The Diary of Beth Thompson, a Girl in the Great Depression

October 27, 1929

Well, I must have been right. It's been a whole week, and nothing has gone wrong. Lisa and Rob made up, and they're getting married in February! Dad and I talk to each other now, and I've found out that he understands me--really understands me! We never talked like that when Mom was here. Aaron's boss finally paid him (after a week!) so that's fixed. Right now I'm busy writing a story--one of my favorite pastimes. The story is about a dog and a cat that are best friends. Well, I gotta go--I'm busy, remember?
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A Few Hours Later . . .

Well, we're eating beef and broccoli. It tastes pretty good. (Neither me nor Dad can cook as good as Lisa, and she's been at work till late these days, so dinner hasn't been the best.) Oh well. Overall, It's been a glorious day. I sure am glad. I don't think our family could stand one more catastrophe.

The Diary of Beth Thompson, a Girl in the Great Depression

October 20, 1929

Yesterday was AWFUL!! Everything went wrong--I slept in too much and got to school late,which means I got switched and marked tardy; Aaron's boss at the car factory he works at wouldn't give him his full paycheck even though he worked overtime the ENTIRE week; Lisa (my big sis) and her fiance, Robert (we call him Rob) had a huge fight and almost broke up (Dad says that without disagreement, nothing would ever get done, but I don't think so); Dad forgot to make dinner so I had to make it because Lisa wasn't home, so we ended up eating overcooked beans and rice; and I had to stay up till 11:00 doing my homework because I had to make dinner. Like I said--it was AWFUL!!

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Oh well, at least today was better. At recess, me and Anita had a lot of fun. When recess ended, I thought, Why can't they let recess last longer?
After school, I went to Anita's house to have a snack (we do this about once every week). We ate cheese, carrots, apples, and we washed it all down with milk. Then I went home to do my homework. My favorite subject is math so I usually do that first. Okay, so almost always; sometimes I like to do my reading homework first because I love to escape from this world and get lost in a magical land where the story is about a princess and she's exactly like me, or a story where a brave knight battles to save his fair maiden from the horrendous dragon. Anyway, I did my math homework first, then all my other homework. Then I ate dinner with everybody (chicken and potatoes, my favorite!) It seemed like the good times would never end.

The Diary of Beth Thompson, a Girl in the Great Depression

October 15, 1929

Well, overall it's been a good day, except it's pretty quiet without Mom throwing her tantrums like a three-year old who can't get what they want. I've noticed that everyone is happier on the whole, but still-the house seems so empty. Anyway, I've been good, and except for a few minor things (like burning the broccoli last night and a few other little, uh, mishaps) I've been doing pretty well. Well, I have to go for now-I have a lot of chores and things to do around the house, so, well, bye.

The Diary of Beth Thompson, a Girl in the Great Depression

October 12, 1929

Last night, Mom and Dad REALLY fought. Dad got so mad, he started yelling just as bad as Mom. There was such a tantrum, that Mom decided she would go away and never come back. I was afraid for Dad and Mom, because Dad gets beaten up by Mom and Mom can't drive when she's drunk. So she staggered out into the night (I could see her through my window) and she got on a bus. I haven't seen her since. So now, I'm kinda happy that she's gone, because now Dad has been whistling, which means he's happy. That makes everyone happy. I told my best friend, Anita, what had happened, and she gave me a you've-got-to-be-kidding look. I told her I wasn't kidding, and she got this funny look on her face, like she wasn't quite sure what had just happened. I keep thinking about how Mom used to tuck me into bed when I was littler. I can remember her hair in my face as she kissed me goodnight. I can remember her delicate, tinkly laugh--all of this before she started drinking, of course. Well, I have to go to bed now, but I can't wait until tomorrow--I always have fun on Fridays. Good night.

The Diary of Beth Thompson - A Girl in the Great Depression

October 10, 1929

I'm sick and tired of Mom and Dad fighting. Last night, you should have heard them. After I had gone to bed, I couldn't get to sleep because of their fighting. Mom came home drunk, as usual. It got awfully ugly. "Honey, where's my dinner?" Mom bellowed. I heard a clanking like Dad was putting silverware and a plate on the table. He didn't want her to get crazy and start throwing things like she did when somebody didn't obey her when she was drunk. He knew it was just a matter of time till she went to bed and slept it all off. There was only the clanking of silverware on plate for a time, then more yelling came. "David, where are the children?" Mom screamed. "Upstairs sleeping," he told her. "I want to see them!" she yelled. "Honey, you'll wake them up," Dad tried to calm her down, but that was practically impossible. I heard footsteps stomping up the stairs, then a low voice, then a SLAP! and a THUD! I was scared. I shuddered. I hoped with all my heart that Dad was okay.

Beth Thompson

This is Beth Thompson.

She is the character for my next story,

"The Diary of Beth Thompson, A Girl In the Great Depression".

Stay tuned for the first chapter!

Home, Sweet Home (This is the last chapter of Woofles!)

Natasha got out of bed and walked into the kitchen. Momma was making scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast. "Momma?" Natasha asked her. "Yes, baby?" Momma's voice was MUCH softer than yesterday. "I am so sorry for how I acted yesterday, Momma." Momma turned to look at Natasha. "You know what? I am too. Come here." Natasha obeyed, and was rewarded with a warm embrace from her mother. "Momma? Can we please go to the vet after breakfast?" Momma sighed. "I suppose so," she said, and sighed again. After breakfast, as according to plan, Momma took Natasha to the vet to see Woofles. "How is he?" Natasha asked the vet. "He's doing well. You should be able to take him home tomorrow," he answered. Natasha thought, I hope he can come live with us! But she smiled at him politely and said, "Thank you very much, sir." As soon as she and Momma were outside, however, she just HAD to ask. "Momma, do you think we could keep Woofles?" She looked up at her mother with pleading eyes. Something inside Momma softened. She had known that this question would come up, so she had been thinking about it. She looked into Natasha's eyes and thought, How can I tell her no? She would be heartbroken. "We'll see," she said. Natasha sighed. That was better than a flat-out no, but she still felt a twinge of disappointment. When she went to bed that night, Natasha fell asleep and dreamed about Woofles. In the meantime, Momma was talking to Poppa. "Clarence, she looked up at me today when she asked, and I just couldn't tell her no, so I said, 'We'll see.' But I don't know what you think about havin' a dog." Poppa stroked his beard thoughtfully and said, "It's fine with me, but what if we move again? Where will the dog go?" Momma answered, "Perhaps we should cross that bridge when we come to it, honey." "All right, tomorrow I'll take Natasha myself to the vet so she can pick up the dog, and I'll break the news to her then," Poppa decided. "All right, Momma agreed with a yawn. "Good night." "Good night, darling." And so, it was decided that Natasha should keep the dog named Woofles.
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Natasha leaped out of bed. Maybe Momma and Poppa will let me keep the dog! She prayed that this might be the case. She followed her nose to the smell of coffee. "Odd," she muttered to herself, "Momma never makes coffee." When she reached the kitchen, she was astounded to find Poppa there. "Good morning, Natasha," he said cheerfully. "This morning after breakfast, I'm taking you to see the dog one last time." Natasha's eyes shadowed. Poppa added silently to himself, Before he's yours, that is. But he made no further comment. When they got in the car, Natasha let the tears spill over. When they got to the vet, Poppa asked for the dog. He paid the bill, and Woofles jumped into the car with Natasha. Poppa said, "Natasha, you get to keep the dog." She couldn't believe her ears. Keep the dog? She must be dreaming! Her tears of pain turned to tears of joy, and she laughed. She wiped away her tears, and she turned to Woofles and said, "Come on, boy, let's go home." Home sweet home!

Recent Picture

This is me, my grandparents, and my little sisters at a zoo we went to yesterday.

Plans to Run

Natasha sat outside the vet's office, tears running down her cheeks. How could Momma DO this to me? Natasha fumed. She KNOWS how much I love that dog! Well, I'll make her sorry she ever said no to me! Natasha brushed away tears, a determined gleam in her eyes. I'll run away! she decided. That ought to make her sorry! But the more she thought about it, the more the questions popped up. What would happen when her parents found out? Where would she she go? How could she get away without their knowing? She sighed. I WILL find a plan that works!! "Natasha?" Momma's voice came drifting in. She didn't answer. "Natasha?"Momma sounded a little angry. "Natasha!" Momma's voice was stern now--not a good idea to keep hiding. Natasha sighed. She crawled out of her hiding place. "What's all the fussing about?" she demanded. Momma gave her a look. Natasha felt guilty, but she tried not to let it show. "Come on, we have to go home now. You can see the dog tomorrow," Momma told Natasha. She whirled around. "Momma, I can see my dog if I want to!"she shouted at her mother. "He's not your dog!" Momma attempted to say calmly, but she ended up screaming at her daughter. "You don't love me!" Natasha said in a hoarse voice. "You never did," her words seemed to point at her mother like accusing fingers. "Honey," Momma said, trying to put her hand on Natasha's arm. "Just leave me alone!" Natasha shouted. She and her mother didn't talk any more that day. They didn't even dare to look at each other for fear they would yell and scream even more than they already had.
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The next day, when Natasha woke up, she could have kicked herself. I fell asleep! I have to stay
awake tonight so I can run away! she thought. She started seriously thinking about this. What would happen if she ran away? Lucy would get older and eventually grow up--and Natasha would never even get to watch. The baby Momma would have would be born, and she would never get to hold it, or change its diapers, or help it learn to write its name, or anything like that. It would be so sad. And Momma and Poppa-- she would never get more cookies or hugs from Momma, or jokes and good-night kisses from Poppa-- Stop! Natasha told herself. You're only making it worse! Now Natasha couldn't bring herself to even think about running away. She was so blessed with a wonderful family--she couldn't bring herself to leave it. Today, she decided. I will tell Momma I'm sorry that I yelled at her. I've just got to make things right!

Cookie Making Fun

This is me, my friend, and my sisters making cookies.
We always have so much fun together.

The Drive

"Come on, Natasha, we don't have all day to get him there," Momma said. "OK, then, can you help me lift him up into the car?" Natasha asked. "I can do that," Momma replied. They ever so carefully lifted him into the car. Woofles tried to wag his tail but couldn't, so he just looked at them pitifully. Natasha jumped in the front passenger seat and Momma drove them to the vet. When they arrived, Woofles whimpered. "It's okay, boy, it's all right," Natasha comforted him. "Hello, this dog needs a checkup," Momma calmly told the desk clerk. "What's your name?" he drawled. "Anna," Momma replied. "What's the dog's name?" he questioned. "Woofles," Natasha cut in. Her mother cast her a questioning glance. "Woofles," Natasha repeated. "All right, I'll call the doc," the desk clerk again drawled. "Thank you," Momma said, then turned to Natasha. "Do you have enough money to pay for this?" Momma asked her. Natasha shook her head and said,"No, ma'am." "You expected ME to pay for this?" Momma demanded. Natasha shook her head again. "I just didn't think about it," she said. "Then who is going to pay?" Momma asked her. "You?" Natasha asked. "NO, Natasha! I will not pay a $50 vet's bill to help a stinky, stupid, annoying dog that isn't even yours!" Natasha looked up at her mother with tears in her eyes. "Why not, Momma? Just because you don't like dogs? If Poppa were here, he'd pay without a fight." She whirled around and ran outside, full of anger and hatred toward her mother.

The Phone Call

Natasha's heart pounded. If she didn't do something, Woofles could--well, die. She shuddered at the thought. She looked down at Woofles. He wouldn't last long--the gash in his paw was to the bone. She HAD to get him to the hospital!! But how? She sat on the sidewalk and started to cry. "What's wrong, sweetheart?" a very familiar, comforting voice said. "Momma?" Natasha looked up and Momma wiped away her tears. She looked at Natasha with sympathy and pain in her eyes. "What's wrong, Natasha?" "Oh, Momma! Woofles got hurt, and I have to take him to the hospital, but Poppa wouldn't answer when I called him, and I just feel AWFUL!" Natasha rushed on. "We have to get him to the hospital, Momma! He could die, and I can't let that happen, cause he and Gloria are the only friends I have--" "Natasha!" Momma exclaimed. "Slow down. Take a breath. I couldn't understand a word you said." "Momma, there's no time. We HAVE to get the dog to the hospital!" Momma sighed, then shook her head. You certainly got your love of animals from Poppa, not from me, but--I suppose I'll take you to the hospital." "Yes! Woofles, did you hear that? You're going to get better!" Natasha exclaimed with an ear-to-ear grin.

Woofles

Natasha's elation at seeing the dog was crushed the second she saw his body. "You're hurt! What should I do?" Natasha wondered. She knew what Momma would say--"Honey, he can take care of himself," translated, Natasha knew it really meant,"Just leave him there to die." But how could she do that? It was practically impossible. I know! I'll call Poppa! It was hard for her to leave the dog, but she told herself it was for his own good. She ran to the same payphone she had used to call Momma when she had found Kelsey in the middle of the street. She got 5 cents out of her pocket and shoved it in the slot. She dialed her number and heard a ring, ring! ring, ring! "Hello--" Her heart soared and she said,"Poppa!" and heard, "--You have reached the Brown residence. Please leave your name and number after the beep so we can return your call. Thank you." Natasha stared at the phone with a disgusted look on her face. What should I do NOW? she wondered. She sighed, put the phone down, and ran back to the dog. I am sick and tired of calling him 'the dog' all the time. He NEEDS a name! she thought. "What's a good name for you?" she asked the dog. He just whimpered and wagged his tail pitifully. Then he sneezed. "That's it!" she exclaimed. "Your name is Woofles!" When she was small, whenever somebody sneezed, she would say, "You woofled!" Natasha's thoughts drifted back to Woofles. "Okay, Woofles, time to get you some help." Upon hearing his new name in a sentence, Woofles cocked his head, seemingly trying to say, "What? Who's Woofles?" He whimpered again. "You poor thing, she said, shaking her head. Then she had a brainstorm. "I have an idea, boy. I'll be right back," she said. Why didn't I think of calling Gloria before? She'll help. She ran to the payphone again and dialed the number quickly. Gloria's mom answered. "Hello?" she said. "Hello, Mrs. Orgen. May I please talk to Gloria?" " 'Kay, I be puttin' her on fo' you, young 'un." "Thank you," Natasha said politely. She heard some voices in the background, then Gloria said, "Hey, Natasha. How are you?" Natasha ignored the question and plunged right into her story. When she had told Gloria all about what had happened with the dog, she asked, "So what should I DO?" "Well, has yo' dad looked 'im over?" "No, I called but just got the answering machine. That's why I called you." "Oh, I unnerstan' now. Well, lemmie see. You could take 'im to de vet. I'd love ta help ya, but I jes' can't. I gotta do my math homeirk. Sorry." "That's alright, Gloria. It's not your fault. I'll think of something else." She ran back to Woofles. "What will I do now?" she asked him.

The Dog and the Park

The dog was on Natasha's porch! Well, he was starting to like me, Natasha thought slyly. Something sprang into her mind. This is a street dog. He doesn't have a home, and I really like him. I'll ask Momma if . . . Natasha shook her head. She knew it wasn't a possibility. I forgot that Momma hates dogs. Her heart felt like lead as she turned to the front door. The dog nuzzled against her, and, as her heart lightened, she decided to be very stubborn about this. She whispered,"Don't worry, boy, I'll try to make her see it my way." She took a deep breath, opened the door, and walked to the kitchen where Momma was making supper. " Momma?" Natasha asked as she walked through the door. "Yes?" Momma said without looking up. " Do you think we could have a dog?" Natasha looked at her mother with pleading eyes. "Honey, no. You know how I feel about dogs," Momma said sternly. "But, Momma--" "Don't 'but Momma' me. The answer is no." Natasha sighed. "Could you just think about it?" Momma pursed her lips "We'll see," she said as she turned around to finish supper. As Natasha ran out the door to be with the dog, she couldn't help but smile. I might be able to keep the dog, she thought happily. She turned to the dog and told him, "If I'm going to keep you, you have to have a name." She might be able to keep him. She hoped so. She knew it would not be easy to convince her mother to keep the dog. "Oops, we were thinking about names for you, weren't we, boy?" The dog barked. "How about . . . Morris? No, that doesn't sound right. Sandy? No, that sounds too much like a girl's name, doesn't it boy?" He whined. "Well, I'll keep thinking about it, okay?" The dog barked in agreement. A couple of weeks passed by, and every day the dog was on her porch. He cocked his head at her, ears flopping, eyes begging. Every day she gave him some meat, for he was 'jest skin an' bones' as Gloria said. He came for breakfast ans dinner for two weeks, then he disappeared. Natasha was devastated. "Momma, why did the dog leave?" "Oh, I guess he didn't like it much here," she said MUCH too cheerfully. "But--why would he do that? He was happy here." "Natasha, when you asked me if you could keep the dog, what did you think I'd say?"
"I -- I didn't know, Momma, okay? That's why I asked you!" Natasha spun around and raced through the door. "That went well," Poppa said. Momma shot him a look. Meanwhile, Natasha was sitting outside, tears running down her face. "They don't understand," she whispered. She felt a need to get away from her parents for a while. If they saw her crying, she would get sent to her room. She stood up and walked slowly to the place in the park that she had first seen the dog. She walked on the sidewalks, calling, "Here, boy! Come here, boy!" She only heard children giggling and parents talking and dogs barking in the distance. She strained to hear anything that might tell her where the dog was. She heard a muffled whimper. "Is that you, boy?" Another whimper. "Oh, it is you! I found you! I found you!" Natasha exclaimed with tears in her eyes.

My Bike

This is me riding my brand new bike. I really enjoy riding it with my sister or my friends.

Our New Puppy

This is me with our new puppy, Buddy. Isn' t he ADORABLE!

He's a cocker spaniel. He's the baby of our old dog, Taffy.

The Study

That night, Gloria and Natasha had lots of fun. They held a Bible meeting which Natasha led. "We will now start our study of who God is," Natasha began. " 'Kay, who be God?" Gloria asked. "The Bible says," Natasha held up her Bible, "That God has always been." "Always been where?" As Gloria tilted her head to the side, Natasha furrowed her brow. "He's always - existed." "OK, go on," Gloria nodded her head expectantly. "The Bible also says that God made everything." "Everything?" "Yep." "You be sure?" "Positive." "Wow. He made you and me; the birds; the sky; the sun?" "EVERYTHING." "That cain't be," Gloria said, shaking her head misbelievingly. Natasha nodded her head, saying, "He made everything out of nothing." Gloria yelped. "Out of NOTHING?" Gloria was overwhelmed. "OK, we're done now. We still have lots more to study, but that's it for now." After their study, the girls watched Princess Diaries, ate some popcorn, and finally, at 1:00 A.M., went to sleep. The next afternoon, as she was walking in the park, Kelsey came up to her on her skateboard. She said, "Hey, Nakala -" "It's Natasha!" "Whatever - I'm sorry about what happened at school, OK? I was talking to my best friend, Becca. She's a sports maniac like me." She hesitated, then said, "I'm sorry, Natasha, but I just don't think you're the right kind of friend for me." With that, she skateboarded away. Snob, Natasha thought. If I were her, and there was a new girl, I'd . . . Natasha left that thought hanging and kept walking. Then something stopped Natasha in her tracks. It was a big, ugly, roaming dog. I would HATE having that dog, she thought. She came up with ten reasons she wouldn't want it. One . . . it was UG-LY! Two . . . it looked half - starved. Three . . . it was following her around. Four. . . it was stinky. Five . . . it probably didn't even like people. she finally came to ten. Then she realized how sad God must be. I'm sorry, God. It's part of your creation, just like me. She decided she would be nice to the dog and come up with ten reasons she liked it. One . . . He's part of God's creation. Two. . . God loves him, and I should, too. Three. . . he might make a good pet. Four. . . It's devoted to me. She finally reached ten. It took hera while, but she could do it. During the rest of the week, she saw the dog as she went on her walks. Soon, she had twenty reasons why she liked the dog. She kept this up for two weeks, then she couldn't believe her eyes.

Woofles: Sleepover Plans

"What be a Christian?" Gloria asked. Oh, Natasha thought. I didn't know it would be this hard. "It's a . . . a . . . " Natasha stammered. "A what?" Gloria asked, furrowing her brow. "It's a . . . a person who believes in . . ." Natasha's words drifted off. What if Gloria didn't believe in God? Natasha would have to explain everything to her. Or what if Gloria laughed at her? Natasha would lose her only friend . . .
"A person who believes in what?" Gloria persisted. Natasha decided to tell her quickly, before Gloria walked away and didn't want Natasha to talk to her . . .
"Uh - God. Do you? Do you believe there's somebody who made you, and me, and everything and everybody in the whole universe?" Gloria was silent a moment, pointer finger resting thoughtfully on her lower lip. " I don' t know - I didn' t never think 'bout that afore."
" Do you want to come to church with me?" Natasha asked.
" Shore. I ain' t never been to church."
" If you come to my house on Saturday night you can sleep over and come with me to church on Sunday morning."
"Uh - I have to ask my Muther."
"Okay!" Natasha said over her shoulder as she ran to class. She just hoped Gloria would come.

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Natasha had an awful day on Friday. In history class, Natasha was quite bored. She had to memorize the "I have a Dream" speech. Martin Luther King, Jr. sure knew how to talk, Natasha thought. In science, things were not much better. She had to memorize every single bone in the human body. Things went awfully in math. Oh, no!!!!! she thought as she entered math class. It's Friday! Every Friday there was a quiz or a test. Test today, she moaned inwardly as she sat down at her desk. I haven't even studied! It was no surprise that she only got a 65. After class, her teacher called her up to her desk. "You will flunk math if you do not concentrate," she said. "Is anything wrong?" All Natasha could do was shake her head miserably. Things turned around when Gloria passed her a note in evolution class. It said,

I don't b'leeve in evolution no more. I want to believe in your God.

It was all Natasha could do to keep from jumping for joy. She couldn't keep a grin off her face.

Wow, I'm a huge example to her. She like, wants to believe in God just because I do.

Gloria passed her another note. I'll see you at your house at 5:30 tonight, it said.

"Yes!!" Natasha exclaimed when they were out in the hall. "I . . . will . . . see . . . you . . . very . . . soon." Gloria said the words very slowly. "I been practicin' ," she said, shrugging her shoulders.

" I can tell," Natasha giggled.

"Oh. " Gloria' s ears turned bright red despite her dark, coffee - colored skin. "See you later," she said suddenly, and ran out the school door, flashing a grin at Natasha as she ran.

Wow, I thought Kelsey was a friend, but I KNOW Gloria's a friend.

A Friend

Here is a poem I wrote. Enjoy!

A friend should be loyal, a friend should be kind.
A friend should not ever leave you behind.
She should bring you flowers she has picked
Whenever you are very sick.
She should help you with your math;
If she does, a good friend you hath.
Invite her for a night to sleep, and I know
Your friend you'll keep!

Woofles: The Question

As she walked to Miss Sestor's history class, Natasha saw Kelsey giggling with another girl. She didn't seem to notice Natasha as she walked past. Tears sprang to Natasha's eyes as Kelsey walked by. I wonder when she started walking out on her new friends' lives, she thought. She pondered this, then thought, As least I have Gloria now. It was true. For two weeks she played, talked, and laughed with Gloria. "John, he be a pest most times," she said. "I know exactly how you feel. Lucy is a TOTAL pest, and I have another sibling coming, too." Natasha groaned. "Oh, wow!" Gloria's delighted expression soon changed; she looked extremely perplexed. "And you no is happy? John and me have great times 'agether, even though he be a pest. " she said. That made Natasha think hard. She thought about all the fun things she had done with Lucy. "I don't really know yet," she told Gloria. That night as she lay in bed thinking, Natasha thought, I wonder if Gloria is a Christian. Oh, no! What if she's not?! She woke up the next morning and wondered, How on earth am I going to ask Gloria if she's a Christian or not? I know! I'll ask Momma. So she did. After she had talked with Momma over toast and eggs, she had a plan. She would simply talk to Gloria when they got off the bus. When she got on the bus and sat down beside Gloria, Natasha's heart was pounding. I think all the people on the bus can hear my heart pounding, she thought. It was a funny thing to think, but it did nothing to calm her nerves. Natasha said basically nothing the whole way there, while Gloria was jabbering so much Natasha couldn't get a word in anyway. When they jumped off the bus, Natasha's heart leaped. She took a deep breath and blurted out, "Gloria, are you a Christian?"

Woofles: More Friends

This is the fifth chapter of Woofles. I hope you enjoy it!

"I don't know what that means, either!" Lucy fairly screamed. "A sibling is a brother or sister," Natasha replied, a LOT more annoyed now. That's the way seven year-old sisters are, she thought. "What's the second thing?" Natasha asked. "We're going to a church," Momma answered. "Oh," Natasha said. She had been hoping it would be a little more exciting. Lucy was exuberant about it, though. "Yay, a church!" "Girls, are you ready? The school bus will be here any second now!" Momma exclaimed. Beep, beep! "Bye, Momma," Natasha said as she gave her mother a hug. "Bye, Natasha. Have fun!" Momma called after her as she went out the door. Like I will, Natasha thought. When she boarded the bus, Natasha was surprised that Kelsey had saved her a seat. Wow, she really IS a friend, Natasha thought. "Hey, Natasha! How ya doin'?" Kelsey smiled and pointed to the seat next to her. Natasha sat down and looked around the bus. There were many boys and girls sitting there. Maybe I'll find more friends this week, Natasha thought. She saw two African-Americans. They're just like me. Maybe I'll make friends with THEM, she thought. She decided to at least try. When they got off the bus, she didn't take her eyes off of them. She walked up to a Negro girl she had seen on the bus. "Hi, I'm Natasha Brown," she said. The girl ducked shyly and said, "I be Gloria Orgen. I never seen you afore." Natasha explained that she had just come from Virginia. Gloria giggled and said, "I been here in dis school 4 years, and I ain't seen no other Negro kids here." Natasha realized that she had probably just made a new friend. "What classes are you in?" she asked. "I is in Mester Canby's evolution class, Miz Carter's science class, Mester Riley's math class, Miz Mann's spellin' and readin' class, and Miz Sestor's history class." Gloria grinned. "Those are all the classes I is in." Natasha smiled back. "I'll see you in all but one class - math." "I is be seein' you," Gloria said. She turned to leave, and Natasha said,"Um, do you know him?" She pointed to the Negro boy she had seen on the bus. Gloria grined again. "He bbe my brother, John. You be seein' him a lot, too." Then she ran to class. 'A lot, too.' The words echoed in Natasha's ears as she sprinted to Mr. Riley's math class. That must mean I'm gonna see her a
lot, thought Natasha. She knew that the thought didn't leave a hole in her heart.

Don't miss Woofles:Part 6!