The next morning Katie woke up early and decided to go and wake up Sean. She walked quietly to his room and opened the door. She looked at Sean as he slept. She smiled. He looks so peaceful she thought just wait until I wake him up he won't look so peaceful. She quietly ran over to Sean's bed and leapt on top of him. Sean screamed. What!! Katie just laughed. Katie what are you doing he said as soon as he was able to speak. I am waking you up she said smiling. Well could you try doing that without scaring me to death. Katie thought that Sean was mad at her and started to tear up. I'm sorry she said I will just go back to my room. No Katie don't go I'm not mad at you. You just scared me that's all. Once Katie realized that Sean was not mad at her she started to smile. You should have seen your face, it was so funny. Just then Mrs. Sullivan came into Sean's room. What is going on in here she asked? Who was screaming? That was me said Sean. Katie came in to wake me up and decided the best way would be to jump right on top of me. It was fun said Katie smiling. Well try a quieter way of waking someone up the next time said Mrs. Sullivan smiling.
The two of you should be downstairs breakfast will be ready in a couple of minutes. Ok mom said Sean we will be down in a couple of minutes we just need to wash our hands and faces.
When Mrs. Sullivan left the room they both started to laugh. Good morning said Katie and then she leaned over and gave Sean a kiss on the cheek. Sean started to blush after this. Sean said Katie. Yes he responded. I had the funniest dream last night. What was it he asked? Well I was a princess and I was laying down for a sleep and a prince came up to me and he kissed me. He kissed you said Sean breathlessly. Yes and you know what she asked? What said Sean? I liked it. It felt nice. He kissed me so softly it was like a butterfly kiss. I wonder if he will come back to me in my dreams tonight she asked? Well you never know said Sean smiling. I would love that said Katie. I don't like it that the only dreams that keep coming back are bad ones she said. I am really sorry that you have so many bad dreams said Sean sincerely. I wish they would go away said Katie. We had better get going said Katie as she walked toward the door to Sean's room.
Alright said Sean as he jogged to catch up with Katie. Here give me your hand and we will go down the stairs he said. Why do I have to hold your hand she asked? Because I don't want you to fall down the stairs again. Oh ok and she held out her hand for Sean to grasp.
Well isn't that cute thought Mrs. Sullivan as she saw the two of them walking down the stairs hand in hand. Please sit down and I will bring out breakfast said Mrs. Sullivan. Ok said Katie and she sat down in her chair and waited. Mrs Sullivan walked out with a tray full of food. We have eggs and bacon, toast and juice she said. That sounds really good mom said Sean thank you. You are very welcome. Yes thank you said Katie. Mrs Sullivan spooned out some eggs and placed a few slices of bacon along with some toast on Katie's plate. Here you are said Mrs. Sullivan. Thank you said Katie taking the plate from her hands. This looks really good said Katie. What kind of juice would you like asked Mrs. Sullivan? Do you have orange juice asked Katie? Yes I have orange juice here you are she said as she poured a glass of juice for Katie. And here you are Sean your pumpkin juice as she handed him a glass of juice. Thanks mom. Katie went to pick up her toast and found that it was cold. Oh she said. What is wrong asked Mrs. Sullivan? Nothing really I was just surprised that the toast was cold. Would you be able to warm it up for me she asked? Do you eat your toast warm Mrs. Sullivan asked? Yes that way the butter and peanut butter melts she said smiling. Oh ok Mrs. Sullivan took out her wand and waved it and Katie found that her toast was now nice and hot. Thank you very much mom she said.
They sat and ate their breakfast in relative quiet. What do you have planned for today Sean's mother asked? I was thinking that we might go to the library today said Sean. They are having story time today and I know that Katie likes to listen to stories. That sounds really good said Katie. Would I be able to look at the books while we are there she asked? Of course said Sean. You might even be able to take out a book if you want he said. Oh that would be wonderful said Katie excitedly. When can we go she asked? Well story time is I believe at one o'clock so how about we get to the library at eleven. I will take some of my books and I will do some homework and you can look at all the books and find one that you might want to take out. Thank you so much I can't wait said Katie. Do you think that we could go to the park on the way to the library Katie asked? Why asked Sean? Well I thought we might be able to go on the swings. There has been too much snow at home and they have taken down the swings. I don't see that there would be a problem with that said Sean. Oh good said Katie.
Can I help you with the dishes asked Katie to Mrs. Sullivan? No that is ok she said. My mommy told me to help so please let me help or my mommy will be mad with me. Oh alright said Mrs. Sullivan just let me get the dishes into the kitchen and you can help wash the dishes. Ok just call me when you are ready said Katie. Sean can help too. What my mom won't get mad at me for not doing dishes he said. Maybe so but you still should help said Katie. Oh alright.
Mrs Sullivan walked into the kitchen to find a small funny looking creature washing the floor. Twinkle could you please go and clean an other part of the house? Katie wants to do the dishes and she has never seen a house elf before. Yes the small creature was a house elf. House elves are usually owned by very wealthy wizards and witches. Twinkle was not owned she was a free house elf which means that she is free to leave the Sullivan household if she chose. She also is paid for her services. She receives two gallons a month and two days off. Which Twinkle feels is extremely generous. Oh alright Mrs.. I will go and make the beds. Thank you I just don't want Katie to be scared. Why would she be scared of Twinkle asked Twinkle? Well Katie has only ever experienced nasty house elves in her grandmother's home. Katie's grandmother was Mrs. Druella Black. Oh I can understand then. The elves in that house were abused and were quite nasty. I will be back after Miss Katie is finished said Twinkle.
Katie I am ready for you called Mrs. Sullivan when Twinkle had gone upstairs. Katie and Sean then walked into the kitchen together. Sean what are you doing here his mother asked? I am doing dishes he said. Katie felt and I agree that I should help too he said. Mrs Sullivan just smiled. When she looked at Katie she too was smiling. Sean I will wash and you can dry. It will be better that way as I can't reach the cupboards. Ok said Sean as he looked for a dish towel. Mom where are the dish towels asked Sean? They are in the drawer beside the sink she said. Sean looked in the drawer and found a number of dish towels. He reached in and removed one and waited for the first dish to come to him. Sean looked at Katie as she stood on a stool with the sleeves of her pajamas rolled up to her elbows. She looks so cute like that he thought. Here you are she said as she handed him the first plate. He took the plate and dried it with the dish towel. They went on like that until all the dishes were done. Sean she said. Yes Katie. Could you please tell me where the dish detergent is? I believe that it is under the sink. Let me look he said as he bent down and opened the cupboard and removed the detergent. Why do you need it he asked? I need to change the water because I will be doing pots and pans now. She reached in to the sink and pulled the plug and let all the dirty water out. Then she filled the sink up again and started on the pots and pans. When they were finished she looked very happy. There I did it she said. My mommy would be so proud of me. Well she told me to help out where I could so I thought this was something that I could do.
After finishing the dishes the two of them went upstairs and got changed to go to the library. Sean do you think that I will need my boots or could I just wear my running shoes she asked? I think that you should probably wear your boots as it is kind of muddy out. Ok then I guess I will take my shoes with me. Is there a place I can put my boots when we get to the library she asked? Yes I think that they have small lockers. Good that way I won't have to carry around my coat and my boots. Can we go now she asked? I guess so he said. They got their coats and boots on and started off for the library.
Mrs Sullivan watched them off and noticed that they seemed to unconsciously reach out to each other and hold hands. That is so cute she thought. They walked for a few minutes when they came across Mrs. Smith a neighbour of the Sullivan's. Good morning Mrs. Smith said Sean. Good morning Sean and who is this she asked? This is my friend Katie. You met her last summer. This is Katie I thought that your name was Belle she asked? I decided to go by my real name instead of a nickname said Katie. Well I think I like Katie better anyway said Mrs. Smith. Where are the two of you off to this morning?
We are going to the park and then to the library said Katie excitedly. The library what is going on at the library she asked? They are having a story time said Sean. Katie loves to read and listen to stories so we thought that she might enjoy it. That is a wonderful idea said Mrs. Smith. I hope you enjoy it. I do too said Katie. Goodbye Mrs. Smith I hope to see you soon said Katie.
They walked on towards the park. When they got there they found that the swings were fine and dry. Good said Katie I don't like it when the swings are wet I get a damp bum. Will you push me she asked? Of course said Sean. Katie got on one of the swings and waited for Sean to push her. When she got going Sean got on one of the other swings and started to swing too. Isn't this fun said Katie. It is just like flying. I guess it is but flying is much more fun. What do you mean asked Katie? Flying a broom he said. You can fly a broom she exclaimed. Yes I can didn't you know that he said. No when did you learn to fly? I learned a few years ago when we lived in the country. I can't do it now as the muggles would see me. Is it fun asked Katie? Yes it is. I get to fly when I am at school. I hope that I can be on the Quidditch team next year.
I don't think I will ever learn to fly a broom said Katie. Yes you will he said. All first years are given flying lessons at the beginning of the term. They are said Katie excitedly. I wonder if I will be good at flying she asked? I don't know but I am sure if it is possible you will be. You are good at most things that you try.
Sean looked at his watch and noted the time. We had better be going if you want to have some time to look at the books before the story time. Ok said Katie as she slowed down her swinging and got off the swing.
They started off walking towards the library and again they each reached for the others hand. When they arrived at the library Sean helped Katie off with her coat and boots. He placed both of their coats and boots into a locker that was supplied at the library. Do you need help with your shoes he asked? No I can manage she said. When Katie had her shoes on she stood up and waited.
Where are the books for me she asked? What type of books are you interested in he asked? I would love story books. I usually I read books for 7-9 year olds. Well then I think the books you would be interested in would be over there he indicated the stack of books at the other side of the library. Ok can we go there now she asked? Sure let's go.
They walked towards the book stack and Katie started to look for a book that interested her. She looked at a lot of books until she found one that she liked. Here we are she said to Sean. I love reading Nancy Drew books. I have read a lot of them so I had to find one that I had not read already. I think I will take this one. Can I still take this book out she asked Sean? Of course said Sean. Do you want to start reading the book while we wait for story time? Yes. I will read my book and you can read your book. Let's go over there where there are tables to sit at said Katie.
They walked over to the tables and sat down side by side. What are you reading asked Katie? History of magic said Sean very quietly so as not to allow anyone to over hear them. Oh is it interesting asked Katie? No actually it is very boring but I have to learn this stuff. Oh I am sorry I know it is difficult to read something that you are not interested in. I will leave you to concentrate then. Katie sat back and started to read her book.
Before she knew it Sean was tapping her on the shoulder. It is time for story time. Oh ok said Katie as she closed her book. Here give me the book and I will check it out before the story begins. They walked over to the check out desk and Sean presented his library card to the lady behind the counter and received a slip telling him when the book was due by. Thank you Sean for taking out the book for me said Katie. You are very welcome said Sean.
Let's go and get a good spot said Sean as he led Katie to a spot next to the wall to sit. Here I will sit with my back against the wall and you sit between my legs. Ok said Katie as she sat down and leaned back into Sean. He put his arms around her middle and Katie relaxed into him. Are you comfortable he asked? Yes very comfortable. I hope that they have a good story that I haven't heard before said Katie. I am sure even if you have heard the story before you will enjoy it said Sean. You love listening to stories. I guess you are right said Katie.
The man who was going to read the story came out and sat down and told everyone about the story he was going to read. This story is about a little girl and her best friend. I will tell you about how their friendship blossomed. That sounds like us said Katie to Sean. It does doesn't it. We had better listen maybe we can get some pointers. They started to listen to the story and Sean found it surprisingly interesting as this was a story that was written for children younger than he was. After a few minutes he noticed that Katie was falling asleep. Sean just gave her a kiss on the head and allowed her to sleep. She just looked so peaceful sleeping like that. It wasn't until the story was over and the people listening started to clap that Katie woke up. Did I fall asleep she asked Sean? Yes sweetie you did. Why didn't you wake me up she asked? You looked so peaceful I couldn't wake you. Was it a good story she asked? It was a good story. I will tell you the story as much as I remember of it ok. Ok said Katie smiling. I guess we should get home said Sean. Alright said Katie as she got up from the floor.
Katie reached out for Sean's hand and they walked towards the lockers. Was I the only one who fell asleep she asked? No there were quite a few children who fell asleep. Were there any who were my age or older she asked? Well I think there were he said. This made Katie fell better that she was not the only one to fall asleep. I think it has something to do with you said Katie. I don't fall asleep when I am in school and the teacher is reading to us. I guess I am just too comfortable with you she said. Well I guess I will have to make you fell uncomfortable from now on teasingly. Katie just laughed.
Sean helped Katie on with her coat and boots and then they were on their way back home. Katie, I think we can come back later in the week and hear another story if you want? Yes that would be nice responded Katie. I will try not to fall asleep next time. Sean just smiled. Sean reached over and took Katie's hand and they walked home.
Mrs Sullivan was outside getting the mail when she saw Sean and Katie walking up the sidewalk. She looked at them and smiled. When they arrived at the house she commented to them. Did you know that when ever the two of you are walking together you always seem to hold hands? We do said Sean. Yes it usually takes about ten steps until one of you reaches for the other.
I guess that is because we are best friends said Katie. Do all best friends hold hands she asked? I don't know said Sean. I haven't really seen other best friends holding hands. Oh do you want to stop holding my hand she asked? No said Sean. I like to hold your hand. Oh ok said Katie.
So how was the story time at the library asked Mrs. Sullivan? I don't know said Katie shyly. Why asked Mrs. Sullivan? I fell asleep during the story she said. You did oh that is too bad. Will there be another one Sean asked Mrs. Sullivan? Yes in a couple of days he responded. Well there you can go to that one Katie. Yes I was hoping to said Katie.
Sean and Katie spent the remainder of the afternoon either studying or reading. It was an hour and a half when Katie put down her book and looked at Sean. Are you finished your studying Sean? I guess I am for now he said. Is there something you want to do? No not really I just feel like a hug. Could you give me a hug she asked? Sure said Sean as he walked over to Katie. He took her into his arms and gave her a nice long hug. Thank you she said. Why did you need a hug he asked? I don't know sometimes I just need a hug. Usually my mommy gives me my hugs when I need them. Well if you need a hug while you are here I am more than willing to give you one. If I am not available I know that my mom would be happy to give you hugs. I think that my mom would be thrilled to give hugs. She gets upset with me when I don't want hugs. Ok the next time I need a hug I will ask your mom. Even if you don't need a hug you can ask for hugs, she is always willing. I guess sometimes she may need hugs too. I never thought about that said Katie. Just a minute.
Katie walked out of Sean's room and went down the hall to see if Mrs. Sullivan was in her room. When she saw that she was she knocked on the door. Yes said Mrs. Sullivan. Mom said Katie. Would you like a hug she asked? Yes I think I would said Mrs. Sullivan. Katie walked over to her and threw her arms around her middle and gave her a big hug. Why did you come to give he a hug asked Mrs. Sullivan? Well Sean and I were talking. I had asked him for a hug and he told me that he thought that you too may need hugs so I came to see if you needed one. That was very sweet of you Katie thank you. You are very welcome. I thought that I should give you a hug anyway as you have taken such good care of me and you invited me to stay.
Just then Sean walked into his parent's room. Is the huggy monster in here he asked? Yes she is and she has attacked said Mrs. Sullivan. She gives very good hugs though so it wasn't so bad. Katie just laughed. Then she started towards Sean with her arms out wide. I am going to get you next she said as she started to run towards him. Oh no the huggy monster he didn't move and just let her hug him. I have been attacked by the huggy monster. What will I do? Just give up and accept it said Katie. Just then Mr. Sullivan came into the room. What is going on here he asked? Upon seeing Mr. Sullivan Katie started towards him. You are going to be attacked by the huggy monster she said as she wrapped her arms around his middle and gave him a big hug. Mr Sullivan just laughed as Katie continued to hug him. After hugging Mr. Sullivan she then turned back onto Sean. She ran back towards Sean with her arms out yelling "HUGGY MONSTER" and grabbed him into a huge hug. Sean and Katie collapsed onto his parents bed laughing.
So when did the huggy monster invade the house asked Mr. Sullivan? Just today said Katie. Sean gave me that name. Well it seems he was right you are a huggy monster. Thank you said Katie. I like huggy monster. Huggy monster is a fun person to be. It is asked Mrs. Sullivan? Yes when I am huggy monster I get to hug people and I get to laugh, that is fun. I guess that would be fun responded Mrs. Sullivan.
Mrs Sullivan looked at her watch started to speak. Well it seems that it is almost time for dinner. I think everyone should wash their hands and come down for dinner. Dinner should be ready in about ten minutes. Ok said Sean. Katie and I will be down in a couple of minutes. Katie and Sean walked to Katie's room. Did you have fun as huggy monster he asked? Yes that was so much fun. I am glad he said. We had better wash our hands and faces and get downstairs for dinner. Sean and Katie walked into the washroom to wash their hands. There we are said Sean when they were all clean again. Let's go he said as he took her hand.