David's best friend

David loved his dog E.T so much. She slept at the end of his bed every night but one night David started sneezing and coughing. His mother called the doctor and he found out that he was allergic to dogs. Even after taking allergy medication for two weeks he was still sneezing and one night he actually stopped breathing.

The next morning at rehearsal Nat noticed that David didn't have E.T with him and was crying. Nat sighed and put his arm around David. Everybody tried to figure out what was wrong but David kept saying that it was nothing. Tomas said "hey David where's E.T? That hairy mutt always cheers you up."

David couldn't keep his tears hidden anymore. He ran into the living room and flopped on the purple couch sobbing. Mr. Wolf heard David crying and said "hey David what's wrong? You and the guy's aren't fighting are you? David does this have something to do with your doctor's appointment yesterday?"

David sobbed harder. In between sobs he said "my mom is making me get rid of E.T. The doctor says that I'm allergic to dogs. It started out as just sneezing constantly but last night I stopped breathing. I wanted to bring her to rehearsal so the band could say goodbye to her but mom said she didn't want me to stop breathing at your house. I'm going to miss her so much. This is so unfair I'm not allergic to Lucky but when I'm around E.T I sneeze and cough constantly."

Alex came into the living room and sat down next to David and his dad. Alex said "David you coming back to rehearsal? Nat and the others are really worried about you. You've never walked out on us before. Even when you're upset you just take a deep breath and ask for a break."

David sniffed and said "I only have on night to say goodbye to E.T. I know you guys see her as part of the band but I stopped breathing last night when she was sleeping with me. The doctors told me I'm allergic to her. I really don't feel like rehearsing today Alex. I want to go home and play with E.T so she knows I love her before – before mom sends her to the pound."

Alex said "that really bites dude but quit moping. E.T wouldn't want you to be sad she would want you to remember all the good times you spent with her."

Meanwhile Rosalina and Nat were talking about how to help David. Mr. Wolf knocked on the door and came into the room. He looked at Nat and said "I found out what's bothering David. His mom is taking E.T to the pound after he's asleep tonight. He's allergic to dogs and last night he stopped breathing."

Nat put his head in his hands and moaned. Rosalina gasped "she can't do that! E.T is part of the band just like Lucky. No wonder he's so sad he loves that dog to death there's got to be something we can do."

Nat said "dad can we take E.T? This way David can still see her every day and knows that she's safe. That would really cheer him up dad can we please adopt E.T? I'll do anything extra chores, better grades, go to bed early. Just please let me help David."

Mr. Wolf said "if it's alright with David its ok with me. Just stop begging and rehearse I'll go ask David what he thinks."

Mr. Wolf went back into the living room and asked "David how would you feel if Nat and I kept E.T. That way you could see her everyday and you'd know that she was safe. This wasn't my idea it was Nat's and Rosalina's."

David hugged Mr. Wolf and said "thank you it won't be so hard saying goodbye tonight now. I'll know that she won't be going to the pound this means so much to me."

Alex said "let's go rehearse the guy's are probably wondering where I snuck off to."

Alex and David walked into the bedroom and sat down. Nat and Rosalina had big smiles on their faces like they were hiding something. Tomas said "hey I'm sorry I upset you. I just wasn't sure where your dog was."

David said "Tomas don't worry about it. I'm ok now thanks to Nat and Rosalina. I know that E.T will be loved and I can still see her."

Qaasim sighed and said "what about your allergies David? Your mom might not let Mr. Wolf take her. How will you handle it then David?"

Nat said "my dad can handle David's mom. now let's work on the song eventually. The harmonies on that piece need a lot of work. Plus I think that song will cheer every body up."

Mr. Wolf came back into the room again and said "David your mom's on the phone. She says that E.T is sick. She's taking her to the vet as soon as she picks you up."

David started crying all over again. Nat put his arm around him and said "dad does his mom have any clue about what's wrong with her?"

Mr. Wolf sighed and said "Nat look at me. E.T isn't a puppy anymore. All we can do is hope for the best."

David sobbed and Rosalina hugged him. Then everyone else hugged Rosalina the group stayed like that until David's mom came to get him. After David left Lucky ran into the room. He climbed on to Rosalina's lap and licked her face. Rosalina sighed tears rolling down her cheeks.

Nat scooted close to her and said "hey don't cry. E.T is going to be fine Rosie and if she's not David knows he can always talk to us. I think we should just end practice for today. I don't think any of us are thinking clearly right now. Same time tomorrow guys and we'll actually get some work done."

Rosalina started to leave but then threw her arms around Nat sobbing. Cooper gave Nat a worried look and then left the room. Nat kissed Rosalina's damp cheek and stroked her hair. He didn't know what to say to her he just wanted her to stop crying. Then Nat's dad came into the room and said "Nat Rosalina is going to be staying with us for a month while her dad is going through a really messy divorce. I'm going to take her home to get her stuff do you want to come with me?"

Nat said "Rosie is that what's bothering you? I'm so sorry Rosalina I thought you were upset about E.T. I really don't know you that well at all. I love you Rosie that's something that I know very well."

Rosalina sniffed and said "I'm really not sure what love is anymore Nat. I think the phrase I love you is just thrown over things too often. Please don't say it anymore my dad said it to my mom all the time. She cheated on him Nat she threw all that love back in his face."

Nat said "Rosie you'd never hurt me. I know you you're an angel that's fallen from heaven and landed in my arms. Do you trust me Rosie?"

Rosalina sobbed "looks like I don't have any choice. I'm you're girlfriend and trust is the base of any relationship. You can't even be friends without trust. I know that much even if I don't know understand anything else."

Nat said "let's go get your stuff then we'll talk. I won't say I love you but I will tell you that I care about you. Please at least let me say that I'll go nuts if I can't say that."