Chapter 1
I sighed, staring at the computer screen in front of me. I had one more email left to answer on the pet helpline that I managed with two friends of mine, Catman and Barker, and I was clueless about the last one. I read it aloud again to make sure I hadn't misread anything.
To Winnie The Horse Gentler,
My parents are mad at me for buying the wrong feed for my horse, but I had no clue! I just bought him, and I don't really know much about horses. I bought what was recommended to me by the guy at my local co-op, and it made my horse way too hyper. I don't know what to do for him, or what feed to switch to. I don't know who I can trust. I also don't know how to get my parents to not be mad at me anymore. Please reply! I'm desperate!
- Desperate New Horse Owner
I knew the exact advice I should give as far as switching the feed for the horse, but I had no idea what to say about her parents getting upset over it. I shrugged, starting to type a reply.
To D.N.H.O
Hey, congratulations on the new horse! Check out the package of the feed you had first given your horse. If it's high energy feed, there's your problem. Try switching to regular feed. Your horse may not need an extra energy boost, especially if your horse is young. And tell your parents that it was an honest mistake, and you know now what to watch out for.
As The Catman would say, peace! :) - Winnie
"Right on!" I jumped, turning around to face Catman (Calvin) Coolidge. He had snuck up on me like a cat burglar. He blinked. "Nicely put, Winnie." he said as he motioned to the computer. I laughed. "Thanks" I replied, thanking him and turning around to click send on the email. "Visit my pad?" he asked once I had clicked send and moved away from the computer. "Claire and Bart want to be on the scene when I tell you." He called his parents, Claire and Bart Coolidge, by their names only when they were not around. He always called them Mom and Dad to their faces. "Tell me what?" I asked, not getting it. He shook his head. "Can't say until after we split. Bart and Claire insist." I nodded slowly and headed outside. He walked with me and we both jumped on our bikes without a word. I felt the wind blowing peacefully on my face as we biked to Coolidge Castle, my name for Catman's house or as Catman says "his pad". I wondered what he was going to tell me that was so important that both Mr. and Mrs. Coolidge wanted to be there when I was told. I suddenly imagined Catman telling me his Mom was planning to cut my hair and glue it to her head, and Catman adding that Mr. Coolidge was about to seel me a car. I laughed, realizing how unrealistic that would be. Mrs. Coolidge wouldn't actually do that - hopefully, and it was definitely wishful thinking that Mr. Coolidge would offer me a car. Catman just gave me a sideways look and grinned, not asking what it was about. I liked that he understood me, and didn't feel as though he had to ask questions. Once we arrived at Coolidge castle, we parked our bikes outside and headed inside.