05-CHEESE-FLAVORED CHOCOLATES

CHEESE-FLAVORED CHOCOLATES I spent the whole evening waiting for the phone to ring. I was hoping the countess would call to thank me for the flowers. But the only thing that rang was my toaster oven's timer. I was so surprised. Why didn't she call me? Every now and then, I LIFTED THE RECEIVER to make sure the phone was working. The next day, I raced to the candy store to buy some Cheesy Chews. Have you ever had a Cheesy Chew? They're the best CHEESE-FLAVORED CHOCOLATES in all

of New Mouse City. I decided on a ten- pound super-deluxe box. As I was paying, my cousin Trap strode into the store. Yes, he is a mouse, too. But you could never call him quiet. In fact, he is one of the LOUDEST rodents I know. It's amazing we're related. Now he stuck a paw in my new box of chocolates. "Who are these for?" he said, swallowing a Swiss caramel chocolate IN ONE GULP. "No!" I yelled. "They're not for you!" But it was too late. He had already scarfed down half the box. Tears sprang to my eyes. My precious gift was ruined. I couldn't send the countess a half-eaten box of chocolates. Even if they were expensive Cheesy Chews. "HOW COULD YOU?" I scolded Trap. "That was a present!"

My cousin barely blinked. "No problemo, Cousinkins," he squeaked. "It's my BIRTHDAY next month. I'll just pretend this is a little gift from you to me." I sighed. "Would you please give me another sealed box?" I asked the salesmouse. Trap shook my paw. "Thanks, Gerry Berry!" he giggled, TOSSING MORE CHOCOLATES INTO HIS MOUTHFUL. "By the way, Thea tells me you've got a new sweetheart. Want some advice?" I rolled my eyes. The last mouse I'd take advice from is my cousin. "Listen tome, Cousinkins," Trap advised. "Lady mice like a challenge. You've got to play it cool. Don't let her know you're interested."