“Watch out for those Double Mint twins.” Fred’s face assumed a stern expression. “Don’t let their perky cuteness fool you. They’re trouble…with a capital T.”

“Aw, c’mon. How bad could they be? They’re just girls.” Paulie popped a perfect gum bubble.

“That’s why they’re trouble. Girls aren’t like us. They spin the truth. Twist the facts. Wrap boys around their fingers. But that won’t happen to us, right?”

Paulie nodded obediently. Fred didn’t need to know about his afternoon plans.

Fred slapped his buddy’s back.  “Good man.”

The recess bell punctuated Fred’s words. The fifth graders shuffled back to class.

Click here to read the story behind "Boy Trouble."