As the sound of a departing vehicle recedes into the distance, six vinyl hands shoot up and connect in the air.

"Par-tay!" says Madalene, grinning from ear-to-ear.

"Yeah!" says Kate, giggling. "Let's go hide all Reallady's writing pens, eye glasses, and remote controls!"

"I'll get cookies!" says Cookie.

"And I'll put on the music," says the poised Emma.

"AAACKKKK!" Beatriz exclaims. "Beethoven does not qualify as 'party' music!"

"It would be perfect for a tea party," Emma argues.

"No one said anything about a 'tea' party," Ariel says, her mouth in a straight line.

"Well, I think a tea party would be very nice," the ultra-refined Kelsey says.

"I do agree," the equally elegant Audrey adds. "Wilma?"

"Indeed," says the Russian beauty.

"I would love a cup of tea," says Lydia.

"Jasmine," Pearl says.

"Perfect," chimes Micale. Kim and Tamsen nod in agreement.

"Yes, let's have tea," says Berkeley.

"Well, all of you are dressed for the occasion," Mallory pouts, tugging the straps of her overalls.

"Then have ICED tea!" chirps the pug-nosed Danielle.

"Iced tea!" groans Michelle disdainfully.

"One lump, or two?" Tasha teases, bonking Michelle on the head with a pillow. Soon tea, cookies, and Beethoven are abandoned for an all- out feather war, Twinn vs. Twinn.

"Oh, no!" Caitlin gasps as the sound of an approaching vehicle penetrates the melee.

"We'll never get these up in time!" whines Beth.

With her cheshire-cat grin, Helen says, "Leave it to me. Nora, Bernetta, give me a hand. The rest of you get back in your places." Twinns scatter, and the cleanup crew goes into action, setting the stage. They only barely make it back to their places before the front door opens.

"Oh, my word!" exclaims Reallady. "Feathers, everywhere!" She gasps, and yanks a much-deflated pillow from beneath a sleeping dog's chin.

"BAD DOG!!!"