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know, because he’s not as good a swimmer as I am. I told her that you probably couldn’t afford it, but that I’d ask you anyways.”
    I twisted the details of my story as though I was tying a back hitch knot. I knew Mom was proud and didn’t like others to think she couldn’t afford to give me all the same advantages in life that kids with two parents got. So in a way I was doing her a favour.
    â€œI wish you wouldn’t tell people that I can’t afford things. It gives a wrong impression.” Then she gazed up to the ceiling like she was calculating something in her mind. After a few minutes of silence she looked at me. “How important is this to you, Peggy? It has to be something you want to do for yourself and not just because TB is taking scuba lessons.” I jumped up and down on the sofa excitedly and held out my arms wide.
    â€œI really want to learn to scuba dive, Mom.” Then I settled myself back down on the sofa and put on my pious face again. “But not if we can’t afford it.” Nailed it.
    â€œWell, I have been saving some money for a new computer, but I guess I can get along with the old one for a while longer. I don’t mind as long as you’re sure this is something you’d really benefit from.” I leapt off the sofa.
    â€œIt will be the best thing in the world,” I blurted. “Thanks, Mom.”
    â€œJust don’t forget that you promised you’d do things with your great aunt.”
    â€œYou bet — even if it kills me.”
    The next morning I told TB all about my plan and the little lie I’d told. “So what about it, why don’t you see if you can take diving lessons too?” He stared at me for a few moments with a blank look and then his face suddenly lit up.
    â€œThat’s a brilliant idea. I always imagined myself a Jacques Cousteau kind of guy.”
    â€œYou know about him?”
    â€œWhat, Cousteau? Well, duh. He’s only like the father of scuba diving and underwater exploration.”
    â€œYup, good old Jack.”
    â€œJacques, you mean.”
    â€œRight. So anyway, are you sure your mom will let you?”
    â€œPeggy, one of the few benefits of having divorced parents is when one says no, you can almost always count on the other saying yes.”
    â€œGreat. I’m going to sign up after school at the Reef Dive Shop.”
    â€œI thought you were doing something with your Great Aunt Beatrix today.” Shoot, I’d forgotten about that.
    â€œHey, TB. Help me out here. Phone my house and tell my aunt that you need me to come over so we can get started on that important school project that’s due next Friday.”
    â€œWhat important school project?” he said with panic in his eyes.
    â€œThere is no project dough-head. I just want you to say that so when I walk in the house and Aunt Beatrix gives me your message she won’t think anything when I tell her I can’t spend time with her today.”
    â€œSorry, Peggy. I don’t like lying — especially to adults. From my experience I always get caught or end up making matters worse. You’ll have to get out of this one on your own.” If he hadn’t been my best friend I’d have given him a raspberry somewhere embarrassing.
    When I got home, there she was — Queen Bee-atrix — in her hat and waiting to go out. “Peggy, you’re slouching, stand up straight, dear.” I did everything to keep myself from groaning out loud. “So, where shall we wander today, dear? Mr. Grimbal suggested we take a stroll through Heron Park and have a look at the stone carvings — petroglyphs, I think he called them. It sounds delightfully primitive.” I sighed dramatically. “What? Doesn’t that sound like a good plan to you?”
    â€œOh, it’s not that, Aunt Beatrix. I definitely want to go see the petroglyphs with you. I’m just trying to figure