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.