The next day was New Years Eve. It was a lovely sunny day. Sean and Katie decided to go to the park in the morning as they had to get ready for the party that night. They walked hand in hand to the park where they played on the swings and the marry go round. Katie had such a good time as she loved to play on the swings. On the way back home they went by Mrs. Smith's house to pick up the bottle of wine.
They walked up to the door and knocked. A few moments later Mrs. Smith opened the door and smiled. I was expecting you she said. Please come in and I will get your purchase for you. She left them standing in the hall way and went into the kitchen to pick up the bottle. Here you are she said as she returned to them. Thank you so much said Katie. I really appreciate it. What is this she said as she noticed that there was a pretty bag along with the bottle in the plastic bag. That is a bottle bag. It makes the gift look pretty. Oh thank you so much I really like that. Katie ran over to Mrs. Smith and gave her a big hug. You are very welcome said Mrs. Smith smiling. We had better be going, my mom is expecting us home for lunch said Sean. Thank you very much Mrs. Smith.
They walked down the path towards the sidewalk and off towards home.
We had better get home so that we can get ready for the party tonight. Do you think that I would have time for a nap asked Katie? Why responded Sean? I want to be able to stay awake tonight and if I don't I will fall asleep before midnight. I think we can probably find the time for a nap said Sean.
When they got back to Sean's house they were met by Mrs. Sullivan. I was just about to come out to look for you. When Katie saw Mrs. Sullivan she hid the bottle behind her back. Oh I'm sorry are we late for lunch asked Sean? No but I just wanted you here before I put it on. Oh ok we will just go upstairs and wash our hands and faces and will be right down said Sean. Ok said Mrs. Sullivan. They took off their coats and rushed upstairs.
I was afraid that she was going to see the bag I had in my hands said Katie. So was I said Sean. Where are we going to put it asked Sean? I guess we could leave it in my room until tonight said Katie. Ok. They washed their faces and hands and went downstairs for lunch.
During lunch they were deciding when everyone would be getting ready for that night. I think I need to take a bath said Katie. That is a good idea said Mrs. Sullivan. How would you like to take a bubble bath? Katie got really excited. I love bubble baths, can I really have one? Of course you can when do you want to have your bath? I think I will have it early so that I can have my nap this afternoon. That sounds like a wonderful idea said Mrs. Sullivan. Would you like me to do your hair she asked? Yes what would you do with it she asked? I think I might do pin curls. Pin curls what are they asked Katie? They are when you put your hair up in twists and hold it with hair pins. Can I sleep with the pins in my hair she asked? Oh of course. Has your mother never put your hair in pin curls before asked Mrs. Sullivan? No I have always had short hair until just recently.
So it was decided that Katie would have her bubble bath after lunch, get her hair done and have her nap.
When Katie went into the main bathroom where the bath tub was she found that she was not able to get into the tub as it was too high up for her to climb in. She started down the hallway when she met up with Sean. What is the problem he asked? I can't get into the tub said Katie. Why not he asked? It is too high up for me to climb in. I can help you he said. No you can't she said you are a boy and boys are not supposed to see you with out clothes on. Oh alright I will get my mom said Sean. First you won't let me see your bum now I can't see you with out clothes he said laughing. He went to get his mom and she came and helped Katie into the bath. Just call me when you are ready to get out. I will said Katie.
Katie sat in the bath for a few minutes and splashed around but then she thought how am I going to get my hair washed if I am in a bubble bath. She called out for Sean.
What is the problem he said as he reached the door? I have a problem. What is it he asked? I can't get my hair washed because I am in a bubble bath and you can't wash your hair in a bubble bath. Do you want me to help you and wash your hair he asked? I don't think that you can. I think it would be alright as you will be covered by the bubbles. Oh alright but if anything shows I don't want you to look. I promise said Sean.
He got the shampoo that his mother used as it smelled really good. He went to get a jug that he could use to rinse her hair with and returned to the bathroom. Now dunk your self in the water and get your hair wet he said. She did and went she resurfaced she was laughing as the bubbles were tickling her. He had filled the jug with warm water before he came in so that he would not have to disturb her bubbles. He took the shampoo, put into her hair and started to massage it in. oh I really like that she said. It always feels good when someone is washing your hair. When her hair was clean he rinsed it and put on some conditioner. He sat down for a few minutes to let the conditioner do its job then rinsed her hair again. Now you are done. Thank you she said. You are very welcome just call and I will send my mom in to help you out of the tub. I will. With that he left the bathroom.
Mrs Sullivan came in and helped Katie out of the bath. Did you enjoy your bubble bath she asked? Yes I always enjoy a bubble bath. This tub is so big I could go for a swim in it she said laughing. Mrs Sullivan rubbed Katie down to dry her off. I have to put on my pj's now so that I can go and lay down after you do my hair. Alright I will wait for you in my room. I will be there in a minute said Katie as she put on her pj's.
When she was leaving the bathroom she found Sean waiting for her. Are you all clean now he asked? Yes I am all clean and I even smell good she said. Sean leaned in and sniffed at her neck. Yes you do smell good. Where are you going now he asked? I am off to get my hair done. Oh can I come with you he asked? Sure but won't that be boring for you just seeing me get my hair put up in pins? No I don't think so. Alright lets go said Katie.
We're here she said as she reached Mrs. Sullivan's bedroom. Alright said Mrs. Sullivan. Please sit here she said indicting the pouf in front of her bed. Katie sat down and took off her towel. I have only one request said Katie. What is that said Mrs. Sullivan. Please remember that there is a person under the hair. What do you mean asked Mrs. Sullivan? Well my mom sometimes forgets and pulls my hair when she is trying to brush it. Mrs Sullivan just laughed and started to brush Katie's hair. You have such beautiful hair she said. It is so soft and shiny. To be seven again and have the shiniest hair.
When Mrs. Sullivan was finished brushing Katie's hair she started to put the hair up in pin curls. Sean would hand his mother the pins when she needed them. It took a while but they finally finished. I didn't realize how much hair you had said Mrs. Sullivan. My mom says that all the time said Katie. Now what she asked? Well you can go and have your nap now and when it is time to get up I will put a drying charm on your hair so that we are sure that it is bone dry. Alright I will meet you here after my nap said Katie with a smile. It's a date said Mrs. Sullivan laughing.
When Katie left the room she was followed by Sean. Are you going to have a nap too she asked? I might but I am not tired right now. oh well I guess I should get to my bed to have my nap. Will you sit with me until I get to sleep she asked? Maybe you can read to me she asked? That sounds like a good idea said Sean. Wait for me I will be in in a few minutes. Alright said Katie and she walked into her bedroom and got into the bed.
A few minutes later Sean came in he had his pj's on. Why are you wearing your pj's asked Katie? Well I thought we could have a slumber party in here. I brought a book to read to you. What book is that she asked? It is a Nancy Drew book. It is the one that you took out of the library. You left it in my room the last time we were reading. Oh good I haven't finished it. So lay down and get comfortable and I will read to you. Katie snuggled down into the bed and got herself comfortable. Ok I'm ready she said.
Sean sat on the bed and started to read shortly after Katie was asleep. Sean put the book down and just sat looking at Katie. She is so beautiful he thought. I wonder why no one else sees this.
A couple of hours later Sean woke up. He looked at the clock and saw that it was getting late. Katie …. Katie … wake up sweetie it is time to get up. What? Katie it is time to wake up we have to have dinner in a few minutes. Oh ok said Katie as she rubbed her eyes and sat up in bed. What time is it she asked? It is almost five o'clock. Oh we did sleep for a while said Katie. Come have dinner and then we can get ready for tonight said Sean. Alright. They put on their robes and slippers and went down stairs. Well sleepyheads how did you sleep asked Mr. Sullivan? I slept really well said Katie. Of course I always sleep well. My problem is when I wake up said Katie laughing.
Come sit down and have some dinner said Mrs. Sullivan. Ok said Katie as she grabbed onto Sean's hand and led him to the dinning room table. The four of them sat and ate dinner and Katie was commenting on how she was looking forward to the party. I have never stayed up until midnight. It is going to be so much fun. I hope you do have a good time said Mrs. Sullivan. I know I will said Katie.
After dinner Katie and Sean went upstairs to get dressed. Katie before you put on your dress come and let me do your hair said Mrs. Sullivan. Ok I will she said. Katie put on everything except her dress. She put her robe over herself and went to Mrs. Sullivan's room. Mrs Sullivan was already dressed and was waiting for her. Sit down here she said and Katie sat where she had indicated. First I will do a drying charm on your hair to make sure that it is bone dry.
She did the charm and then started to take out the pins in Katie's hair. While she was doing this Sean arrived. Katie looked up at him and commented how handsome he looked. This made Sean blush. Sean sat down and watched as his mother took out the rest of the pins from Katie's hair. Isn't this boring for you asked Mrs. Sullivan? What asked Sean? Sitting here watching me take pins out of Katie's hair, isn't that boring? No I have the two most beautiful girls in the world right in front of me why would that be boring. Ok what did you do with my son asked Mrs. Sullivan smiling. Sean just laughed.
Once all the pins were out of Katie's hair Mrs. Sullivan started to brush her hair. I just love this she thought. Katie what do you want to do with your hair do you want to leave it down or do you want to put it up in some clips? Oh I would love to have it up in the clips I got for Christmas. Where are they she asked? They are in my suitcase I will go and get them. No Sean can do that. Sean would you go and get the hair clips out of Katie's suitcase for me? Sure mom I will be right back.
Mom, what do people do at midnight on New Year's Eve asked Katie? Well they usually have a toast to the New Year and make lots of noise. I heard that they sometimes kiss said Katie? Where did you hear that she asked? I am not sure, is it true asked Katie? Yes it is true. Do you think it would be ok if I gave Sean a kiss at midnight asked Katie? I don't know you will have to ask him. Oh I will I just wanted your permission first. You don't need to get my permission to give Sean a kiss. You need his permission. Oh ok. I think he will be ok with it thought said Mrs. Sullivan.
Here we are said Sean as he returned to the bedroom. Mrs Sullivan took the sides of Katie's hair and put them up in the clips. There that looks beautiful said Mrs. Sullivan. What do you think asked Katie to Sean? I think you look so pretty. Really said Katie blushing. Yes really. Thank you said Katie. Just a moment said Mrs. Sullivan. She reached over onto her vanity table and picked up some make up. Here we are she said. Close your eyes. Katie closed her eyes and Mrs. Sullivan put a small amount of eye shadow and blush on Katie's face. Now for a little bit of lipstick. There you are a new woman. Katie looked at herself and smiled. I look so grown up she said. Yes you do you look at least nine years old said Sean. I had better go and put on my dress said Katie. Thank you for putting the make up on me and for doing my hair I really like it. You are very welcome said Mrs. Sullivan.
Katie went to her room and put on her dress being very careful not to get any of the makeup on it and to not mess up her hair. When she went to do up the zipper on the back of the dress she could not reach it so she called out for Sean. What is it he asked when he got there? Could you do up the zipper on my dress I can't reach it. Sure he said as he reached down and pulled up the zipper. You look so pretty he said. Thank you. We had better go the guests will be here very soon. Ok they went to leave the room when Katie remembered the bottle of wine. Sean we forgot about the wine she said. Oh right where is it he asked? I don't know you put it away where did you put is she asked? I remember it is in your cupboard. I put it there in case mom came in for any reason. Ok said Katie as she walked over to the cupboard and removed the bag. They put the bottle into the bottle bag and then made there way down stairs.
What took you so long asked Mrs. Sullivan? Sean had to help me with my zipper said Katie. Oh ok.
Just then Katie took the bag out from behind her and walked over to both Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan. I wanted to give you this for having me here this week. I hope you enjoy it. She handed them the bottle bag. What is this? How did you get this they asked? I have a friend who got it for me she said. Who do you know who is old enough to go and buy a bottle of wine asked Mrs. Sullivan? Mrs Smith said Katie. Mrs Smith bought this for you asked Mrs. Sullivan. Yes she did she said that she was happy to do it for me. Really I am surprised. Why asked Katie? Well Mrs. Smith doesn't believe in drinking alcohol. You must have made a very good impression on her for her to do this for you. By the way thank you very much for this you didn't need to do this it has been a pleasure having you here. You light up our lives when you are here. Mr and Mrs. Sullivan came over and gave Katie a big hug.
Just then the door bell rang. Well I guess our guests are here said Mr. Sullivan. He went to the door and opened it. He introduced the couple there to his wife, Sean and Katie. I didn't know you had a daughter the man said. Oh Katie is not my daughter she is a friend of Sean's. After most of the guests were there Katie went to the kitchen to ask if she could help. You could serve some of the appetizers if you want said Mrs. Sullivan. Oh yes that would be fun. Mrs Sullivan gave her a tray of appetizers and some napkins and Katie was on her way. She walked among the guests offering the appetizers to everyone.
She met one man who asked who she was. My name is Katie, I am a friend of Sean's. Oh where are your parents he asked? They are at home. I am staying with the Sullivan's this week. May I ask your surname you remind me of someone. My last name is Robinson. Robinson would I know your parents he asked? I am not sure they moved to Canada a couple of years after leaving school which would be over fifteen years ago. You remind me of a girl I went to school with. Her name was Rebecca. Rebecca that is my mom's name. Well I am sure that is not your mother, she was a member of the Black family. That would be my mom. Her name was Rebecca Black before she was married. Oh my so you are Rebecca's daughter. So she married James was it. Yes that is my daddy's name. Well it was nice meeting you he said. It was nice meeting you too. As she was walking away the man leaned over and said to a friend of his. That is the daughter of that mudblood that Rebecca married. Katie knew that what he said was not nice as it was what her grandmother had called her once.
She finished serving the appetizers and returned to the kitchen to drop off the tray.
When she returned to Sean he noticed that she was upset. What is wrong he asked? That man over there called my daddy a nasty name. What do you mean he asked? He called my daddy a mudblood. What does that mean she asked? It is a nasty name for people who are muggle born. It is used by ignorant people who are prejudiced against anyone who is not of pureblood. It means dirty blood. Come with me he said. They went over to Mr. Sullivan.
Dad, there is a man here who called Katie's dad a horrible name. what do you mean he asked? He called him a mudblood. He did are you sure? Yes Katie heard him. Mr Sullivan looked at Katie. I am so sorry you had to hear that. Could you tell me who it was he asked? Katie indicated the man. Ok I will take care of this.
Mr Sullivan went over to the man and asked to speak with him. He told him that he would have to leave as the use of such foul language in his home was not acceptable. The man was shown the door and asked to leave.
I am sorry said Katie. I didn't mean to ruin the party. You did not ruin the party said Mr. Sullivan. It was his problem that he is so prejudiced. What is going on here asked Mrs. Sullivan. I had to ask someone to leave as they used foul language. What did they say she asked? They called Katie's father a mudblood. Oh Katie I am so sorry she said to Katie. Not everyone is like that. I know said Katie. All of you are so wonderful to me. I just don't understand what the problem is about my daddy being a muggle born. I knew it was not a nice name as it was one of the names my grandmother called me when I was little and my mom and I went to visit her.
What exactly did she say asked Mrs. Sullivan. I know that she called you a half blood but what else did she say? She called me the daughter of a filthy mudblood and a blood traitor. She also said I was nothing but a filthy half blood.
I just don't understand why she was so mad with me. I was only four years old. We had gone to see her as she had never even seen any of us since we were born. She didn't even go to my brother's funeral. Why wouldn't a mother go to be with their daughter after she has lost a child. That is when she would really need her mother. I know that if that ever happens to me my mommy would be there so fast.
Well it was her loss not getting to know you said Sean. You are so very sweet. It would have done her good to have you around. Thank you said Katie.
After a while Katie decided to sit down on one of the couches beside Sean. Would it be ok if I lean against you she asked? Sure no problem. Before he knew it she was asleep. He sat there for a few minutes before he signalled for his father. Would you be able to carry Katie upstairs for me he asked? No problem Mr. Sullivan picked up Katie gently and carried her up the stairs to her room. Following behind was Mrs. Sullivan who was going to get Katie out of her dress and into her pajamas. Sean came in to see if she needed any help. You could hand me a pair of pajamas if you don't mind. Sean looked in her drawers and found the pajamas that Katie had put on that afternoon. Here you are he said as he handed her the pajamas. thank you, I will be done in a couple of minutes and you can come back in. alright said Sean and he left the room.