I am Muffy

Muffy's parents have been arguing a lot especially about her father's 'business'. Now Mrs Crosswire wants to move out and take Muffy with her. Will Muffy survive life in the real world and which unlucky family will take them in? Please R&R

Disclaimer:I do not own any of the characters in Arthur.

A/N: This chapter has been revised so that Butler is more in character (thanks to

Chapter 3

Butler looked back at his precious cargo in the back seat – a mother and daughter fast asleep, curled in each others arms. "Mrs Crosswire? Miss Crosswire. We have at the library" said Butler stiffly.

Muffy's mother woke with a jolt – "So soon?"

"Well we really don't live far from the town centre" replied Butler politely. "I know it's not in my place to say this, but how exactly are you going to live in the library? It really doesn't provide the basic necessities."

Mrs Crosswire frowned – "No, it's not that. I just wanted to come here because it has a public phone booth. Ed had wired the phones at home so he could listen in on my conversations in case I split the beans on his 'business', so I couldn't call anyone one up to ask if we could stay at there house for a while until this whole business has blown over"

"So you might return to the Crosswire manor?" questioned Butler carefully.

"No, I just want to find a job so I might be able to pay for a rental place," replied Mrs Crosswire.

Butler couldn't help but chuckle – a Crosswire working for someone else? A Crosswire living in a rental property? Not something that was easy to picture, especially since Muffy's mother had never worked before – Ed was the bread earner at the Crosswire place.

"Well, I'll leave you then" Butler concluded. "Best of luck for the future"

He leant over and enveloped Muffy in a bear hug as she got out of the car. "Goodbye – though I mightn't see you again"

"Thanks so much Butler – but why'd you do this for us. Your loyalties should have lied with Ed. You risked so much to bring us here – he'll never take you back as a chauffeur," said Muffy's mother.

"Well…" Butler said uncomfortably, "There comes a time when one must take sides. It was no secret about the disgraceful way Mr Crosswire was treating you. As for my employment prospects…" Butler looked a bit ashamed. "I was thinking about a holiday – a very long holiday from which I won't be returning. He brandished a plane ticket. "I'm going to call a taxi for the airport" he said bowing respectfully. "It has been a pleasure serving you, Messes Crosswire"

"Bye bye Butler!" Muffy and her mother laughed with relief but Muffy was a bit worried – "Who will drive us now?" she asked.

"Well I did once do a drivers course before I married your father," said Mrs Crosswire, "But I might be a tad rusty – but first I have some phone calls to make"

She turned to Muffy. "Jane and David were always so sweet – I know that they of all people should welcome me with open arms to their house" she said, her eyes filled with old memories.

"Who are Jane and David?" Muffy was curious.

"Oh, whoops – you'd know them as Mr and Mrs Reed" said Mrs Crosswire.

"What – those strange nuts! I'm not staying with them – I heard a rumour Mr Reed was gay and I don't want him touching James" exclaimed Muffy indignantly.

"Muffy!" ejaculated Mrs Crosswire, "How dare you say those things about the Reeds – Arthur would be so disappointed with you. Besides, David is terribly sweet and a wonderful cook – better than Jasper even and I promise he won't touch James."

"And Arthur!" exclaimed Muffy with vigour, "How will I ever get along with that annoying young juvenile? And his sister D.W! Très unbearable! Why can't I stay at Francine's instead?"

"Sweet heart, Frannie lives in an apartment – there's no room for two more people in her house. It would be a terrible squish! Besides, your father doesn't really get along with them, so I'm not sure they'd want us there"

"Francine would! She's my best friend!" said Muffy with conviction, yet in her heart of hearts, she knew her mother spoke the truth. They would have to stay in Arthur's house until this was all over.

"But don't get me wrong, Mom" she warned, "I am not looking forward to living in a hut! The Reeds are like beggars compared to us!"

Her mother resisted the urge to roll her eyes – Muffy still had a long way to go before she could shake of her 'snob' tag.

James was Muffy's blanket; she was very attached to him and even thought he was part human

Jasper was the Crosswire cook.