Katie and the Sullivans had a wonderful day. They opened presents and talked about what was going on in their lives. Katie had a surprise for Sean.
Sean. Yes said Sean. What are you doing this summer asked Katie? Oh I don't know spending lots of time with you, doing homework and swimming I guess. Oh well with such a busy schedule I guess you would not want to do what I have planned. What would that be asked Sean? It was taking all of Katie's self control to keep herself acting nonchalant. Well I was wondering if you wanted to do some travelling this summer she asked? I would love to travel, I haven't done much travelling. The farthest I have gone is to Spain a few years ago on holiday with mom and dad.
Sean had a very good idea what Katie was talking about but wanted to let her do this herself.
Katie couldn't control herself any longer. My mom said that you could come and visit with us this summer if you wanted to she said very excitedly. So do you want to come and see me at home this summer? She looked at Sean with an anchors look on her face.
I would love to come and see you at home this summer said Sean. When will I be coming he asked? I am not sure said Katie that has to decided between your mom and mine. I think it would be either late July or early August.
Katie gave Sean a big hug. I am so excited that you will be coming. I can't wait. We are going to have so much fun. We can do all kinds of things. I can show you around the neighbourhood and we can go swimming and ride bikes. It will be so much fun. Are you excited she asked? Yes Katie I am excited , I can't wait for summer now he said with a smile on his face. He loved that Katie was so excited about his visit.
When Katie got home she told her mother all about what went on at Sean's. Mommy he is so excited to come to see us. When will he be coming she asked? I am not sure said her mother. I think the best time will be the first week in August as that is the week that I have taken off from the hospital for vacation. Oh mommy I can't wait for summer. You will just love Sean. He is so wonderful and kind and good. When you meet him you will love him as much as I do. I am sure if he is half as wonderful as you say I will. He is mommy he really is.
The rest of the year came and went as usual. Katie and Sean wrote to each other as much as they could. As it got closer to the time for Sean to come to visit Katie got a little excited. She would go around the house telling everyone that Sean was coming and how long it would be until he would be there.
A week before Sean was to arrive Katie's brother decided that he did not want Sean staying in his room while he was there. This upset Katie as she did not know where Sean would sleep while he was there. She did not have a problem if he stayed in her room but she was not sure if her parents would approve of this.
Mrs Robinson talked to her son and tried to get him to agree to share his room with Sean but to no avail. What are we going to do she asked her husband? I guess Sean won't be able to come then he said. Are you out of your mind exclaimed Mrs. Robinson!! I am not telling my daughter that Sean can't come. She as been waiting for his visit for over a year now. it would devastate her. We will have to come up with an other arrangement. I think that Bill should have to share his room. He agreed to do this when we were first talking about it. He can't back out now. he refuses to do it said Mr. Robinson. It is his room.
Katie heard this whole conversation. She was devastated. She sat and cried her heart out. When her mother heard her crying she went to see what the problem was.
Sean can't come she asked her mother? You said that he could. I told him that we were looking forward to seeing him. You promised that he could come to see us. It is not fair. If Bill won't allow him to stay in his room then Sean can stay in mine. It is just not fair that my one and only friend is not welcome in this house. Bill has his friends over all the time. Do I stop him…. No I don't but just because Bill doesn't get his way he is going to stop Sean from coming to see me. I think he is just doing this because he doesn't want to move and go to Hogwarts next year. Mommy it just isn't fair.
Katie it is not definite that Sean can't come. I will talk to your father. But mommy he is on Bill's side. I don't think he wants Sean to come anyway. He was not very happy about the idea in the first place. I just want to have my friend come and stay for one week. I have never had a friend come and stay but Bill has had all his friends come and stay. It is not fair. What will Sean's parents think when they hear that their son is not welcome in our home when I have been welcome and treated like a daughter from the first time I visited there.
Mrs Robinson sat on Katie's bed and held her as she cried. We will find a solution to this problem I promise. Sean will be able to come to visit I promise. Really said Katie with a small smile. Yes sweetie. It is not much to ask to have your friend come once in four years. Once Katie calmed down her mother got a cool cloth and wiped her face. You go outside and play I have to talk to your father. Ok mommy. I love you and thank you.
Katie went outside and rode her bike while her parents had a discussion.
Sean is coming said Mrs. Robinson to her husband. I don't care what we have to do. I promised Katie that he could come and he will come. This is the first time she as ever asked for a friend to come and stay in our home. Sean has been the best friend she could have asked for. If Bill will not allow him to stay in his room then Sean will stay in Katie's room. He will not stay in my daughters room said Mr. Robinson. Yes he will. You had better talk with your son and convince him to share his room for the time Sean is here. But I already told him that he didn't have to. Well then untell him or Sean will be staying in Katie's room.
Mr Robinson talked to his son and Bill still refused to share his room. Nothing would sway him.
When Mrs. Robinson heard this she told her husband that Sean would be staying with Katie. But he is a fourteen year old boy. We can't have him staying in the same room as our nine year old daughter. He is thirteen and Katie is almost ten years old. Sean is Katie's best friend. She has spent a great deal of time with him over the years and he has been nothing but wonderful to her. It is not as if they will be sharing a bed. We will put the roll away bed in Katie's room. She has cleaned that room until it sparkles. That was the criteria for me allowing this. She had to have that room spotless or Sean would not be coming. She has worked so hard. She even volunteered to help me clean the rest of the house. He will be staying there unless you can find another solution. Mr Robinson did not say anything.
Then next day Katie could hear her father in her brothers room trying to convince him to share his room with Sean. I won't he said. You said that I would not have to share my room with someone I don't even know. If you don't then he will have to stay in Katie's room. So let him stay there. He is her guest.
Later that day Katie's mother came to her and told her that Sean was coming and that he would be staying in her room.
Oh mommy thank you I am so happy said Katie happily. I just can't wait for him to get here. Do you know when his portkey will be? No sweetie I don't. she did but didn't want Katie do drive her crazy for the next week or so. When I find out I will let you know. Oh ok thank you. You are very welcome love.