1 Lone Star State

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1 LONE STAR STATE Jack and Annie sat on their front porch. They were waiting for their mom to take them to baseball practice. Tap, tap, tap. Raindrops spattered on the porch steps. A strong breeze shook the tree leaves. "Uh-oh," said Annie. "Do you think a storm is coming?" "I can't tell," said Jack, looking up at the clouds. "Sorry, kids," their mom called from inside. "Coach Dave just emailed—no practice today." "Darn," said Jack. "That's okay," said Annie. "Now we can

go to the woods." "The woods?" said Jack. "Why?" "I woke up with a feeling," Annie said in a hushed voice. "Something really important is going to happen today. I thought it was baseball practice, like maybe I'd hit a home run or something. But now…" She smiled at Jack. "Really? You think…?" he said. "Yes! Hold on! I'll get our stuff." Annie hurried inside. A moment later, she returned with two small umbrellas and Jack's backpack. She handed over the pack and one of the umbrellas. "Mom says as long as there's no thunder and lightning, we can take a walk." "Great," said Jack. He pulled on his pack. "To the woods!" "To the tree house!" said Annie. Jack and Annie opened their umbrellas and headed out into the rain. They ran down the sidewalk, across the street, and

into the misty Frog Creek woods. Raindrops fell softly as they hurried between the trees. The air smelled of wet leaves and damp earth. Finally, Jack and Annie came to the tallest oak in the woods. "Yay," Jack whispered. Annie laughed. "Glad it rained today?" "Totally," said Jack. He and Annie folded their umbrellas and climbed up the rope ladder. The magic tree house was dry and shadowy inside. A book was lying on the floor. A purple leather bookmark was sticking out from between the pages. Lying on top of the book was a necklace. It had a thin gold chain and a glass star. The star was no bigger than a penny. It gave off a soft yellow glow. "Wow, a little star!" said Annie, picking up the necklace. "I wonder what it's for."