Baby-Sitters Club belongs to Ann M. Martin, not me.
I had just got home from baby-sitting for the Newton kids, Jamie and Lucy. They're both terrific clients. It was only Friday night.
I'm Mary Anne Spier. I'm 14 years old and I'm a tenth grader at Stoneybrook High School, here in Stoneybrook, Connecticut. I live with my dad, stepfamily, and two adopted siblings.
Dad raised me on his own after my mother died when I was an infant. He and his high school girlfriend, Sharon Schafer, got back together and married not long ago. See, they broke up by Sharon's parents; who didn't approve Dad dating their daughter, sent her away to California for college. She got married herself and had her two beloved children, Dawn and Jeff.
After a tough divorce, Sharon decided to return to Stoneybrook with the kids. Only Jeff didn't adjust the move and ended up going back to California to be with his father. That was right before the marriage. Dawn's my best friend and… now, my stepsister!
We adopted Carlos Peters and Meredith Sousa. Well, Carlos lost his family when he was eight while she lost hers only a few years apart: both of her parents and only sister were killed after a tour bus blew up. Carlos has the old attic and Meredith & I share my room.
Meredith and I were in bed talking for awhile about my sitting job until we both fell asleep within five minutes later.
The dream image began to wary.
It was the following day. I had just gotten up and dressed. I was brushing my teeth. Then, I came down.
"Morning, sweetie," said Dad.
"Morning, Dad," I said.
I decided to make toast with peanut butter and jelly.
"Where is everyone? It's quiet," I said.
"Carlos has a baseball practice and Meredith went to watch him. Sharon and Dawn are doing errands and then, would be spending the day with your step grandparents. They asked me if we want to join them, but I told them you and I got plans already for the day," explained Dad.
That was when I realized something and said, "Oh, yeah. It's a father-daughter day!"
"You got that right," smiled Dad.
I nearly forgot all about that. He doesn't care and thought it was funny as usual.
"What do you have in mind anyway?" I asked.
"We can spend overnight in New York City," said Dad.
"Swell!" I exclaimed in my excitement tone.
"We can pack after this. Since I'm on vacation for a week, why don't we stay there for entire week?" asked Dad.
"Even better," I smiled.
After I ate, I went back up to pack my suitcase and was done in ten minutes later.
"All ready to go?" asked Dad.
"Sure am," I replied.
We left the house. Dad had to call Sharon to let her know where we'd be gone for a week and Dawn to tell my homeroom teacher that I will not be in school all that week. Then, we locked the door, put our suitcases in the car, and took off.
"We're going to have a fun week like we always do," I said.
"I agree. I just need to get gas before we hit the highway," said Dad.
"Sounds good," I said.
That's what he did. When he went in to pay, I thought I saw a woman that looked like Mom, but I think it was my imagination. If it was her, I'd be glad because I wish I'd meet her for real. When Dad came back, we continued on. We arrived in New York City an hour later. We always stay at the plaza where Eloise took place and Stacey went for her fourth birthday. I love staying there. When we got there and checked in, we went to our room to get settled in for a bit.
"We can have lunch here and go out for supper," said Dad.
"Sounds good," I agreed.
At twelve-thirty, we went down to the buffet to have lunch there. Dad and I love buffets because you get what you want. I decided to get soup first. They have Chili, Chicken Rice, and Chicken Noodle Soup. I like any kind favor of soup. I decided to get Chili for a change, got the cheese for the topping, got the spoon, and went to my table. Dad was at the salad bar. He would get soup every now and then. That was when he returned to the table.
"The woman, who was with me, reminds me of your mother," said Dad.
I noticed he was right when I looked over.
"I thought I saw her myself, but it was my imagination," I said.
After I had Chili, I got up to the and went over to the entree bar. I'm not sure what I want yet. That was when a woman showed up.
"Hello, Mary Anne," said a woman.
How did she know my name? That was when I noticed it was my mother.
"Mom?" I asked.
"Yes, my darling," replied Mom.
Wow. I got very confused at first.
"How did you came back to life?" I asked.
"God gave me another chance to live," said Mom.
"So, you're not angel anymore?" I asked her.
"That's right," replied Mom.
"I didn't notice it was you earlier I thought I was seeing things," I said while getting American Chop Suey and garlic bread.
"Mind if I join you and your father?" asked Mom.
"Sure. I'd like that very much," I smiled going to my table. "Dad must be at the entree bar."
Sure enough, I noticed I was right.
"You must be glad that your father gave you more freedom," said Mom.
I got a puzzled when she said that.
"Wait a minute. How did you know about how strict he was?" I asked in a low voice so he wouldn't hear.
"Angels know everything," said Mom.
"Odd. I never knew that," I said.
That was when Dad returned with Grilled Chicken with baked potato.
"Hello, Richard, dear," said Mom.
"Alma? Was that really you near the salad bar?" asked Dad.
"Yes. God decided I was good enough to give me another chance to live," said Mom.
"Do everyone get that?" I asked.
"Just young people," replied Mom.
"Oh. I wish they would do the elderly people so I can meet Grandpa Bill," I said finishing up with American Chop Suey.
After that, I went to the dessert. I choose to have a chocolate and vanilla twist ice cream with jimmies in a dish. Dad had three scoops of chocolate ice cream like he always does and Mom had pumpkin pie with whipped cream.
After lunch, I said, "I'll go to the gift shop."
"Okay. I'll meet you there," said Dad.
"Alright," I said as I went there.
Dad invited Mom to join us. I like the idea so I can get know her better. There are certain things I'm concerned about. Where would Mom live and does she have to move in with us? How would Sharon might feel? What if she think I don't love anymore while spending time with Mom? I hope Sharon would know she's still my stepmom and I love her daily no matter what happens. Plus, if Mom moves somewhere and asks me to move with her, what am I going to do? I'd be very confused and feel like a divorced kid. If it does happen, how can I tell Dad? The last thing I'd want to do is to hurt him, we have been close since he loosen up.
Dad came in the gift shop and said, "Your mom's exploring the city with us."
"Okay," I smiled.
At the Grand Central Park, it was fun that Mom spend a lot of time with us. Dad even invited her to stay in our hotel room and she accepted it. I was glad to hear that.
We had a terrific week and didn't leave New York City until Sunday afternoon. At home, I was unpacking Mom came in to me when I noticed her.
"What's up?" I asked.
"Can we talk?" asked Mom.
"Sure," I said as we sat on my bed.
"First of all, I'll be moving to Iowa and surprise my mother soon," said Mom.
"You are?" I asked.
"Yes. There's one question I would like to ask you: would you like to move there with me?" asked Mom.
"Just you and me?" I asked her.
"Well, that way we can continue to get to know each other," replied Mom.
I knew she was going to ask me that right away.
"Gee, I don't know. I'll think about it first," I said.
"I'm not leaving until the Friday before Spring Vacation begins," said Mom.
"I'll have to talk to Dad as well," I said.
"Take your time," said Mom.
Now, I'm worried on what to say to Dad.
I decided to go over next door to see the girls. The only thing I told him that Mom was moving to Iowa and left it like that.
"Hi, how was your week in New York?" asked Kayla.
"Good, but can we have a little talk about something?" I asked.
"Of course," said Kayla as I came in.
"Is something bugging you?" asked Kaylee.
I told them about what was going on and added, "Mom asked me if I can move in with her, but I don't know what to do. I'm afraid to hurt Dad and my family."
"I get what you're saying," said Kayla.
"I'm nervous now," I said. "I'm debating to tell him or wait until I made a decision."
"He can always help you make that choice. I'm sure he'll be very supportive," said Kaylee.
"Me, too," said Kayla.
"I might talk to Kristy since she had that same issue when her father moved back here," I said.
"Good idea," agreed Kayla.
"The only thing I worry about is Sharon," I said.
"What do you mean?" asked Kayla.
"What if she thinks I don't love her any longer?" I asked.
"That's one big problem for you," said Kaylee.
"Tell her you'll always love her and she's still your stepmom," said Kayla.
"True," I said.
I stayed until I had to go back home for supper. You can say I was nervous to say something because I did not say one word at the dinner table when Dad noticed that.
"Are you okay, sweetie? You're quiet tonight," said Dad.
Without another word, I got up and went up to my room.
"I'm concerned about her. She has been very quiet," said Dad.
"I know," agreed Sharon.
"All I know is that Mary Anne said that her mom is moving to Iowa in April," said Dawn.
"I already knew. She already told me," said Dad. "You must be moving in with your mom."
"I am. I want to surprise her. Want me to go see Mary Anne?" asked Mom.
"Are you sure?" asked Dad.
"Positive," said Mom.
That was when she came in to be with me.
"Your father was concerned about you earlier," said Mom. "He noticed you weren't talkative."
"I'm thinking about something. What if I hurt Dad when I tell him if I decided to move in with you?" I asked.
"Honey, I'm sure he won't mind at all," said Mom.
"I don't want to upset Dawn or my adopted siblings, Carlos and Meredith either. I don't know what to do," I said.
"It's your decision. It's up to you if you want to be with me or stay here with your father," said Mom.
Maybe I could call up Kristy to ask her for an advice. That's what I did and her mom answered.
"Hello," said Mrs. Brewer.
"Hi, Mrs. Brewer," I said.
"Hi, Mary Anne, dear," said Mrs. Brewer.
"Is Kristy there?" I asked.
"Sure, hold on. Kristy, it's for you. It's Mary Anne," said Mrs. Brewer.
She came on a few moments later and said, "Hi, Mary Anne, what's up?"
"Nothing. I need an advice about something," I said.
"Okay. Spill the beans," joked Kristy as we laughed.
"Well, my real mother got another chance to live. She spotted me while Dad and I were in New York City," I began.
"She did? Are you serious?" asked Kristy.
"Yes. She told me she's moving to Iowa soon to be with Grandma Verna. Guess what: she asked me if I would like to move with her. I told her I would have to tell Dad about it and I'm confused on what should I do. What if I break his heart? What would you do?" I asked.
"Remember when I had the same problem when my father came back and asked me the same?" asked Kristy.
"Yes," I replied.
"I practiced until I was ready to talk it over with my mother. She was okay with it since she knew how much I missed my father a lot," said Kristy.
"Oh, that was when you decided to spend weekends with him," I said. "I'm not ready to tell Dawn because she'll be upset the most. I don't think Carlos and Meredith won't mind even though they might get upset, too."
"Just be careful like you told me," said Kristy.
"Okay. Thanks," I smiled.
That made sense to me. I decided to talk to Sharon first.
"Can we talk privately? It's something that I'm worried to tell Dad," I said as I told her about it. "What if I hurt him? I'm scared to distroy our relationship."
"That's normal. It's okay to be worried," said Sharon.
"One thing that won't change is that you're my stepmom and love you," I said as we hugged.
After we talked, my stomach flipped-flopped because I am so nervous. I decided to read in front of the fireplace to make me feel better. I was already in my nightgown. I don't know how long I was there because Dad came to me.
"It's past your bedtime, sweetie. It's after ten," said Dad.
I looked at the time and noticed he was right.
"I figured I'd read over here for awhile. I honestly didn't notice how late it is," I said.
"That's alright," said Dad.
"Mind if I finish the chapter first?" I asked.
"Okay. I don't mind at all," smiled Dad.
After I finished the chapter, I went off to bed. I didn't fall asleep right away because I was still worried and try to keep Kristy's advice in mind. I was still awake at midnight. I came down to have a glass of water.
"Are you okay? You should be in bed," said a voice.
When I turned around, it was Dad who noticed me.
"You surprised me there," I said. "I couldn't sleep that's all."
"Is something bugging you?" asked Dad.
I sighed. I guess this would be a good time to talk.
"Can we talk about something?" I asked.
"What is it?" asked Dad as he sat on the couch with me.
"Remember when I told you that Mom's moving to Iowa?" I asked.
"Yes," replied Dad.
"Well, I have a slight problem. She asked me if I want to move in with her, but I don't know what to do. I was afraid to upset you earlier. That's why I didn't say anything," I said.
"Oh. I knew something was bothering you. I just didn't know what it was. How are you feeling about living with your mom?" asked Dad.
"I honestly don't know what to do," I said.
"You have time to think about it," said Dad.
"Before I decide, are you okay with me living with her?" I asked.
"I'll be fine," said Dad.
"I was worried about that part," I said. "I told her I'd talk to you about it first. Now, I'd be concerned about hurting my siblings. I'll wait until after school."
2 1/2 hours later, I was still wide awake. Imagine if I upset my entire family? I'd feel quilty about it. I don't know what to do. What if I regret the decision? What if no one wants to do with me if I choose to move to Iowa with Mom? I could do pros and cons. That would be helpful, but I'm not sure about it. I do know I'd see my other friends; Bob, Michelle, Michael, and Lucas and that would be good. But one more thing I'm concerned about: what Baby-Sitters Club would do without me?
The next day, I was asleep for ten minutes when Sharon said, "Time to get up for school, everyone!"
I was still asleep when the rest went down.
"Is Mary Anne okay? She hasn't slept all night," said Meredith.
"Something was bugging her. We had a long talk," said Dad. "I'll let her stay home from school today. That would be the best thing to do."
He came up to me while I was still asleep.
"I'm going to let you stay home from school today," said Dad.
"Good thinking. I was about to ask you if I could," I said.
"Meredith was telling me you didn't sleep all night," said Dad.
"I know," I said.
After I slept all day long, I felt much better. I was still half-asleep, but after I took a shower, I was wide awake then. I'm more concerned about Dawn. If I do, how would she might feel? When she got home from school later on, she saw me reading.
"How are you doing?" asked Dawn.
"I felt better after I slept most of the day," I replied.
"That's good. Kristy told us you weren't happy with something," said Dawn.
"And, confused," I added. "Can we talk?"
"Okay. How about we can do that after I do my homework? All I have is science and history vocabulary," said Dawn.
"Alright," I said. "I'll be on the porch."
"Okay," said Dawn.
On the porch, I was still in a nervous wreck. Dawn came out ten minutes later.
"I just let your father know we'll be taking a walk for awhile," said my sister.
At the park, we sat on a bench.
"So, what did you want to talk to me about?" asked Dawn.
I took a deep breath and said, "Remember when I told you and Dad that my mom's moving to Iowa to live with my grandmother?"
"Yes," replied Dawn.
"I'm not sure how to break it to you, but she asked me if I would like to move there with her," I said.
"Are you going to do it?" asked Dawn.
"To be completely honest with you, I have no idea yet. I'm confused and felt like a divorced kid," I continued.
"I know how that feels," said Dawn.
"That's what caused me not to sleep all night. I talked Dad about it and he's fine with it. I was afraid to tell you and the others," I said.
"I see what you mean," said Dawn.
Later, I noticed something was going on. Dawn is not talking to me. I'm confused. I suspect she's upset me about moving with my mom. How can she change from being nice to being mean.
What happened to the other Dawn who was nice about it? I knew that was going to happen. I ran up to my room.
Dad probably knew something was wrong because when he came in, he noticed I was sobbing and joined me.
"Is everything okay?" asked Dad.
"Dawn hates me," I replied facing the other way.
"Why?" asked Dad.
"I told her what I might do. She wasn't talking to me," I said.
"Honey, just ignore about Dawn's behavior and decide what you want to do," said Dad. "You're still my little girl no matter what to do."
I turned to him and said, "I still don't know what to do."
"It takes time," said Dad.
"I didn't tell Mom yet," I admitted.
"She's downstairs when you're ready to tell her," said Dad.
"Oh, I'm running late joing the girls, we had plans to hang out," I said.
That was when I rushed over.
"Sorry I was running late, I forgot we were hanging out," I said.
"That's okay," said Kayla.
At the mall, Kaylee said, "Have you decided yet?"
"No. I'm still struggling," I said. "Dawn started acting odd, she won't speak to me."
"Wow," said Kaylee.
"I made out fine with my father and stepmother," I said.
"Follow your heart," said Kayla.
At least I felt better after that.
When I got home, I went to Mom.
"I think I made my final choice by living with you, but I'm still not sure yet," I said.
"You still have time to decide," said Mom.
The next day, at school, I did all the make-up I missed yesterday and all last week. I didn't have to do today's classwork. Once I finished every one of them, I didn't have to do any of it for homework. Good.
At Gym, I went to Kristy and said, "I have a slight problem on Dawn."
"Were you able to tell Dawn about it?" asked Kristy.
"I did, but not she won't talk to me and I did even made that final decision yet," I said.
"What?" asked Kristy.
"I know, I think I'll just move with Mom," I said.
"I think that would be the best thing for you," said Kristy.
"I'll make that announcement during the meeting," I said.
At home, I told Sharon about Dawn.
"She'll come around," said Sharon.
"She was fine, what gets me the most that I didn't even made that choice," I said.
"Odd," said Sharon.
At the meeting, I told the group about what Mom asked me and added about Dawn's attitude towards me.
"How come Dawn is like that?" asked Stacey.
"I think she's just mad when I told her about Mom asking to move with her," I said.
"What do you plan to do?" asked Claudia.
"The way things are going, I think I'll just leave with Mom," I said.
"I would. Dawn should've let you decide first," said Stacey.
"I can't wait to leave so I won't have to put up with Dawn unless they could learn to adjust without me," I said.
"Have you told Meredith and Carlos yet?" asked Claudia.
"I haven't seen them. I plan to tell them after the game," I said.
At home, I was on the porch. I told Dad what I decided to do and he didn't blame me for it.
"Where's Mary Anne? We're supposed to leave. Carlos got a game in 30 minutes," said Meredith.
"She's waiting for you both on the porch," replied Sharon.
"Okay. See you later," said Meredith.
An hour later, at Stoneybrook High School, Carlos' team were winning.
"Go, Carlos!" I cheered on.
After the game, Carlos' lost for the first time since he was at Stoneybrook Day School only by two points. Carlos didn't care at all. We decided to get pizza at Pizza Hut. At Pizza Hut, we order half-cheese and half-pepperoni pizza. I ordered Sprite, Carlos ordered Mountain Dew, and Meredith ordered Dr. Pepper.
"I have something to tell you something," I said.
"Like what?" asked Carlos.
"Remember when I told you my mother's moving to Iowa to live with Grandma Verna?" I asked.
"Yes," replied Meredith.
"She asked me to join her," I said.
"Really?" asked Carlos as I nodded. "Are you doing it?"
"Well, when I told it to Dawn, she already started to be mean to me," I said. "So, the perfect solution is yes I am moving with my mom."
"I don't blame you," said Carlos. "Dawn shouldn't act like that to you period."
"I agree. I wouldn't mind you moving to Iowa," said Meredith.
"Dad and Sharon were fine," I said.
"Good," said Meredith.
"I did tell her she's still my stepmom," I said.
"Exactly," agreed Carlos.
After we had pizza and paid the check, we left for home. At home, Dawn got mad at me for not including her. I went tell Mon about my final choice. Dawn heard it and she got furious. Even worse, she stopped talking to me.
"What's the problem with Dawn now?" asked Meredith.
"She got upset with me when I told Mom that I was moving," I said.
"Gosh," said Meredith.
"I know," I said. "I can't wait to leave here."
Then, there was a knock on the door a little noticing it was Dawn.
"Go away. I don't think Mary Anne wants to see you at the moment. You upset our sister. She did nothing wrong to you. It's her business if she wants to move with her mother," said Meredith who was mad at Sharon.
That was when I showed up angrily and added, "I agree with her. And, there is no need to give me a hard time. Your mom and my dad were fine about my choice. Our friends were okay with it. I'm glad I'll be moving away from you."
I backed up while Meredith shuts the door. She and Carlos hate to see me hurt. They're very protective of me. Dad must have saw that and went to Dawn.
"See what happens when you hurt Mary Anne?" asked Dad. "I don't blame her for getting mad at you. I would be, too."
"But...," Dawn started.
"No buts," Dad interrupted her. "You know she can visit us. She's still your sister and you just don't care."
In the middle of the night, I couldn't sleep as I came down to the living room when Dad, who goes to bed at twelve-thirty, spotted me from the kitchen and he came to me.
"It's late, sweetheart, you should be in bed," said Dad.
"I couldn't sleep," I said. "The way Dawn treated me still bugs me. I don't derserve any of that. I'm still hungry.
"I agree with you," said Dad comforting me.
The next day, Meredith, Carlos, and I left without Dawn.
"How rude of Mary Anne to leave me behind," said Dawn.
"Well, if you don't be mean to your own sister, that wouldn't happen. I noticed that. There is no need to do so. You should know better. That's why she decided to move in with Alma," said Dad.
"I don't want her to leave," said Dawn.
"Being mean doesn't help. If you continue to do so today, you will be punished," warned Dad.
"I agree with Richard," said Sharon.
"Whatever," mumbled Dawn going to get up.
"It's not whatever, Dawn, so you better apologize to Mary Anne. You made her upset," said Dad.
At school, I was at my locker when Dawn showed up.
"You left without me," said Dawn.
"Whose fault is that?" I asked as I left for my math class.
At least Kaylee and Kayla knew about my decision.
"Just stop being mean," said Kayla.
"Yeah. You're the one who is not supporting her with her choice," added Kaylee.
I also have Marci and Patti, but not Kathi. I should tell them after school when I see them all. After math class was over, I went over to Marci and Patti.
"You girls and Kathi can meet me out front after school because I have importment news to tell you all," I said.
"Okay," said Marci and Patti.
At lunch, I told the rest what happen with Dawn.
"How mean of her!" exclaimed Kristy in her low voice.
"I know," I agreed. "I left without her this morning. Meredith and Carlos were great."
"Good," said Claudia.
"I told Marci and Patti I'll tell them the news along with Kathi after school," I said.
"I bet they'll be upset," said Stacey.
"And, I bet Marci will change back to her old self," said Claudia in her low voice.
"No, she won't," I told her. "How can you say that?"
"Mary Anne's right," said Kristy.
After lunch, Dawn made my day worse by telling me she wants nothing to do with me and wished she didn't have me as her sister. I didn't let that bother me. Kristy heard Dawn and told her to quit it.
But after school, it did. I did tell Marci, Kathi, and Patti. Boy, Claudia was wrong about Marci changing back to old herself. None of them seemed to mind at all. I told them what Dawn said after lunch.
"What!" exclaimed all three of them.
"That's so mean," said Marci.
"I know," I said trying not to cry.
"Boy, she should try to accept about you moving away with your mom," said Marci.
"I agree with Marci," said Patti.
"Me, too," said Kathi.
"We'll still be friends no matter where you are. Nothing's going to change," said Marci.
"Thanks," I said trying to smile a bit.
At home, I ran upstairs to my room and threw myself on my bed crying.
"Mary Anne," a voice was heard.
It was Mom who came in and noticed that as she sat with me and said, "Is everything okay?"
"Dawn made my day worse by telling me she wants nothing to do with me and wished she didn't have me as her sister," I cried. "I can't wait to leave with you."
"I know," said Mom comforting me.
That night, Dad said, "Mary Anne, it's time for supper."
I didn't come down.
"Excuse me. I'm getting concerned about her," said Dad.
"Something must be bugging her," said Sharon.
He got up as he came up. In my room, Dad knocked on my door and came in. That was when he noticed I was very angry.
"Are you alright, honey?" asked Dad as he sat on the bed with me. "I was concerned when you didn't come down."
I told him everything about earlier. He was shocked about what Dawn said.
"It didn't bother me until after school," I said. "Kristy got mad at Dawn."
"Good," said Dad.
"I know. At least she cared," I said.
"Forget about what Dawn said," said Dad. "I'm going to punish her."
He came down to Dawn angrily.
"Excuse me, but what did I tell you this morning? Mary Anne just told me what you about what you said to her. That wasn't nice of you. You're grounded. You made her feel worse. You were supposed to apologize to her, not continue to be rude," said Dad.
"That would teach you a lesson," said Sharon. "You should know that she's still your stepsister. She did tell me that she loves me and still her stepmom."
Dawn just realized that her mom was right because she finally said her sorry to me.
"Don't you ever be like that to me again," I said.
However, she was still grounded, but for five days. I was glad she finally came around.
A month later, on a Monday, it was four more days until I'd be leaving town with Mom. At home, I decided to pack early to be all done. I packed half of my stuff-including my clothes-and left the rest here. I decided not to leave one more thing behind: Tigger. I want him to live with me. He's very important to me. I finished packing 30 minutes later. Dad didn't blame me for not leaving Tigger behind and he liked the idea of bringing half of the stuff and leave the rest.
On Thursday evening, I came downstairs with my two suitcases to sit on a step. Dad came from the den noticing me there.
"Well, this is it," said Dad.
"I know. I'm glad Tigger gets to stay with me," I said.
"I bet," said Dad.
Meredith came down a box that had my other stuff in it.
"What time you and your mom are leaving tomorrow?" asked Meredith.
"Well, we're going to take a train. They say Stoneybrook train goes to Iowa and it would take overnight to get there. The train leaves for eight in the morning, so Mom and I would have to get up at around seven. We're staying at the mansion since it's closer to the train station," I explained. "Charlie should be here to get me shortly."
"I wish you luck," said Dad.
"Thanks, Daddy," I said as I got up to hug him. "I'll call you every day starting tomorrow night."
"Okay," said Dad.
That was when a car honked.
"That's Charlie now," I said.
"Bye, honey. Just remember, you'll always be my little girl," said Dad.
"I know," I smiled as we hugged. "I promise I'll visit."
I left after Meredith and I packed the car. I said bye to her and Carlos. Sharon and Dawn weren't there. They were out with Granny and Pop-Pop. But Dad did said he'd tell them that I said bye to them. At the mansion, I decided to bring my overnight bag that has my nightgown in it because Charlie offered to bring me and Mom to the train station. Even though Kristy was supposed to be with her father tonight, she decided to change her plans to be at the mansion so she can see me for the final time for awhile.
"Maybe I'll come down in the summertime for a month. Perhaps in July for Claudia's birthday until sometime in August so I can be here for your birthday," I said.
"I like that idea," smiled Kristy. "I'll miss you terribly."
"I'll either write or call you daily," I said.
"Good. You better," joked Kristy as we laughed.
The next day, Kristy had permission to spend the Spring Vacation with me! The reason she didn't tell me that because she wanted to surprise me! She already packed last night. At eight, the train started going to Iowa. The following day, we were already there. We took a taxi so Mom can surprise her mother. When we got there, we got our suitcases, and went to the porch. Kristy offered to bring my box. I rang the doorbell.
"I'm in the back," said Grandma Verna.
We went in to put our stuff in the living room for now as I fled to Grandma Verna who was happy.
"Hi, Grandma!" I exclaimed as I hugged her.
"Hi, my sweetheart! What a nice surprise to see you," said Grandma Verna.
"Actually, you got a surprise visitor waiting for you," I said. "I'll go bring the visitor out here."
I went in to get Mom and we came back out. When Grandma Verna looked up, she was surprised to see Mom.
"Hi, Mom," said my mother.
"Oh, Alma, it's so good to see you," said Grandma Verna.
"She got another chance to live," I said. "She wanted to come back here to surprise you."
"Wow! I'm already surprised," said Grandma Verna who was in happy tears.
"She's not the only one who's living here," I added.
"Who else?" asked my grandmother.
"Me," I replied.
"This is wonderful to have my daughter and granddaughter living here. What about your father?" asked Grandma Verna.
"Well, when Mom asked me, it wasn't an easy choice. Dad's okay with it. I figured I'd like to get to know Mom better. After a lot thinking, I did decide to move here with her," I explained.
"And, I had permission to come here to spend time with Mary Anne one last time during Spring Vacation," said Kristy who came out to join us.
"Hi, Kristy," said Grandma Verna.
That night, Kristy helped me unpack. I was having my room-where I always stay-for good. Mom's having the guestroom where Dad stays when he's here, too. The guestroom is dowstairs. Kristy and I were done in no time.
"I'll go call my dad. I told him I would every night," I said
"Okay," said Kristy.
I went down to get the phone to call home and Dad answered.
"Hello," said Dad.
"Hi, Dad," I said.
"Hi, sweetheart, how's everything in Iowa?" asked Dad.
"Good. Grandma Verna was thrilled to see Mom," I replied.
"I bet," said Dad.
We talked for a bit longer. At ten, Kristy and I went to bed. I'm sure I'm happy wth my decision. I fell asleep as the dream ended.
"Mary Anne, Meredith, time to get up. It's after nine," said Sharon who was at the door.
I started to wake up and stretched.
"Your father wants to surprise us this morning, so you girls should get ready," said Sharon.
"Okay. Where are we going?" asked Meredith.
"I'm not telling you a soul," smiled Sharon.
I was in the shower and came down dressed after that.
"Meredith is going to take a shower. She'll be right down," I said.
"Okay," said Dad.
"What's the surprise anyway?" I asked.
"You'll see," said Dad.
"Is this has something to do to go out?" I asked.
"That's the first clue," replied Sharon.
I went to the living room looking at a picture of Mom while I was sitting on the couch while I was tying my shoes.
"All set to go? Meredith just came down," said my stepmom.
"Okay," I said.
In the car I looked out the window pretending to see Mom's face
"I finally had a dream meeting Mom," I said.
"Really?" asked Meredith.
"In it, she came back to life after getting another chance to live and asked me to move in with her in Iowa. It was a tough decision until I finally decided to move with her," I explained.
"That is one strange dream," said Dad.
I just laughed and said, "I know."
Dad surprised us by spending the whole day in New York City! Swell! We had a fun time and didn't return later on after dinnertime.
The End