HRE: Continuous Chapters by RCL Benziger

ONLI NEWEEKLYSERI ALSTORY

Table of Contents Chapter 1: The Story Begins ..................................... 2 Chapter 2: The Best Way to Serve .......................... 7 Chapter 3: All Plans on Hold ................................. 12 Chapter 4: A Hard Decision ................................... 16

[Note: If you are reading this in your classroom, you may decide to vote as a class and have your catechist or teacher submit your vote each week. If you read the story at home, you can submit your own vote from a home computer. You can only vote once from the same computer.]

Chapter 1: The Story Begins “This has been a great Christmas vacation!” exclaimed Jake. “Our hockey team won our tournament, Keiko was on TV, and Manuel had a great trip to Mexico.” “And,” added Keiko, “I learned to ride my new bike! I know everybody else learned when they were five or something, but I never had a bicycle before, so this was the highlight of my vacation.” Character 1: Jake “I should think that winning a national music competition and being on American Morning on the same day that Justin Bieber was a guest would be the highlight of anyone’s vacation, Keiko,” laughed Ellie. “Yes, that was very nice also, “ said Keiko, shyly. Character 2: Keiko

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“Yeah, that was great, Keiko,” said Jake, “even if the violin is not my favorite instrument—to say the least! But let’s get down to business here. Back in September, we started this club. We’ve been meeting twice a week, once during the week, and once on the weekend, and we’ve finished a big project.” “Yes, collecting five truckloads of toys for homeless children for Christmas was an accomplishment to be sure. The goals of our club are adventure, exploration, and discipleship. By the time we finished the project, we had done all three!” said Manuel.

Character 3: Manuel

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“I’d like to bring up an old agenda item,” began Ellie. “Back in September when we started the club, I asked if kids outside our neighborhood could belong if we voted them in. You know, like kids from the apartment buildings a few blocks over. A lot of them are friends with Keiko and me.” “I still don’t think so,” said Jake, who had been voted the group leader. “This is a neighborhood club. We all have other friends, but the four of us are best friends. We’ve known each other since we were in preschool. Our moms and dads all know each other. You know, it’s different.” “Well, could we invite them to be part of our projects Character 4: Ellie sometimes—now and then?” asked Manuel. “Yes, I think that would be nice,” said Keiko. “I do too,” added Ellie. “My friend Carly has lots of talents—she could help us out with lots of things.”

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“I’ve thought that over since then,” said Jake. “I still think it should be our own club, but we could invite others for special projects.” After some discussion, all agree. “There’s one more thing,” said Jake. This time his voice was not as confident. “It’s about my little brother, Benjie.” “What about him?“ asked Manuel, sounding concerned. “He’s not sick, is he?” “Benjie? No, he’s not sick. My mom says he is the healthiest one in the family, with more energy than the rest of us combined!” said Jake. “No, the problem is this. He needs to come to our meetings on the weekdays.

I’m supposed to watch him after school this semester. He doesn’t want to go to after school care anymore, and Mom said if I would watch him, he could come home after school. I’m not supposed to let him out of my sight.” Character 5: Benjie

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“Oh great!” said Ellie, without enthusiasm. “A super-‐active little kid who’s not even in double digits yet! This will really hold us back. What if we wanted to go out of our neighborhood on one of our projects or adventures? We’re all allowed to go farther from home—like down to Murphy Park—as long as we stick together and take our cell phones. But I’ll bet Benjie can’t do that yet-‐-‐even with you.” “No, you’re right. He can’t. Even with me,” said Jake, dejectedly. “She says there are too many people there and I could lose him.” “Why doesn’t he just stay at day care,” said Manuel, hopefully. “Lots of kids his age still go. Won’t his friends still be there?” “I think it has something to do with money,” responded Jake. “My parents are trying to save more so we can take a trip next summer.” “Why don’t we have a secret vote and let the majority rule,” suggested Keiko. “That’s the only way to come to a decision.” The group agreed, and Manuel ran into his house to get some paper and pencils. __________ TIME TO VOTE

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Chapter 2: The Best Way to Serve The Highland Ridge Explorers were seated in the TV room at Keiko’s house. It was raining hard outside, and they were having their Wednesday meeting there. Keiko’s mother came into the room with some crackers and cheese sticks. “Would anyone like some lemonade to go with these?” she asked. “Yes!” everyone answered together. Can we help you carry it, Mrs. Yamamoto,” asked Ellie. “Oh, that’s o.k.,” Keiko’s mother responded. “Benjie, why don’t you come out to the kitchen and help me. I have cartons, so I’m sure you can handle it.” “Okay,” said Benjie, jumping up. The group had only been in the room for five minutes and he was already fidgety. When the juice was passed out and everyone had had some of the snacks, Jake called the meeting to order. “The first thing I’d like to do is thank everyone for not kicking me out of the club, and for letting Benjie come. I told him he had better behave!”

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“Oh he’ll be fine,” Ellie said. “I think when we thought it over we realized that losing you in the club would be worse than having Benjie here.” Benjie was just turning the corner from the kitchen, and retorted, “I heard that. I don’t know why it’s so hard for you. It’s harder for me! None of my friends are here and I have to sit through this boring meeting.” “I warned you, Benjie.” Jake shot him a look. At this, Mrs. Yamamoto entered the room smiling. “Benjie, I wonder if you would mind coming to the kitchen and helping me with something. I’m baking a cake for the parish bake sale, and I need help with the frosting.” Benjie flew to attention. “Sure, Mrs. Yamamoto,” he exclaimed. “Can I lick the bowl when you’re finished?” Keiko’s Mom laughed her little tinkling laugh. “I think that might be possible, Benjie, after you help me ice the cake. Now come along.”

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“Whew!” said Jake, after they went to the kitchen. “Your mom is really a lifesaver, Keiko. Now let’s get to work. We need to come up with our next project today.” Ellie raised her hand to speak. “I thought of three possibilities,” she said. “First, ” she began, “we could raise money to buy books at our neighborhood library. Our teacher said she read in the newspaper that they don’t have money for any new books this year.” “Second,” she continued, but Jake interrupted her. “Whoa! One at a time, Ellie. Someone else might have an idea. How about you, Manuel. Have you thought of anything?” Manuel thought for a minute. “Well, as you know, my mom teaches in the Special Needs class, “ he said. “They’re going to have a Talent Fair. They’re doing art projects, putting on a concert, and also doing a skit of some kind, I think. She wants to get a crowd to come, but other than the school newsletter, she needs help. All of her time goes to helping them get ready. She wants a really big turnout for the nighttime performance.” “Okay“ said Jake. “That’s a good idea too. Anyone else?”

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“Well, I had some other ideas,” said Ellie. “Unless you or Keiko want to suggest something,” she added. “How about it, Keiko. Any ideas?” asked Jake. “Well,“ she began shyly. “We could put on a Talent and Craft Fair with our sister school. Some of us are pen pals with the students there and I always wish we could see them face to face and get to know them better.” “But they are so far away—it’s over 40 miles from here,” said Jake. “It’s on the other side of downtown. Where would the Fair be?” “We could have one day here and one over there,“ said Manuel. “It could be fun. We would get to know more about them. The kids there come from a lot of different countries.” “But how would we get there? There would need to be rehearsals and joint projects, wouldn’t there? Otherwise what would be the point?” interrupted Jake. “And remember,” added Ellie. “It’s only your sister school, not ours. Manuel and I go to public school.”

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“These are very good points,” said Keiko. “It probably isn’t a very good idea.” Ellie turned to her. “We didn’t say that, Keiko. We’re just saying there are a lot of things we would have to figure out.” “Well, “ said Jake, standing up. “The way I see it, we have three ideas on the table, all good ones. Let’s take a vote and see which one we like the best. Can we just do a show of hands on this one, or do we need a secret vote again?” “A show of hands!” they all answered at once. “Okay,” agreed Jake. “And remember, we shouldn’t just vote for what would be the most fun. We should always choose what will do the most good. Is everyone ready to vote?” __________ TIME TO VOTE

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Chapter 3: All Plans on Hold Jake grinned at the group. “Well, that was easy,” he said. “We have a unanimous decision. The Highland Ridge Explorers will be organizing a Talent and Craft Fair with our sister school. This should be fun.” “Just remember, though,” said Ellie, always the practical one. “We don’t have permission yet. In fact, your teacher doesn’t even know about it yet. What if she doesn’t like the idea? She’s the one who will have to ask the principal.” Keiko chimed in. “What if the principal at the other school doesn’t like the idea, or they have too much else going on?” Jake looked exasperated. “It’s funny that no one brought up any of these objections before we voted!”

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Manuel placed a hand on Jake’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, Jake. If this idea doesn’t work out, we’ll just choose another one.” “That’s right, “ said Keiko. I’m sure our or third choices would be fun too. Our first choice just seemed like something we could really have fun with.” “OK,” Jake responded. “Let’s take first things first. Keiko and I will talk to Miss Boynton tomorrow at school. That’s the first step.” Ellie jumped up. “I’ve got to get home. Let me know what happens. Thanks for the snacks, Mrs. Yamamoto,” she called out, and bounded out the door. Soon all were headed for home and an evening of dinner and homework. The next day started off well. Mrs. Boynton agreed to meet with the Jake and Keiko after school. But all their plans were about to be interrupted. After lunch, she came into their classroom, put down her a stack of papers, folded her arms, and looked sternly at the class. “Boys and girls, we have a serious problem,” she said. “Does anyone know what it might be?”

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All in the class shook their heads. Jake stood up. “What seems to be the problem?” “The problem is that we have had an instance of cheating on the spelling test. Would anyone care to do the right thing and own up to this?” A few in the class fidgeted, but no one spoke. “Well, then,” said Miss Boynton, “Here is what we will have to do. All school-‐sponsored activities will be suspended until the guilty party comes to me and admits his or her error of judgment. Does everyone understand?” “But, Mrs. Boynton,” said one of the boys. “That’s not fair. Only one person cheated, and yet we are all going to be punished? Why?” “Because,” said Mrs. Boynton, “we agreed at the start of the year when we made our class rules that we would all be accountable for one another. When one member of our group falls short, the whole class is weakened. And may I remind you, if someone has information about this, you do neither the guilty party nor your classmates any good by remaining silent.” “But Mrs. Boynton,” another student began, “our planning committee for the Valentine’s Day party meets today.”

“And you promised to meet with Jake and me after school today,” added Keiko. “Both of these things will have to wait,” their teacher answered. “We have a much bigger issue right now.” Everyone groaned, and then fell silent. After school, Keiko found Jake leaning against the tree in front of the school. “What are we going to tell the others, Jake?” “I don’t know,” Jake sighed. “The worst thing, Keiko, is that I think I know who did it.” “You what?” exclaimed Keiko. “Jake, you have to tell Mrs. Boynton!” “No way,” said Jake. “I’m not a snitch.” “But Jake,” reasoned Keiko. “If you turn the guilty person in, only one person gets hurt. But if you keep quiet, everyone suffers. Think about it!” Keiko walked off, and soon Jake headed for home too, deep in thought. __________

Chapter 4: A Hard Decision Jake walked home from school with Benjie. He hardly seemed to notice his younger brother. When they got home, he tossed his backpack in the hall. “Do your homework, Benjie,” said Jake, without much enthusiasm. “Then you can watch T.V. in the kitchen. Mom will be home at 5:30.” “What are you going to do? “ asked Benjie. “Don’t you have homework too?” “I have to go next door to see Jeremy about something.” “You aren’t supposed to leave me alone,” Benjie reminded him. “Benjie, It’s just for a minute,” said Jake with exasperation. “You can take care of yourself for a little while.” Benjie sighed and headed off to the kitchen. Jake knocked on Jeremy’s door. His friend answered quickly. “Hey, Jake, come see my new

video game. I’ d like to have someone to play against.” Jake shook his head. “I’m watching Benjie, but I need to talk with you about something. “Sure,” said Jeremy. He shut the door and sat down on the front steps. “What do you want?” “Well,” said Jake, uneasily. “It’s about what happened at school today.” He stopped, unsure of how to proceed. “What do you mean?” said Jeremy. “You know, about Mrs. Boynton and the spelling test. I mean, you and I both know that you were the one who cheated.” “No way!” exclaimed Jeremy. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” “Yes, you do. I looked over and you were looking at your hand and copying a word. You saw me looking at you and gave me a warning sign.” “Listen, my friend,” said Jeremy. “Look at my hand. Do you see any words on it? If you accuse me, it will be my word against yours, and there’s no proof.

Besides, my dad would ground me practically forever if I cheated.” “Then you did cheat!” said Jake. “I never said that! Let’s just stop talking about this. End of conversation!” And with that, Jeremy went back in the house and slammed the door. Jake went back to his own house. He went into the kitchen and sat down at the table. He could hear the T.V. in the family room. Soon he heard his mother’s car in the driveway. She opened the back door and came in, carrying a bag of groceries. “There’s one more bag, Jake. Could you get it for me?” When Jake returned with the second bag, his mother was holding a half-‐finished math paper in her hand. “What’s this, Jake?” she said. “Why is Benjie watching T.V.? He hasn’t finished this yet. Benjie!” she called out to her son. Benjie shuffled into the kitchen.“Benjie, turn off the T.V. and sit down and finish this homework now. You know the rule.” Benjie did as he was told, but went out muttering. “It’s not my fault. Jake left me alone.”

“You what?” said his mother, turning to Jake. “Where have you been?” “I just went next door to see Jeremy for a minute. I was back in five minutes.” “Jake, you know the rules,” she said. “I have to be able to trust you, Jake.” “Sorry,” said Jake, absent-‐mindedly. “Mom, can I talk to you about something.” His mother stopped and looked at him with concern. “Sure, Jake. Let’s sit down here. She noticed that Benjie was back, heading for the cookie jar. “Benjie, take this paper upstairs and don’t come down until you are finished.” “But, Mom,” began Benjie. “Go now!” As Benjie left, she sat down at the table and turned to Jake. “O.K., Jake,” she said in a softer voice. “What’s bothering you?” Jake explained the situation with Jeremy and the spelling test. “I just don’t know what to do. I tried to talk to him, but he denies it. He said it would be

my word against his. If we don’t get this straightened out, we have to call off all our activities, including our talent and craft fair. But I don’t want to tell on a friend.” “Loyalty is indeed one of the signs of a true disciple. I admire that in you. But what will happen if you are silent?” “Everyone will suffer,” said Jake. “But I’ll feel like a real jerk if I tell. I wish I hadn’t seen what I saw!” “But you did, Jake. And what will happen if Jeremy gets away with cheating? You really do have a big decision to make. Pray about it tonight. Then let’s talk in the morning and you can tell me what you intend to do.” __________

TIME TO VOTE