."

"It's not the same. It isn't the same at all."

How come I was the one who was moving and Claudia was the one who looked hysterical? I reached over and toucher her shoulder. "Calm down. Think about me. I'm the one who has to pack up her room, talk to her teachers... quit the Baby-sitters Club."

Claudia's sobbing grew louder.

"Shh," I said. "Your parents are going to think we're fighting or something. Claud, is anything else wrong? I mean, besides the fact that I'm moving?"

Claudia finally raised her head. She brushed her long hair out of her eyes, and I caught sight of her earrings, which were dangly little teddy bears. "Isn't that enough?" she replied. "Stace, I don't know if I ever told you this, but..." Her voice trailed away, and I could tell she was working up to some big confession, maybe still deciding if she really wanted to tell me whatever it was.

"Yes?" I prompted her. I'd stopped crying myself, because I was so wrapped up in Claudia. And I was really hoping she'd go ahead with what she had to say. If she stopped now, it would drive me crazy. It would be like when a little kid dances around, singing, "I know a secret!" and won't tell you what it is.

Claudia cleared her throat. "You," she told me seriously, "are the only best friend I've ever had. What am I going to do without you?"

Good-bye Stacey, Good-bye
Published by Scholastic Inc. 1996
ISBN: 0590433865