"Not so good," Sam replied, as she sat down next to Mona with a sigh.
"Boy trouble, school trouble, or friend trouble?" Mona asked. "It's got to be one of the three. Whenever Angela came home from school with that look on her face, it was usually boy trouble. Now, when I was in school , it was usually friend trouble. I never had boy problems...but that's another story. I'll tell you about it when you're older. So, what's going on with you?"
"School trouble. See, my English teacher assigned us this project for mother's day. We have to write an essay about our moms and share them with the class next week."
"So what's the problem?" Mona asked. "You like to write, and the topic sounds right up your alley. I'm sure your dad would be glad to help you."
"Yeah, but the thing is, all the mothers are supposed to come to class and hear our papers," Sam said.
"Oh," said Mona. "And you're worried you'll be the only one without a mother there?" Sam nodded. "Well, why don't you just ask Angela? I know she's not your real mother, but I'm sure she'd be flattered to be asked to fill in."
"I thought about that," Samantha admitted. "But I'm not sure how to ask her. I mean, we've only been living here for a few months. I couldn't ask her to do something like this for me."
"That's ridiculous!" Mona said. "Didn't Angela take you shopping when you needed a bra? I know my daughter, and she'd be happy to do this for you, too."
"Yeah, I know, but, well, do you think you could ask her for me?" Sam said as she stared at the floor nervously.
"Well, all right, if you really want me to. But I still think you should ask her yourself."
Upon hearing this, Sam threw her arms around Mona and exclaimed, "Thanks, Mona! You're the best!"
