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!