Fabulous Five 030 - Sibling Rivalry Read Free

them coming down The Jaws of Death."
    "What's that?" asked Brittany.
    "It's the toughest slope here," Julie replied.
"Only people who are insane go down it."
    Out of the corner of her eye Beth saw Todd's eyebrows shoot
up, and an instant later he was eagerly approaching the boys. Alicia followed
him, staring at the boys in open-mouthed fascination. Todd ignored her as he
began talking with the skiers.
    Beth was left standing alone. She glanced toward Todd and
Alicia. Their attention was fixed upon the hot-dog skiers, and they had
forgotten she was there. Next she looked in the direction of the teenagers.
Maybe she could hang around with them for a while, at least until she found
someone her own age.
    "Why not?" she whispered. It might be a good
chance to prove to Brittany that she wasn't just a little kid. Actually, this
looked like the perfect opportunity to join in. Beth hurried to the hot
chocolate dispenser and filled a cup, then casually sauntered over to the group
and stood next to Brittany.
    At first it seemed as if her sister didn't notice her. But
then she heard Brittany whisper harshly, "What do you want?"
    Beth was determined to stay cool. "I'm having hot
chocolate. Do you mind?"
    Brittany rolled her eyes toward the ceiling and then turned
back to the group.
    "So what time do the lessons begin in the
morning?" Beth blurted out.
    Brittany gave Beth a look that was absolutely meant to kill.
"Butt out, Beth," she growled. "Go find someone your own age to
play with."
    "Is this your sister?" asked Julie.
    Brittany nodded, but she didn't speak.
    Beth felt a tight ball of anger form inside her chest.
Brittany is hoping that if she ignores me, I'll go away, she thought.
    "Hi," Julie greeted Beth. Molly and Sarah smiled
and chimed in their hellos, too.
    Beth forced a smile. "Hi, I'm Beth." Suddenly she
wanted badly to be one of them. They were obviously having such a good time,
and there wasn't that much difference in their ages. "I'm really
eager to learn to ski," she added hopefully.
    Brittany turned to Julie. "Didn't I hear that there was
tiny tot skiing here at Stony Lookout? Beth could be part of that!"
    Brian laughed. Beth felt her cheeks flush.
    "Come on, Brittany," said Julie. "Don't give
your sister such a hard time. She's the right age for the beginners' lessons.
Anybody over six can take them."
    Brittany threw back her head and laughed uproariously, as if
Julie's comment were the funniest thing she'd ever heard. Then Brittany snapped
her fingers. "Oh, well, Beth. It's too bad, but you're just over the age
limit for tiny tots."
    Beth's blood was boiling, but she forced herself to keep her
mouth shut. She didn't dare let her temper get out of control and make a fool
out of her.
    "You sure have a big family," Molly remarked.
    "We sure do," Brittany agreed with a definite lack
of enthusiasm.
    "There are five kids in the family," said Beth.
    Brittany made a face. "I'm sure Molly can count,
Beth."
    The girls laughed, and Julie looked at Molly. "Is this
what's known as sibling rivalry?" When Molly laughed and nodded, Julie
added, "I'm an only child, so I wouldn't know."
    An only child! Beth thought. How lucky can you
get!
    "How lucky can you get!" Brittany said, echoing
Beth's thoughts. "I can't imagine what it would be like not to have little
kids under foot all the time."
    Everyone looked at Beth and laughed again.
    Beth smiled back through clenched teeth. Keep your chin up,
she told herself. Show them you're as mature as they are.
    Luckily her parents entered the great room just then and
approached them.
    "Hi," Mrs. Barry said, glancing at the three girls
sitting with Brittany, Brian, and Beth.
    "Hi, Mom and Dad," replied Brittany. She
introduced the girls to her parents.
    "It's nice to meet you," said Mrs. Barry, and Mr.
Barry smiled and nodded. "But it's time for dinner so we'll have to pull
Brian, Brittany, and Beth away for a while."
    "Great. I'm famished," said Brittany. "Brian
and I will see you guys