Jeff Robie

North and South, Book II

North and South, Book II

After two weeks of hiking in the mountains, Charles and Buddy return to the city. Happy to be back home, Charles walks into the house and is surprised to find several people he does not know. First there is 13 year-old Sarah, who seems very much at home reading on the sofa. In his room, Charles finds 12 year-old Adam, who has also moved in. Charles is beginning to question his sanity when he runs into Jill Pembroke, who is finishing packing and is anxious to explain. Mr. Pembroke has been offered a job in Seattle, and after considering, the entire family has decided to move. They have sublet the house to the Powells, who need Charles' help with their children in the same way they did.

Sid from Sid's Pizza Parlor, Buddy and Charles' favorite meeting place, receives a letter from Harrison Bartlett, Chairman of the College Board of Trustees, that his property has been selected as one of two possible sites for the faculty parking lot. Buddy and Charles throw a party and invite Mr. Bartlett to prove Sid's popularity. Mr. Bartlett informs them that Sid's Pizza Parlor was chosen to be torn down by a vote taken in a special session. Charles is upset that his 'home away from home' is facing extinction.

American Teen magazine is having a contest to pick the girl that best represents American teenagers. When Jamie, who wants to become a model, cannot write the essay necessary, Sarah tape records a speech for Jamie. Then she confides that she feels being a teenager is seven years of insecurity, doubt, and embarrassment. When the new issue of the magazine comes out, Jamie shows the family that Sarah is one of the ten finalists. Sarah is angry and blames Charles for sending in her essay.