4 What If

CHAPTER FOUR What If? Sedimentation (noun). This is the process of separating heavier matter from a solution in, say, a flask or beaker. But it works outside beakers too! Like how sand can be carried by a river and then deposited on its banks to make a perfect little beach. So every time you see a beach, you can thank sedimentation! "THE AQUARIUM MIGHT BE the best field trip ever," I said to my friends during lunch at our usual table. It was the day after we had found out that we were going to Chicago. The cafeteria was noisy because it was Friday, when everyone got rowdy. Kids were chatting and laughing. "When it comes to field trips, we've paid our dues," said Avery as she crunched into an apple. "What is that supposed to mean?" asked Phoenix. Since she was her best friend, she didn't mean to directly challenge her—it was more like she was asking for clarification.

"We're in fifth grade," replied Avery, sounding wary and like her typical dramatic self. "So we've earned the right to go someplace marvelous." "Yeah, not like that sewage treatment plant in fourth grade," said Memito, who took the last chomp of a celery stick dipped in hummus. "Remember that place?" He mock shivered. "If the aquarium is going to be stinky, at least it will have cool fish swimming around in it." "Hey, I liked that water treatment place," I said. "And there were organisms there. They were just microscopic. Plus, all of those giant sedimentation tanks were so cool! Remember how gravity pulled particles to the bottom?" "Ah, not really." Memito plugged his nose. "But I sure remember the stinky part." "Well, I, for one, am certainly glad my dad is coming on the aquarium field trip," said Avery. "He adores taking photos. And there will be a lot more to see than sludge." Avery's dad was the first parent to sign up as a chaperone for the field trip. She had told us the good news this morning, and Mrs. Eberlin had looked super pleased. Her dad, who designs the posters for the local theater that he helps run, is like a semi-professional photographer. He always takes incredible shots whenever he goes on field trips.

"That's awesome your dad will take photos," said Birdie. "Maybe I can use them to make some paintings of the jellies!" "Whoa, you're talking about the trip like it's a done deal," said Memito. "But it's not. Let's be real." "Yeah," said Phoenix. "Mrs. Eberlin said we need at least four chaperones. So far, nobody else's parents have said they're going." "Yet," said Elijah. "But if nobody else steps up to the plate, we're doomed." Memito sighed heavily. "My parents are busy," said Birdie. Everyone else said pretty much the same thing. Except for Elijah. "I still need to ask," he admitted, sounding hopeful. "How about you, Kate?" "Me?" I almost swallowed my carrot stick whole. "Yesterday, I had indoor soccer late, so I didn't get a chance to ask either." I was shocked that he even asked. And everyone knew exactly why.