Double Dip Read online

  Contents

  CHAPTER 1: Master of Mint

  CHAPTER 2: Sweet News

  CHAPTER 3: Up, Up, and Away

  CHAPTER 4: Sailing over the Sea

  CHAPTER 5: Sweet Home

  CHAPTER 6: A Minty Mess

  CHAPTER 7: Double Mint Mistake

  CHAPTER 8: A Sweeter Way

  CHAPTER 9: Green as Mint

  CHAPTER 10: Double Sweet

  ‘Jelly Bean Jumble’ Excerpt

  About Helen Perelman

  For Rachel, who discovered the healing power of mint ice cream sandwiches!

  The sweet smell of peppermint made Dash’s silver wings flutter. The small Mint Fairy was tending to her candies in Peppermint Grove. The weather was turning a little cooler, and there were many mint candies sprouting on the vines. This was perfect mint-chip weather! Dash picked a tiny mint pod from a stem in front of her. Carefully, she opened up the green pod, plucked the tiny mint chips out, and popped them into her mouth. “Mmm,” she said. “Just right!”

  “How are the new chips?” asked Minny. The young Mint Fairy flew over to Dash. “I’ve been waiting for those to ripen. How do they taste?”

  “Perfect,” Dash reported happily. She handed a pod to Minny. “Let me know what you think.”

  Minny put a handful of chips in her mouth and quickly agreed. “Yum, these are good,” she said. “Dash, you are the master of mint!”

  Dash blushed. She was excited about the mini mint chips. She thought they’d be perfect toppings for chocolates or even for ice cream. Just thinking about the yummy treats made her stomach rumble.

  “Maybe we should take a break for lunch,” Dash suggested. She rubbed her belly. “I’m starving.”

  Minny laughed. “Dash, you are always hungry!”

  Dash couldn’t argue. “I might be small, but I do have a huge appetite!” she said, laughing.

  There wasn’t a candy in Sugar Valley that Dash didn’t love . . . although some she liked more than others!

  The two Mint Fairies settled down under the shade of a few large peppermint leaves. Dash was thankful for the rest—and the delicious fruit nectar that she had brought for lunch.

  “Oh, look, Dash!” Minny exclaimed. “There’s a sugar fly note for you.” She pointed to the fly circling over Dash’s head.

  Sugar flies brought messages to fairies throughout Sugar Valley. The flies could spread information—or gossip—to fairies far and wide. Dash quickly opened the note and then flew straight up in the air.

  “Holy peppermint!” she cried. She zoomed around and then did a somersault.

  “What did that note say?” Minny asked. She leaped up in excitement. “Must be extra-sweet news.”

  Dash flew back down to the ground. “I just got the best invitation,” she told her friend. “You will not believe this. I can’t believe this!” She shot up in the air again.

  “What?” Minny begged. “Come down and tell me!”

  “This is so mint!” Dash gushed. “Wait till all my friends hear about this!” She scribbled off a note and handed it back to the sugar fly. “Please take this back to Meringue Island as fast as possible,” Dash instructed. “My answer is YES!”

  Minny’s eyes grew wide. “Meringue Island?” she said. “Why, that’s all the way in the Vanilla Sea!”

  “Yes,” Dash said. “And right near Mt. Ice Cream.”

  Clapping her hands, Minny cheered. “I know—were you invited to race in Double Dip?” she shouted.

  “Sure as sugar!” Dash said, flipping in the air again.

  “Dash, that is minty cool!” Minny exclaimed. “I’ve only read about that race. And now you are going to be in it!”

  “I can’t believe it,” Dash repeated, landing back down on the ground.

  Minny sighed. “I’ve never been all the way to Meringue Island,” she said wistfully. “I’ve heard that the Cone Harbor Festival weekend is supersweet. They have all these amazing flavors of ice cream and candy toppings for fairies to taste, and lots of carnival rides and parties.” She blushed when Dash raised her eyebrows. “I read all about the festival in the Daily Scoop,” she confessed.

  Dash smiled. “I know. I’ve read those articles too! The festival seems totally mint,” she said. “And I’ve heard the Double Dip course is one of the most challenging sled races. The race is the last day of the festival.”

  “Does that mean you’ll have to race against Menta and Peppa?” Minny asked. “They’ve been the champions for the past two years.”

  “So you know about those Mint Fairies?” Dash said, raising her eyebrows. “They make mint ice cream and live on Meringue Island. They definitely have an advantage because they’ve run the course so many times. But this year the race is going to be different.”

  “Why?” Minny asked, taking a sip of her drink.

  “Because this year I’m in the race!” Dash boasted proudly. “I’ve never been to Mt. Ice Cream. But now that I’ve been invited to go, I can’t wait! It’s not every day that a fairy gets invited to race in Double Dip!” Dash’s mind started to flood with ideas. “I can’t wait to start working on a new sled. I’ll need a double sled for this race,” she explained. “And I know just the partner to pick to ride with me.”

  “Who?” Minny asked. She leaned in closer to Dash.

  “The perfect fairy for the job,” she said. “She’s fearless, and she knows chocolate inside and out.”

  “Oh, I’ve read there is that chocolate-coated part of the course,” Minny said. She tapped her finger on her head. “I’ve heard that is the part where lots of fairies fall off their sleds.”

  “Exactly!” Dash exclaimed. “So with my secret chocolate partner, I’ll have the winning edge.”

  “And a good friend to race with,” Minny said, giggling. “I know you are talking about your friend Cocoa. She’ll be fantastic.”

  Taking a bite of a mint, Dash nodded in agreement. “I hope that she agrees. We’d make a sugar-tastic team.”

  Dash called over another sugar fly. “I wonder if Carobee the dragon would take my friends and me to Meringue Island. The journey would be so sweet on top of a dragon! I hope he will agree to fly us across the Vanilla Sea.” She wrote her note and handed it to the sugar fly. “You’ll find Carobee in the caves on Meringue Island,” Dash told the fly. “Please hurry, and wait for his reply!”

  Dash imagined the green-and-purple dragon getting the sugar fly note. She and her friends had met Carobee when they’d been searching for gooey goblins. While they had been looking for the mischievous creatures, they’d found Carobee. The fairies had become fast friends with the dragon after that adventure. Dash hoped that Carobee would be part of this adventure too!

  The fly buzzed off toward Meringue Island. Dash leaned back and took a deep, slow breath in and out. “I just know this is going to be my year to win,” she said. “To win Double Dip is a huge honor.”

  “And to beat Menta and Peppa would be a great accomplishment,” Minny added.

  “Hmm,” Dash said, closing her eyes, thinking about the moment of glory. “Can’t you see Cocoa and me in the winner’s circle?” She sighed. “This is going to be so mint!” she exclaimed. “But first I have to ask Cocoa to be my partner!”

  The sun was near the top of the Frosted Mountains when Dash arrived at Red Licorice Lake. She knew she was early for Sun Dip, but she was too excited—and maybe a little worried. Cocoa, her Chocolate Fairy friend, would be the best partner for her. But would she say yes to the race?

  Dash knew that Cocoa liked adventures. She was a spunky fairy who had once stood up to Mogu the salty troll. He had stolen Cocoa’s chocolate eggs, and she had gone all the way to Black Licorice Swamp to get them back. Cocoa was brave and clever. Even though Cocoa had never raced before, D
ash knew that she had what it took to be a great speed racer.

  Sitting down on the red sugar sand, Dash thought about what she would say to Cocoa. She spoke aloud, “Cocoa, I have the mintiest, most exciting quest . . . Ach-hoo! Ach-hoo! Ach-hoo!” Dash started sneezing, and then sniffled.

  “Dash, are you all right?” Raina the Gummy Fairy asked as she landed next to her friend.

  “Oh, yes, I’m fine,” Dash said. “Nothing a little mint won’t cure!” She reached into her pocket and showed off her new mint candy.

  Raina smiled. “Your mint chips!” she exclaimed. “Those look delicious.”

  “And they taste good too,” Dash said, grinning. “Try them.” She poured some into Raina’s hand.

  “Mmm,” Raina said. “Well done, Dash!”

  “And that isn’t the mint news of the day,” Dash informed her.

  “Tell me!” Raina said, moving closer.

  Dash straightened up. She had planned on keeping her news a secret until all her friends had arrived, but she couldn’t keep quiet any longer. She pulled her wings back and smiled at Raina. “I was invited to race in Double Dip!” she exclaimed.

  Raina jumped up in the air. “Licking lollipops, Dash! That is sugar-tastic!”

  “Do you think Cocoa will want to be my sledding partner?” Dash asked.

  “Cocoa is one of the most fearless fairies,” Raina said thoughtfully. “She could definitely help you out on the chocolate slope of the Double Dip course.”

  Dash flapped her wings enthusiastically. “Exactly. Plus, it sure would be so mint to race with a good friend.” She looked at Raina. “Do you think that she’ll say yes?”

  “It’s not even Sun Dip, and you are already eating and telling stories,” Melli the Caramel Fairy said, interrupting their conversation. She smiled at her friends as she touched down on the ground.

  Cocoa was right behind Melli. “Leave it to Dash to be early,” she said. “And eating,” she joked as she pointed to Dash’s mint chips.

  Raina laughed. “Something has gotten Dash all juiced up,” she said. She faced Dash. “Tell them!” she whispered.

  Dash grinned, and her silver wings fluttered. “Let’s wait until Berry arrives,” she said. “I want to share my news when everyone is here.”

  “That’s not fair,” Cocoa moaned. “You know Berry is always late.”

  Melli spread a blanket, and the four fairies sat down. Dash saw that the sun was inching closer to the top of the mountains. She looked over toward Fruit Chew Meadow.

  Please hurry, Berry! Dash thought. For once, make it on time!

  Raina gave Dash a look. Dash wanted to ask Cocoa right then, but she thought it would be sweeter if all the fairies were together. She tapped her fingers on her knees. If Berry didn’t arrive soon, Dash thought for sure she would burst!

  “Ach-hoo! Ach-hoo! Ach-hoo!” Dash sneezed again. She noticed her friends sharing a look. “I’m fine,” she told them. “Just some licorice pollen in the air, I’m sure.”

  Raina raised her eyebrows, but Dash jumped up and cut her off before she could say anything more. “There’s Berry!” Dash cried, pointing up to the sky.

  Berry floated down to her friends. The Fruit Fairy’s red-and-pink dress was sparkling, and in her hair she wore matching sugarcoated barrettes. Berry loved fashion and was definitely the best-dressed fairy of the friends. Part of the reason she was often late was that she spent so much time getting ready.

  “Hi, everyone!” Berry said. “Wait until you hear!” She grinned at all her friends. “I have the most delicious news!”

  Raina put her hand up. “I don’t know, Berry,” she said, “Dash has something supersweet to share.” She pushed Dash into the middle of the fairies.

  “Tell us, Dash!” Melli said.

  Dash grinned. “I was invited to be in the Double Dip race at Mt. Ice Cream during the Cone Harbor Festival!” she blurted out. She felt her cheeks flush with color as the excitement bubbled up inside her.

  “Congratulations!” her friends all cheered.

  “Wow,” Melli said. “That is a great honor.”

  “Sweet strawberries,” Berry said.

  “I have another surprise, Cocoa,” Dash said, turning to her. “I would love if you’d be my partner on the sled. Double Dip is a two-fairy race. I’d be honored if you’d race with me.”

  Cocoa’s eyes sparkled. “One hundred and fifty cocoa percent!” she shouted. She shot up in the air and did a flip. “A race on Mt. Ice Cream? Choc-o-licious!”

  “And Carobee is going to take us!” Dash said. “I sent a sugar fly message to him, and he wrote back right away. He can’t wait to visit with us again.”

  “Sure as sugar, this is going to be such a great trip,” Berry said. She grinned. “Your news is the icing on my news, Dash.”

  “What are you talking about?” Raina asked, eyeing her clever friend.

  Berry stood up. “My delicious news is that Fruli has invited us all to stay at her place on Meringue Island for the Cone Harbor Festival weekend!”

  “So mint!” Dash cheered. “Now we have a grand place to stay! Double Dip is the last event in the festival. This is scrumptious!”

  “Fruli said we could all come?” Melli asked.

  Berry nodded. “Yes, and that was before Dash and Cocoa were going to race! Now it’s all even sweeter.”

  Fruli was a fancy Fruit Fairy from Meringue Island. She worked in Fruit Chew Meadow with Berry. There was a time when Berry had been very jealous of her, but now they were good friends.

  Dash glanced up at the Frosted Mountains. The sun was nestled behind the high white peaks. She couldn’t wait until the weekend, when Carobee would come fly them to Mt. Ice Cream. “This is going to be a trip to remember,” she said, grinning.

  Dash sat on the edge of the Gummy Forest dock, swinging her feet in the Vanilla Sea. She reached down and splashed her arms with the cool water. She sighed. Dash did not like waiting!

  Squinting, Dash checked the sky. Not only was she waiting for her friends, she was also expecting Carobee. The green-and-purple dragon would be hard to miss! At one time Dash and her friends were afraid of him. Now they considered him a true friend.

  Finally Melli and Cocoa arrived. They flew to the edge of the dock and sat down next to Dash.

  “How are you feeling?” Melli asked. She peered closely at her minty friend. “Are you okay, Dash?”

  “I’m fine, really,” Dash said.

  Cocoa looked more closely at her. “Are you sure? You don’t look so well.”

  “And your voice is a little hoarse,” Melli added.

  Dash stood up. She coughed to clear her throat. “I’m fine. Today we’re going to Mt. Ice Cream.” She pointed out to the horizon. “Nothing is going to stop me from feeling good or going on this trip.”

  Raina laughed as she walked up the dock. “I’d say that today is double-dip delicious,” she said. “I am so excited to spend some time on Meringue Island.” She pulled a notebook from her bag. “I’ve made a list of all the historical places that I would love to explore.” Reaching into her bag again, she pulled out a thick book. “I’ve been reading up on the island, and there are so many cool sights.”

  “I know,” Melli agreed. She moved closer to Raina. “Can I see that book? I was hoping to learn more about the Meringue Cliffs and the fairies who live there.”

  “Let’s not forget that there’s an ice cream festival,” Cocoa said with a grin. “There will be lots of chocolate ice cream for me!”

  “There are so many sites to see. I can’t wait!” Melli said.

  “Not to mention seeing Fruli’s house,” Cocoa added. “Berry thinks it’s going to be gorgeous.”

  “Who cares about all that?” Dash said. She kept her eyes on the horizon. In the pale morning light she could barely make out the outline of Mt. Ice Cream. “Double Dip is one of the most challenging courses.” She pointed to a crate at the end of the dock. “And I built an extraordinary sled. We’re going to win!”


  Cocoa held up her hand and Dash slapped a high five. “You can say that again, partner!” Cocoa said.

  Dash stood up. “All I can think about is Double Dip,” she said. “I can’t wait to take first prize.” She reached over and grabbed Cocoa’s hand, raising it up in the air for a winning pose. “How do we look?” she asked.

  “So mint!” Berry said as she flew in. “Is this the winning team of Double Dip?”

  “Sure as sugar!” Dash and Cocoa said at the same time.

  Raina started to laugh. “Berry, you know this is just a two-day trip, right?” She pointed to the large bags that Berry was holding in her hands.

  “Those are two of the largest suitcases I’ve ever seen!” Melli gasped.

  Berry laughed. “These cases are empty,” she said, smiling. “I had to bring bags for all the clothes that I’m going to buy on Meringue Island!”

  Dash rolled her eyes. “Of course,” she said. “You are going to go to all of Fruli’s favorite stores, right?”

  Raising her eyebrows, Berry sighed. “I’m not sure I can afford all the stores where Fruli shops,” she said. “Meringue Island has some of the fanciest stores in Sugar Valley. But I’m hoping to find some sweet deals.”

  “Or get some ideas for your own clothes,” Melli said. “I think you’re the best designer, Berry.”

  Berry blushed. “Thanks, Melli,” she said. “I plan on buying lots of fabric.”

  “I hope that Carobee gets here soon,” Dash said. She flew up in the air with her hand shielding her eyes, and then she started coughing nonstop.

  “Dash, you sound awful!” Cocoa said.

  Dash grabbed her throat. Her voice had sounded like a baby caramella bird’s hoarse chirp.

  “Oh, Dash,” Raina said. “Your voice!”

  Reaching into her backpack, Dash pulled out her thermos. She took a few sips of the liquid and cleared her throat. “There,” she said, her voice sounding a little clearer. “Told you it was nothing that some soothing warm mint tea couldn’t fix.”