"Annie…Annie…" I awoke to the sound of a low, gentle voice speaking my name.
I blinked in surprise to see Mr. Warbucks' eyes staring into mine.
"Mr. Warbucks?" I gurgled in disorientation.
"Good morning", he smiled at me in a friendly way.
I looked around the room and realized I was still in the sitting room, curled up on the couch. Mr. Warbucks was on his knees in front of me, his waistcoat undone. Usually he was so buttoned-up and formally dressed, it was odd, but nice to see him looking so relaxed.
"Oh, we fell asleep down here, didn't we?"
He chuckled softly. "Yes dear. I hope you weren't too uncomfortable."
"Oh no, I'm so comfortable I can hardly move." I stretched, then asked, "Are you OK? That chair can't have been very nice to sleep in."
Mr. Warbucks grimaced and shook his head. "Not especially, my back's a little sore. However, it was nice and warm here overnight which was very comforting after our exploits outside yesterday."
I smiled sleepily at the memory of our snowball fight. "It was very cold, but lots of fun."
Mr. Warbucks nodded his head with a fond look in his eyes. "Well, I'm sure we'll have many other opportunities to do it again if you would like to."
My brow furrowed in confusion. "But Mr. Warbucks, I'm only going to be here for another eight days."
"Oh, yes, of-of course", he mumbled. "Ah, well you never know what the last week of the year might bring. Perhaps a Christmas miracle or two, huh?" He tapped me gently on my nose and I smiled at him.
"I'm going to go and have my breakfast in the dining room. Would you like to join me?"
"Sure!" I grinned enthusiastically, very happy to spend some time with him and looking forward to filling my already rumbling stomach.
"Good", he smiled back at me and gave me his hand to help me up off the couch.
We walked to the dining room, meeting Drake on the way, to whom Mr. Warbucks spoke briefly. "Oh Drake, Annie and I will be having our breakfast in the dining room this morning."
"Certainly Sir, I'll inform Mrs. Pugh", he smiled at Mr. Warbucks and me pleasantly.
Mr. Warbucks thanked him and the two of us walked to the dining room hand in hand.
"Shouldn't we change our clothes first?" I asked Mr. Warbucks as he sat at the table.
"Oh, we can change after we eat", he said, leaning back comfortably in his chair.
It was very interesting to see him looking this free and easy. He was usually such a stickler for rules and etiquette I thought, so I wondered what had changed in him today.
Drake brought our food. It seemed we had everything under the sun served to us today! Oatmeal, fresh fruit, pancakes, bacon, eggs, toast. It was a real banquet!
Halfway through eating our breakfast, Miss Farrell walked into the room.
"Hello Miss Farrell!" I greeted her cheerfully, after swallowing my food of course.
"Good morning Annie", she smiled at me, her eyes darting between me and Mr. Warbucks. "Good morning, Sir", she greeted him too, her eyes lingering on him. She probably wasn't used to seeing him so informally dressed either.
"Good morning Grace", he smiled warmly at her.
"We're having breakfast in the dining room today!" I told her excitedly and she chuckled in response. "I see that."
"Would you like to join us?" I asked her.
"Oh thank you Annie, but I've already eaten."
"Won't you have a cup of coffee with us, at least?" Mr. Warbucks asked her.
I grinned encouragingly at her.
She let out a small laugh and nodded her head in agreement. "Well, alright. A small one."
She took her seat across from me, and Mr. Warbucks reached for the coffee pot and a clean cup and began pouring her coffee for her. "Say when", he told her.
"When…WHEN…Sir, STOP!" She squeaked, reaching out to still his hands. I cackled out loud at Mr. Warbucks' playfulness. He grinned at Miss Farrell slyly and reached for the jug of cream. "Cream?" He asked.
"Please", she nodded, glancing at him somewhat warily. He poured a little into the cup and then passed it across the table to her. "Thank you", she said softly, seeming to blush as she looked into his eyes.
"My pleasure", he told her, already returning his attention to his plate of food.
I narrowed my eyes at them both. Something was different between the two of them this morning. As if they were keeping a secret. I was eager to find out what, but also conscious about minding my own business - it was so conflicting!
"Annie…", my thoughts were interrupted by Mr. Warbucks' voice.
I jumped a little and turned my head to look at him. "Yes, Sir?"
"I've decided that today is going to be your day. We've decided what to do with you all the other days you've been here and although I think you've enjoyed yourself…"
"I've loved every second, Mr. Warbucks!" I told him quickly.
He and Grace both smiled at me warmly.
"Well that's terrific, but I'd also like to learn a little more about you and the things that you want. So, for today, you are in charge of the agenda."
"Me?"
He nodded his head. "We can do anything you wish. Anything you've ever dreamed of doing."
My eyes widened in absolute wonder. "Gee, I'll have to think for a moment."
"Why don't you make a list? Writing things down usually helps me to organize my thoughts. Grace will help you."
Miss Farrell nodded her head in confirmation.
"That's a good idea. I'll make one after I've finished breakfast."
"I suggest you change your clothes first, dear, and make sure to dress warmly if we're going out", Miss Farrell suggested wisely.
"I will", I nodded. My head already filling with possibilities.
I finished my breakfast quickly after that and raced upstairs, eager to get started on my list. I dressed in a nice warm outfit as Miss Farrell had advised and went back downstairs to meet with her to work on the plans for the day.
"I have some ideas but if they're too much, I understand and I'm happy to scale them down."
Miss Farrell smiled at me. "As long as it's nothing too outlandish, I'm sure Mr. Warbucks will be able to make it happen. Probably even if it is a little bit outlandish he'll still be able to make it happen", she laughed.
Feeling full of optimism, I began writing down my list of things I really wanted to do that day, while in the company of . Things I knew I was probably never going to have the opportunity to do at any other time, or with any other person.
My list wasn't long but it was quite specific. When I'd finished it, I showed Miss Farrell.
"Do you think this is OK?" I asked her quietly as she read it.
She moved her astonished eyes from the paper to my face. "Annie…This is really what you want to do with your day?"
"Yes", I told her assuredly.
Mr. Warbucks walked into the room, looking very well put together again, a full three piece suit on, standing as straight and strong as I was used to seeing him. "Ah", he said as he saw the piece of paper in Miss Farrell's hands. "Is this your list?" He asked me with a smile, which faded away as he read what I had written.
Buy lots of blankets, warm clothes and food.
Take the blankets, warm clothes and food to Hoovervilles and give them to people in need.
Lunch at the Automat.
Come home and read books and listen to music by the fire.
He and Grace looked at each other, both of them appearing sort of emotional.
"Are you sure this is what you want to do, dear?" Mr. Warbucks asked me and again I nodded in assurance. He shook his head in what seemed like disbelief. "You could do anything in the world and this is what you choose. You are a very unusual, but very special eleven year old, Annie."
I smiled at him calling me special.
He folded the piece of paper and put it securely in his breast pocket before reaching for my hand. "Come then Annie. We've got a lot to do. We ought to make a start."
My smile grew as I wrapped my hand around his much larger one and we skipped to the door together, Miss Farrell trailed behind us with a great big beam on her face.
…
We went to Woolworths and Mr. Warbucks recruited what seemed like every single worker there to help us buy what appeared to be most of their stock of warm clothing and blankets. We loaded up cart after cart of lovely new things to take to the homeless and needy.
I was amazed at how generous Mr. Warbucks was. I knew at this point that he was willing to show me such incredible kindness, but the fact that he was willing to give so much to complete strangers really told me just what a good man he was. Of course, I was aware that a large reason for him being so kind was to fulfill my wishes. Even if, at the end of the day, he was only doing all of this to improve his image, it felt good to have someone do such nice things for me.
Next, we went to the covered market on Grand street in the Lower East Side and stunned the vendors there by almost buying out their entire supply. I don't think any of them had ever sold that much of their produce in their entire careers. Cheeses, pickles, cans of herring and tuna fish. Cartons and cartons of milk and dozens of loaves of freshly baked bread, as well as cheese puffs and twinkies "a little treat for the kids" Mr. Warbucks said, though I noticed him trying one of the twinkies himself and nodding approvingly.
We took the food, clothing and blankets to the folks living in encampments on the East and Hudson Rivers. Some of the people there I recognized from my recent night out on the streets. They had been kind to me, had offered me food and kinship, Sandy too. So now I was glad to be able to return the gesture.
Seeing them made me think about Sandy again. I hoped he was OK and that he'd found somewhere nice and warm to sleep and plenty of food to keep him well-nourished. I'd only known him for a few hours but he was a good pal and I did miss him.
Every person we gave clothes and food too was so thankful. Some were too overwhelmed to speak, others were sleeping when we visited them and so we just left their things in their tents or by their barrels. It felt so good to be able to do something nice for so many people. I left the Hoovervilles with a feeling of great pride and joy in my heart.
We went to a nearby Automat and upon entering I looked around in awe. It was like a fantasy land with all the food on display. Everything looked so delicious!
"How did you come to know about this place anyway, Annie?" Miss Farrell asked me in interest, gazing around the room in fascination.
"Oh, one of the girls at the orphanage told me about it. She used to come here with her folks before they passed away."
"So, how does this work?" Mr. Warbucks asked me, squinting at the sandwich cabinets.
"You gotta put the coins into the slot of whichever cubby you're selecting your food from. There's so much to choose from, I don't know if I'll ever be able to decide!"
"Hmm, uh, I may have to go and exchange some bills, I'm afraid I haven't got any change on me", Mr. Warbucks said apologetically.
"Oh. Allow me, Sir", Miss Farrell stepped forward to save the day.
"Are you sure, Grace?" He asked her hesitantly.
"Absolutely. Why, with all the lunches you've paid for this week, I'd say it's about my turn, wouldn't you?" She smiled glowingly at him.
"Do you have enough to cover the three of us?"
"Yes, certainly. My boss is quite generous and he pays me rather well, you know", she told him playfully.
"Oh, he does?" Mr. Warbucks played back with her, giving her a lopsided grin. "Well, in that case…"
I shook my head at them, their banter seemed to be almost effortless now. I didn't know what their relationship had been like before my arrival of course, but comparing the first day I'd met them until now, a great piece of armor seemed to have fallen from between them, as if they were both so much freer around one another. I felt as if this week had possibly been just as good for them as it had been for me!
Mr. Warbucks selected a Pastrami and pickle sandwich and a slice of pecan pie, Miss Farrell chose a ham and cheese sandwich and a piece of apple shortcake and I picked a roast beef sandwich with a particularly attractive looking slice of cherry pie.
We sat down and ate our lunch happily, surrounded by crowds of people from all walks of life. There were many families and as I looked around at all the kids with their parents and their grandparents, I felt a little envious. I knew I shouldn't, not after having spent such a wonderful week living with such pleasures and privileges, but having a family of my own was the thing I really, truly wanted and needed more than anything else.
I looked over at Mr. Warbucks and Miss Farrell. Mr. Warbucks had just stolen a forkful of Miss Farrell's cake right off her plate. She didn't look as if she minded too much though, especially when he pushed his plate of pecan pie towards her, offering her some of his dessert in return.
I knew Mr. Warbucks was preoccupied with his work most of the time and was a very busy man, and Miss Farrell had a lot to do as well, but I thought that they would both make really great parents - maybe even together. For a moment of foolish hopefulness, I thought that perhaps when they took me back to the orphanage, I should suggest they take one of the kids who have no parents home to live with them. I could just imagine what a great life they could give to one of my friends. If they were willing to consider it, I would definitely suggest they take Molly. She deserved to have a good life and a nice family.
We all stood up from the table after eating and Mr. Warbucks shook his head. "It feels so odd to leave without paying the bill." He ducked down low to stage-whisper into my ear. "Quick, let's get outta here before they catch us." He grabbed my hand and I laughed at his silliness. I quickly reached back and took Miss Farrell's hand as well and we ran out into the street, all three of us acting playfully sneaky.
As we neared the street corner where the limousine was parked, I stepped out onto the road, panting and laughing. I did not notice the Model T Ford which came roaring down the street behind me. All I saw was Mr. Warbucks' panicked face as he lunged forward and yanked me back onto the sidewalk. Next thing I knew, there was an almighty bang next to us as the car that had nearly hit me crashed into a nearby shop.
Mr. Warbucks' eyes were wide with fear. "Are you alright?" He asked me, looking very concerned. I nodded my head, unable to form words just in that moment. My heart was thumping so hard. I could feel his heart beating hard too as I grabbed him and hugged him tightly for saving my life.
"Oh Annie, what a terrible fright! Are you sure you're not hurt?", I heard Miss Farrell's frantic voice behind me.
"I'm OK Miss Farrell", I assured her, though I was in quite a bit of shock. I felt her arms go around me and I hugged her tightly as well. I think we were both as relieved as each other. When she let me go, she reached over and flung her arms around Mr. Warbucks as well in thanks for his quick thinking.
"Oh my God. Oh Lord. Is anyone hurt?" A voice asked us. It was the driver of the Ford who had just stumbled out of his car and come over to us. Surprisingly, he himself looked unscathed.
Mr. Warbucks stood up quickly and for a moment I thought he was really about to let the man have it for his reckless driving.
"I'm so sorry Mister. I really am. I don't know what happened, the brakes just stopped working all of a sudden, there was nothing I could do to stop!" The driver cried, looking up at Mr. Warbucks and although his jaw was stiff, Mr. Warbucks didn't get angry with the man, instead he said to him, "We're all fine, no harm done. Well, except to your car, of course."
"Aw gee, what am I going to tell my wife?" The man looked back at his car forlornly, becoming more upset.
Mr. Warbucks looked at the car wreck, then looked at Miss Farrell and me and then back at the driver. He pulled a business card out of his pocket. "Find the nearest auto mechanic, ask them to tow your car to their shop and do the necessary repairs to get her roadworthy and running well again. Tell the mechanic to send the bill to my address. It will be paid promptly, I assure you."
The look on the man's face was priceless. He stared at Mr. Warbucks in disbelief and then reached forward to shake his hand frantically. "Oh, bless you, Mister. Bless you."
He tipped his hat at Miss Farrell and me and went quickly on his way to find someone who could fix his car.
I stared up at Mr. Warbucks proudly. I don't know if he'd been inspired by my own generosity earlier on in the day, but he was certainly displaying a much more charitable side than I think he'd ever shown before and if I'd had anything to do with influencing it, I was very pleased.
He turned to me and put his hand on my shoulder. "Come on, I think you've had quite enough adventure for today, don't you?"
I nodded my head. "I think I've had enough adventure for a whole year." He squeezed my shoulder gently and Miss Farrell smiled sympathetically at me. They both helped me into the limousine and we drove home, all of us feeling a bit shell shocked I think, because we were all very quiet the whole way there.
We'd had a very busy morning. Buying all those things for the homeless and delivering them to the people in need had taken quite a long time and it was actually almost three o'clock by the time we'd eaten lunch, which meant it was after four by the time we reached home. When we walked into the house, Drake greeted me with a big smile. "How was your day, Miss Annie?"
Although I was still quite shaken, I managed a smile. "Oh, it was wonderful, thank you Mr. Drake", I answered him. He must have been able to tell that my answer was half-hearted because his smile fell away from his face.
"Drake, I think we could all do with a nice hot cup of tea", Miss Farrell told the butler kindly but directively. He glanced at her and nodded his head. "Of course, Miss Farrell."
He went to the kitchen to ask Mrs. Pugh to prepare some tea for us and she brought it to the sitting room a little while later where we were all huddled as close to the fire as we could get. I wasn't aware how cold I'd gotten after spending most of the day outside until I'd begun to defrost next to the heat of the fire.
After I'd had my tea, Miss Farrell turned to me and rubbed my arm. "Why don't you go and ask Mrs. Greer to run your bath now and then get dressed for bed so you can just relax down here and keep warm afterward? We've had a late lunch so I think I'll just ask Mrs. Pugh to bring us some soup for dinner, how does that sound?"
"It sounds perfect, thanks Miss Farrell", I smiled lazily at her, already feeling quite tired.
I hopped up off the couch and turned back to look at Miss Farrell and Mr. Warbucks before I got to the door. "Thank you both so much for today, for being so kind to me and for helping all those people."
I could see both of them welling up with tears. Mr. Warbucks cleared his throat before speaking. "Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be a part of it."
Miss Farrell turned her head to gaze at him as a tear slipped down her cheek. I could feel myself getting emotional as well but I simply smiled at them gratefully and went upstairs to take my bath.
I felt so much better and cozier afterwards and came downstairs, feeling heavy and sleepy. As promised, Mrs. Pugh brought us all some soup in big mugs so we could stay by the fire and keep warm. After I'd drunk my soup, Miss Farrell suggested I choose a book, kindly offering to read it to me while Mr. Warbucks stood and put some gentle piano music on the victrola.
I snuggled up on the couch next to Miss Farrell whose gentle voice was soothing and lulled me to sleep several times throughout the story.
I shook myself awake and noticed she had stopped reading, and instead she and Mr. Warbucks, who had come to sit beside us, were humming along to the music that was playing. Both had little smiles on their faces. Miss Farrell was stroking my hair softly, gazing peacefully at me while Mr. Warbucks had his eyes on her.
"I'm sorry, I can't stop falling asleep", I croaked.
Miss Farrell shook her head and caressed my cheek softly with her thumb. "It's OK baby, we can read the story again another time. Go back to sleep."
I felt my eyelids drooping even before she'd finished the sentence. There in Miss Farrell's warm arms, with the lull of Mr. Warbucks' sweet, melodic voice, I was carried off to dreamland easily.
The next thing I knew, I was rousing to the sound of Mr. Warbucks and Miss Farrell's softly speaking voices. They were no longer sitting with me, but still standing pretty close, meaning I could just make out what was being said.
"Oh Sir, this is just wonderful", I heard Miss Farrell sigh happily. "You're going to make her so happy."
I became intrigued - was she talking about making me happy? Was I getting something really nice for Christmas? I had been so spoiled already. I couldn't imagine being given anything more.
I was pulled from my inner thoughts as I heard Miss Farrell continue even more softly, "Just as you make me so very happy."
My eyelids were closed but underneath my eyes were bulging. I waited a few seconds, eager to hear what Mr. Warbucks' response might be. He seemed to be at a complete loss for words because for several seconds only silence filled the room.
I knew I was breaking the rules again by eavesdropping and spying on them, but I couldn't help but peek a little, just to gauge his reaction.
When I opened my eyes, I couldn't believe what I saw. Mr. Warbucks and Miss Farrell were kissing each other - right on the lips too! She had her back to me and I could see through my squinted eyes, his arms wrapped around her back, holding her tightly.
I gasped involuntarily and then quickly closed my eyes again when I saw them immediately separate and Mr. Warbucks glance straight over at me.
"Annie?" His voice spoke to me questioningly.
I cursed myself and my inability to mind my own business.
"Annie, I know you're awake", he said in a no-nonsense tone.
I just couldn't open my eyes, I was too embarrassed and too ashamed for intruding on such a very private moment between them.
"Annie, please talk to us", Miss Farrell requested, her voice was sharp but still warm.
But I just couldn't face them. I had seen something I knew I wasn't supposed to see. Something wonderful, but still, a moment that should have been Mr. Warbucks and Miss Farrell's alone.
"It's alright, Grace. Let's leave her be for now."
God bless Mr. Warbucks, I thought to myself.
"Come on", he urged Miss Farrell softly and I dared not look to see them leaving the room together. I waited until the light was switched off until I breathed again.
Needless to say, it took me quite a long time to get back to sleep again after that…