Chapter 1 NO FAIR! Henry loved Saturday lunches. On Saturdays he got to have dinosaur chicken nuggets and applesauce. Henry glanced at the kitchen calendar. Today's date had a big red heart on it. That's weird, he thought. It's not even Valentine's Day! "Why is there a heart drawn on today's date?" Henry asked his mom and dad, who were also eating their lunch at the kitchen table. His parents looked at each other. Then they kissed. Henry covered his eyes. GROSS! he thought. "Today is our anniversary!" said Dad. Henry peeked between his fingers. "What's that ?" "An anniversary remembers a special event from the past," said Mom. "We got married on this day many years ago." "Tonight we're going to a fancy restaurant called Jacky's to celebrate," Dad said. "We got a wonderful babysitter to stay with you while we're away." Henry's mouth dropped open. "A BABYsitter? But I'm not a baby!" Dad cleared his throat. "Then we'll call him a HENRYsitter," he replied. "Doesn't Heidi need a sitter too?" Henry asked. "Nope! I'm sleeping over at Lucy's tonight!" Heidi entered the kitchen, carrying a duffel bag. She held a fluffy pillow under her arm. "May I PUH-LEASE spend the night at Dudley's?" Henry asked. Dad shook his head. "We already talked to Dudley's parents, but Dudley is visiting his grandparents tonight." Henry didn't give up. "What about Max?" he asked. "Max has a little cold," Mom replied, resting a hand on Henry's shoulder. Henry turned to Heidi in a last attempt to be saved. Heidi shrugged. "Sorry, bud, but Lucy and I plan to stay up ALL night talking. About things you're not allowed to hear." Henry folded his arms tightly against his chest. "NO FAIR! Everyone's going to have fun tonight except ME." Excerpted from Henry Heckelbeck Does Not Need a Sitter by Wanda Coven All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
