Conestoga Queen
Kate Gordan’s teacher, Miss Allie, generously set aside large blocks of time for her class to get ready to go home.
Kate felt drained by the time boots, hats, and everything else were buttoned, snapped, and zipped.
Kate noticed her teacher often touching her forehead with her shirt sleeve.
“Class-class,” said Miss Allie.
“Yes-yes,” responded her young scholars in unison.
“Look beside your coat rack.” Miss Allie pointed to an open shelving system that served as a locker. “Did any of you leave your snack bags? I see two snack bags on the floor in front of the coat racks.”
The first person in line, Kate, didn’t budge from her coveted spot.
All others earnestly checked whether it was their snack bag that had been left behind.
“Kate,” said Miss Allie, “don’t you want to make sure that isn’t your snack bag?”
Kate shook her head, and the motion made her hair fall over her eyes, one of them bright red and weepy.
A classmate poked Miss Allie’s coat sleeve and answered for Kate. “She doesn’t bring snacks. Why doesn’t she like snacks?”
Miss Allie knelt next to Kate. “Ask Kate. She can answer for herself.” She put a reassuring hand on Kate’s shoulder. “Use your words, Kate.”
Kate ducked away from her teacher without moving her feet, thereby keeping her place in line.
Miss Allie noticed the principal waiting by the door. She leaned over toward the principal and said in a discreet voice, “Still hasn’t spoken today.”
A chime on a clock rang, interrupting their conversation. All student activity screeched to a halt as their frozen gazes fixated on their teacher.
“The clock says it’s time we sing our goodbye song.” Miss Allie, along with everyone else, sang as they walked into the hallway adorned with colorful artwork.
Miss Allie clapped a pattern to get her students’ attention. “Class, remember we need to make good choices about what we wear now that it’s cold. If you don’t have a hat, pull up your hood. If you don’t have mittens, put your hands in your pockets. If it’s icy, walk like a penguin.”
Kate put her bare hands inside her pockets.
The kindergarten line ambled outside with other staff members. They guided students to their bus. Some parents waited almost an hour to pick up their child before the buses arrived.
A patrol car slowly cruised past the school.
Miss Allie pulled Kate aside. “Nurse Kenzie couldn’t reach your family.” She tucked a folded note inside Kate’s backpack, which was larger than her torso. “Your family will read the note and know what to do. Have a good weekend, Kate. Stay warm.”
An aide led Kate to the parent pickup line, where she waited against a brick wall until she was the last one there.
While Kate looked in one direction, her mother, Shelly Gordan, snuck up behind her and wrapped her in a hug.
“Hey, who is this amazing little girl who is holding up the only wall keeping the whole school from falling down?”
The patrol car returned, this time from the other direction. Shelly spun her daughter so that her face was out of view from the street.
“Was it a good day?” Shelly watched Kate’s eyes as a barometer of truth.
Kate nodded. “I’ve always wanted to go to a school like this.”
Shelly tilted her head slightly. “Oh, really? Good to know.” She stood up and started guiding them back to her car. “I can’t wait to show you some special surprises that are waiting for you.” Shelly reached for her daughter’s hand and waved to the bus aide, letting them know Kate was safe.
“I can’t wait.” Kate stood on her tiptoes to nuzzle against her mother. She drank in the familiar scents of soap and bleach.
Shelly kissed Kate’s nose. “Wait and see.”
They skated over the ice-slicked sidewalk and cut through the back playground in order to reach a dead-end side street.
“Why’d you park way over here?” Kate’s brow furrowed.
“It’s a better view for what I have to tell you. Big news. Wonderful news.”
Kate’s excitement was evident as she dragged her mother to the car. Soon, they sat inside, the heater going full blast.
“And? What is it?” Kate’s arms draped around her mother’s neck. She pressed her face into her mom’s soft, dark hair. “Tell me, momma.”
“Okay, do you remember when I told you this wasn’t a boring old car? It’s really a Conestoga. It’s a special wagon from a long time ago. People slept underneath it for protection. We’re going to do the same.”
Kate crawled off her mother’s lap. Her face was stern. “We need to make good choices ‘bout hats, and stuff my teacher said. It’s too cold to sleep outside.”
Shelly nodded. “I agree, so we’ll need to sleep inside the car until it’s summer again.”
Kate pinched her lip. “I guess so.” She looked around for the familiar brown bag.
Shelly handed Kate a large bag of leftover fries and greasy chicken. “Looking for this?” Her daughter tried to grasp it, but Shelly held it higher. “What do you say?”
“Please and thank you,” said Kate. Her manners earned her the whole bag. Famished, she dug into her meal.
Thus occupied, Shelly stroked her daughter’s hair and continued. “Well, the special news is about something I didn’t want to tell you until you were at least in high school.”
Kate spoke with her mouth full. “What?” She shoved multiple fries in her mouth at once. She wiped her hands on her pants. The paper sack rustled each time her delicate fist rammed its way to the bottom.
“You see, you’ve really been a young queen who’s been in hiding since you were born.”
Kate stopped chewing. “I’m what?”
Shelly reached into the back seat and carefully handed Kate a disposable cup of water. She repeated herself in the same calm voice. “You, Kate Gordon, are really a queen.”
Kate’s mouth hung open. “How do you know this?”
“The elves report to me. I’m the queen’s mother. You’ll be the ruler soon. It’s time you learn a little more about your people inside your kingdom. It’s the responsible thing for you to do.” Shelly nodded.
Kate raised her eyebrows and whispered. “How do the elves know?”
“Elves, the real elves, are quite small. No one knows they’re around; they’re messengers for important news like this.”
“You’re right, Kate.” Shelly adjusted her rear-view mirror. “We should get going. It’s time to get to work.”
Shelly put the car in drive and avoided Main Street on her way out of town. They passed a man using a chainsaw to cut firewood.
“Should we ask him for wood?” Kate pointed at the man. “We’re gonna have a bonfire, right?”
Shelly hesitated. She noticed the same patrol car driving through the off-roads, then turning back to loop through Main Street again.
“Not this time, sweetheart. We won’t have time. Mostly, we’ll be too busy learning.”
Their indirect path brought them into the neighboring larger town.
“First stop, the library.” Shelly parked their car. “It’s the night for building your own cookies.” She carried a bag of toiletries. An hour later, they both left, clean, with an armful of books and cookies.
Shelly parked her car in an out-of-the-way spot and kept the motor running. She read to Kate late into the night.
“Aren’t we going back to the camper tonight?” Kate brushed her teeth, then Shelly helped her open the car door so she could spit out her toothpaste.
A strong blast of wind burst their car door open and shut at lightning speed.
“Queen Kate,” Shelly said, “I’m sorry, my lady, but we must be about the kingdom’s business. All throughout your lands, we will sleep near your people. The camper is in a faraway lot.”
Kate scrambled into her sleeping bag. “Does my kingdom have a name?” She glanced around the car, looking for some proof of her legitimacy to the throne. Her sleepy eyes started to close before her answer came.
“Yes, but you’ll change the name once you’re officially the ruling queen. Right now, you’re a queen in training.” Shelly kissed her daughter’s eyelids and nose. “You can dream about what you might name your country. You can also make up your own flag.”
Shelly double-checked that the car doors were locked, then reclined her driver’s seat as the engine idled.
***
Shelly drove while Kate stretched out lengthwise in the back seat, awake but not enough to speak yet. She pulled into a gas station to refuel, careful to use her shopper’s code for a reduced price.
“Queen Kate? Sweetheart? Can you walk into the gas station, or shall I carry you?” Shelly tucked the toiletry bag under her arm.
Kate yawned. “It’s still dark.”
“Right, but mommy needs to work this morning before we begin driving throughout your land.”
Shelly walked to the backseat door and carried a compliant Kate into the gas station’s bathroom. She brushed her daughter’s hair and helped her change into fresh clothes. They left with a stack of paper napkins carefully folded.
Kate fell back asleep once back inside the warm car.
Shelly repeated the process, carrying Kate into her workplace.
“It’s okay to keep sleeping. I’ll be about to see you from the front counter,” reassured Shelly. She made a little nest for her daughter on a booth bench. A chair was placed against the edge to keep her from falling onto the tile floor. Library books, crayons, and a stack of napkins were set out for her to draw until the shift was done. She put five empty cups for Kate to play with and a stuffed toy dog on the table.
Every time there was a break from customers, Shelly volunteered to wipe down tables so she could check on Queen Kate, talk with her, or bring her the mistakes to eat.
Kate was busy playing while her mom sat across from her. A stack of folded clean clothing was stuffed inside a plastic bag.
“Hi,” Kate chirped. “How may I help you today? Do you want to know the specials?”
Shelly pretended to be thinking. “Oh, I already know what I want. I think I’ll choose my favorite. I’d like one orange juice, one coffee, and two deluxe breakfast specials. One is for me, and the other is for my beautiful daughter, who looks a lot like you. She’s very intelligent, too. Are you intelligent? You seem very intelligent.”
“My mom says I am.” Kate smiled and pretended to prepare the order. She included cooking sound effects. When her hands stopped moving, she asked for ten dollars.
Shelly shook her head. “I’m sorry, but I don’t have ten dollars for you today. I can’t take this food.”
Kate pushed the invisible order back. “Yes, you can. Here.” Then she pushed all five of the large soda cups to her mom. They were filled with money.
“Where did you get this?” Shelly saw busy guests eating their meals or enjoying coffee. No one looked in their direction.
“People.” Kate went back to coloring more flags. “They wanted flag pictures.”
Shelly’s eyes welled up. “You didn’t ask them for money, did you?”
Kate shook her head. “No. All done now. She held up her best flag drawing for approval. “You can keep this one. It’s my best.”
With boldness she didn’t know she had, Shelly stood and addressed all those inside the seating area. “I’d like to express my deep gratitude.” Her voice broke. She didn’t attempt to hide her tears. Her hand covered her mouth. She grabbed Kate’s hand, clean clothes, and everything else as they left.
Shelly said she was too hot from working close to the kitchen and couldn’t wear her sweatshirt. She put it over Kate’s thin coat.
“We must flee, my lady,” said Shelly. “’Tis time to visit the royal academies to continue your queenly studies.”
Their first stop was the grocery store. Next, they visited one of the city’s free museums before stopping at the mall.
“We’ll only be at the mall for a little bit. Some nice people who are friends of the elves give coats and hats to all royal citizens.” Shelly lightly tapped Kate’s nose. “That’s you.”
Kate sniffed as they walked inside the food court entrance. Scents of donuts and a pizzeria drew her attention away from where Shelly wanted to go.
“School has pizza at lunch sometimes. Can we buy some, p-l-e-a-s-e?” Kate begged.
Shelly watched Kate eat pizza and talk about school.
Together, they looked for the coat drive giveaway set up on the other end of the mall. They passed many interesting shops but didn’t stop at any of them. When they reached the coat drive volunteers, they were busy taking down their table.
“Good! I’m glad I still caught you. We’d heard the coat drive was today, so we’re here.” Shelly looked around for any coats that fit Kate. “I don’t see anything her size, but we’ll take whatever you have and make it work.”
The two gentlemen stopped long enough to address her. “I’m sorry, ma’am. The coat drive was only through the morning.”
Kate looked around for a clock.
One of the men checked his phone. “It’s after one o’clock. We should have taken down our table earlier, but we had errands to do while we were here.
Shelly swallowed hard. “Can you make an exception? I had to work this morning. I thought it lasted all day, so we stopped to eat lunch.”
The volunteer glanced at Kate and sighed. “If it were up to me, I’d make an exception, but there are no more coats, snow pants, hats, or mittens left. Everything cleared out right away this year.”
For the second time that day, Shelly’s emotions threatened to overwhelm her.
Shelly thanked them and turned back to the food court doors. She took a long, hard look at the pizzeria as they passed.
When they stopped at the restrooms before going back to the car, Shelly counted the money from Kate’s donation jar.
On the way out, Kate asked, “Can I get a coat from a store?” Her little legs moved more quickly to keep pace with Shelly’s strides.
“Maybe,” Shelly said.
They drove to an auto mechanic’s shop, where a mechanic checked her tires and removed Shelly’s hubcaps in exchange for cash.
A pawn shop gave her money for a box of silver coins she’d painstakingly collected over the years waitressing. Back then, she was allowed to keep all her own tips instead of putting them into a general pool. She’d kept the coins made of real silver.
Later, they drove to an auditorium to donate blood, and Shelly received an undisclosed amount of cash. Before she left, she signed a contract to return.
Shelly and Kate drove to four thrift stores and didn’t see any winter wear suitable for Kate. They went back to the mall and scoured until they found a good deal.
They were still looking for matched sets when an automated message broke through the elevator music. “Thank you for trusting us with all your shopping needs. Our stores will close in 10 minutes. Please make your way to the checkout registers, and come again.”
Shelly paid for Kate’s ensemble mainly with small change and one-dollar bills. It was worth it to see Kate’s eyes shine when she modeled everything, including her new boots.
Kate’s coat of shimmering aqua and a stocking cap with iridescent fish scales accented her eyes. She couldn’t help but give a shy smile and blush.
“Your royal highness,” said Shelly. “You look radiant. Please look upon all your good citizens with kindness when you begin your reign.”
“Thank you.” Kate couldn’t stop smiling.
“Did you know that as soon as you go to sleep in your royal Conestoga, the inside looks almost like your snow outfit?”
“Really?” Kate looked down at her coat sleeves and boots.
“Yes, because you are Queen Kate, the Conestoga must change, and it does. Velvet-soft drapes fall over the windows. And the elves, did I tell you what the elves do at night while you’re sleeping?”
Kate scootched closer to her mother. “No, what?”
“They stand guard to protect you,” Shelly said. She fiddled with the bandage covering the spot where they drew blood. “It’s their royal duty and honor.”
The rest of their weekend flew by without incident. Kate’s eye improved on its own. She thought it must have been a viral infection rather than a bacterial one.
Monday’s school day started off well, although Shelly’s goodbye to her daughter was abrupt when the patrol car drove past.
Miss Allie put a hand over her heart when she saw Kate walk into the classroom. “My goodness, wow! Kate, you are ready for winter.”
Several other students asked to feel Kate’s shiny hat. She agreed, and all of them petted her hat like it was a favorite puppy.
The principal came to Miss Allie’s room right away in the morning and asked to see Kate.
“Kate, is your mommy still here? We have to talk to her.” The principal exchanged a glance with Miss Allie. “We need to mail some paperwork to your home. You don’t know your address, do you?”
Kate shrugged.
“Is it in town or do you drive from far away?” Miss Allie held a notepad and a pen ready.
“What color is your house?” asked the principal. “Can you tell me that part? Blue? It looks like blue is your favorite color.”
Kate shook her head.
Miss Allie started their ‘Morning Office,’ which involved counting up to the number of the day and giving the weather report by looking out the window.
Sometimes during the school day, Kate would walk over to her coat rack and touch her jacket.
They were getting ready to sing their goodbye song before going to the buses or pick-up line when Miss Allie couldn’t help but notice a smile that hadn’t left Kate’s face all day.
“You love your new outfit, don’t you, Kate?” Miss Allie asked for help with her mittens. “Is that why you look so happy?”
Kate’s hand covered up a smile.
“What, do you mean there’s another reason for your big smile?” Miss Allie kept her eyes on Kate while she got out a knot from another student’s boot.
Her patience was rewarded when Kate nodded.
“Will you tell me?”
Kate leaned close to Miss Allie and whispered. “I’m not supposed to tell anyone yet. It’s a secret.”
Miss Allie held her breath for a moment before answering. “You’d better not tell secrets, but if it’s something that some people can know, then I’m a safe person to tell.”
Kate pulled Miss Allie’s hand and led her into the hallway. Miss Allie flagged down the principal to watch her room while she spoke privately with Kate.
“I’m really a queen.” Kate put a finger to her lips.
Miss Allie’s eyebrows raised. “Go on.”
Kate looked both ways before speaking. “I don’t live in a house or a camper. I live in a Conestoga.”
“Oh, my. How many horses do you have?” Miss Allie sat down.
“It’s my mom’s car, but it turns into a royal Conestoga when I’m sleeping,” Kate added with authority. “I’m still learning how to become a queen, but I really am a queen.”
“And your mom? She told you this?” Miss Allie kept her expression neutral.
“Yeah. She didn’t want to tell me right away, because that meant I couldn’t go back to the camper. But because the elves spilled the beans, I need to start learning about my country. We drive all over the place.” Kate stood up to get in line.
“Wait,” said Miss Allie, “Don’t go yet. I want you to know that I believe you.” She stood up and bowed low to Kate. “All hail Queen Kate.”
Kate bowed low back to Miss Allie. “Thank you.”
“Is this why your mommy didn’t return any paperwork? Is this why we can’t reach her by phone?” Miss Allie glanced up at the principal. He started to join them, but Miss Allie shook her head.
Kate looked confused. “I don’t know what you’re saying.”
“Never mind that. Will you and your mother join me at my home for a royal banquet tonight?” Miss Allie pinned a note onto Kate’s new coat. “This is my address. I promise you, I’m a loyal subject. I won’t tell any of the elves.”
“The elves might tell people who will take me away from momma,” Kate said. “Elves could wreck it and keep me from being queen.”
“You mean child protection services?” Miss Allie gently corrected. “There will be no elves in my house. I will have good food to eat, things fit for a queen. I don’t suppose a Conestoga has a washing machine. If you have any clothes to wash, it’s okay to use my home and anything in it.”
The principal led her kindergarten students outside so that Miss Allie could spend more time with Queen Kate. Miss Allie held her hand and waited with her in a less visible spot. When Shelly came around the corner, she was startled to see Miss Allie.
Time seemed suspended until Kate broke the silence. “Mommy, we’re going to a royal banquet.” She pointed to Miss Allie’s address, pinned to her pocket. “Here.”
Miss Allie bowed low to both mother and child. “All hail Queen Kate. I am a loyal citizen and would be pleased if you attended a banquet held in your honor at my humble rambler.”
Kate could sense that her mommy was thinking. Something about the way Miss Allie delivered her invitation opened a window of trust.
Shelly watched a police officer get out of his patrol car and speak with the school’s principal. “Will you have other guests?”
“No,” said Miss Allie, “it will be an intimate dinner party.”
Shelly saw the principal pointing to where they stood. She bent over and stood face-to-face with her daughter. “Queen Kate, what say you? Would you like to learn about this part of your kingdom?” She spoke softly, only for Kate’s ears. “It’s okay to say no if you want.”
Kate held onto her mother’s hand and giggled. “Let’s go.”
Shelly stood. “Thank you. We’d love to join you for a royal banquet. What shall we bring?” She clutched her daughter’s hand tightly.
“I’ve noticed Queen Kate is an artist. She drew lovely flags during station time. I’d love a flag to hang on my fridge. I even have paper and crayons at my house.” Miss Allie looked directly at Shelly and winked. “Imagine that, a kindergarten teacher has a huge box of crayons at home.”
“It’s the flag for my country.” Kate’s giddiness couldn’t be contained. “Yellow and blue polka dots. Sometimes green shows up, but it’s because I made an oopsie.”
“There are no mistakes, Queen Kate.” Miss Allie put a finger to her chin and looked at Shelly. “Your daughter’s voice is like music. I’ve heard it more during this whole conversation than I have all year.”
Astonished, Shelly looked at her daughter. “I rarely get a chance to speak when we’re together. She’s a chatterbox.” She looked at the pinned address. “I’ll see you in a few hours.”
***
Miss Allie stood on her porch under the light, welcoming her guests. Her cat watched from her perch on the sofa back. She held the front door open for Shelly and Kate to go through first.
Savory scents, mixed with molasses, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon, grew stronger when they went to the kitchen.
“I’ll give you the whole tour,” said Miss Allie. “Feel free to use anything here that might help you on your royal journey.” All corners of Miss Allie’s house were filled with delights. “Over here is the laundry room. My bathroom is across the hall, just in case Queen Kate wants to soak in a tub and play with float toys.”
Shelly looked straight at Kate when she answered Miss Allie. “Definitely. We’d like to use your bathtub.”
“Fresh towels are ready when you are.” Miss Allie opened up a linen closet. “Shampoo, everything else you need, is all in here.”
Kate left the tour to play with the cat and make another flag drawing while the grown-ups talked.
“Tea?” Miss Allie held up a cup.
Shelly sat down on the couch next to Kate. “Would love some.” She hesitated. “If you have milk, could Kate have a glass?”
“Of course.” Miss Allie placed the beverages on the table setting. “Anything else?” She gave Shelly a knowing look.
“Kate, could you look for the cat? I think she’s hiding. I don’t see her anymore.” Shelly rubbed her forehead.
Kate left, and Shelly faced Miss Allie.
“Where do I start? There are elements to this problem that I can’t fix. For the basics, bath after dinner for her royal highness, for starters,” said Shelly. “I do shift work at a local restaurant, but would like something with regular hours so Kate doesn’t have to come with me to work. We have no family in the area. No babysitters. Ever. I love being with my daughter. She’s my whole life.” Shelly watched Kate try to round up the cat, which was weaving through the kitchen table legs.
“I can ask around,” Shelly said. “What else?”
“Mostly, my concerns are about earning enough to support us so Kate wouldn’t have to go into foster care.” Shelly folded her arms. “If they took her away, I wouldn’t have enough money to fight to get her back. A paradox, really. If I had enough money to fight the system, I wouldn’t be in trouble with the system.” She sighed.
“My cousin is a dentist. I could see if he’d take care of her gorgeous smile.” Miss Allie shrugged. “He may not be allowed to if this is regulated, but he’s a good guy. He’d give suggestions on what would work out for her.”
“Thanks.” Shelly was more focused on Kate’s conversation she was having with the cat. “I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t divulge our situation.”
Miss Allie nodded. “You could stay here on the couch.”
“If it gets below zero, I’ll keep you in mind,” said Shelly.
“Who would I call if there’s an emergency at school and I can’t reach you?” Miss Allie noticed the headlights stopping in front of her house before the question was out of her mouth.
“There’s no one.” Shelly put her head in her hands.
All of them heard car doors slam, then someone rapping on Miss Allie’s door.
Shelly rushed to scoop Kate in her arms and brought her into the laundry room, where they sat in the dark, not breathing a word. She left the door ajar a sliver to see who was at the door this time of night.
Miss Allie opened the door. “Principal Sterner, this is a surprise. Is everything alright?”
There were two others behind them that she didn’t recognize.
“I tried calling you, and I sent an email,” he said.
“I’m sorry, but I haven’t been on my phone. Is something wrong?” Miss Allie didn’t move aside to let them come in.
“I’d hoped we could discuss one of your students. There’s concern that the child might be in danger, and authorities will be placed in key locations for an interview with the child’s mother tomorrow, before school starts,” said Principal Sterner. “If you would be so kind as to let us in, we can explain more.”
Miss Allie frowned. “Like an ambush?”
“No, nothing like that, but the mother is difficult to pin down. We are only certain that she always drops off and picks up her daughter on time.” Principal Sterner shrugged. “It’s really the only time she can be questioned.”
Miss Allie stood motionless with her hand on the doorknob.
Principal Sterner looked past her to see the kitchen table set for company. He peered around the corner and saw crayons and paper on the coffee table. A plastic tub of toys was in the corner. “It looks like we came at a bad time. I see you have company.”
“Last-minute guests,” Miss Allie said.
“One of your guests brought their colored crayons?” He gestured to her coffee table.
“Those are mine.” She produced a faint smile and laugh. “I am a kindergarten teacher, through and through.”
“Okay, well then, we’ll be going,” he said. “I just wanted you to be aware of what steps the county was taking to ensure your student’s well-being.”
Miss Allie looked at the two behind her principal. “Are you the county? Who filed a report with you?”
“Ma’am, that’s confidential. All school employees are mandated reporters,” one of the other men said.
“Well, thank you for making me aware of the situation.” Miss Allie nodded and waved. “I’ll keep a lookout for Shelly.”
“Shelly?” Principal Sterner’s eyes narrowed. “How do you know her name? She hasn’t filled out any paperwork with our district.”
“Kate told me.” Miss Allie gestured with her palm up.
“She talks now? That’s a breakthrough, isn’t it?” Principal Sterner looked at her skeptically.
“Talks all the time.” Miss Allie nodded. “She has a new winter coat and the whole works. She can’t stop jabbering, but I have a question for you, Mr. Sterner. If she has adequate winter clothes, comes to school on time, and passes literacy screenings with flying colors, why does the county think her well-being is endangered?”
Principal Sterner stepped back from the door, making ready to leave. “I don’t know who reported this situation, but they must have had a reason. I’m like you, Allie, I just want what’s best for our students.”
Shelly and Kate emerged from the laundry room, both with expressions of fear. All the delicious scents from their meal or the warmth from a fire in the wood stove couldn’t dispel confirmation of their worst fears.
They didn’t speak of what Principal Sterner said.
“Does Kate know?” Miss Allie asked.
“She fell asleep in my arms,” Shelly said. “As you can see, she’s awake now.”
Kate and the cat were becoming best friends.
The rest of their evening was spent sharing a home-cooked meal. Bath time for Kate. Laundry and bath time for mom. Miss Allie did the dishes while the others washed up and read bedtime stories. She packed leftovers and cleared out her pantry for Shelly to pack into her car. She tucked all the money from her purse, totaling $27.00, and three gas cards into the tote for Shelly.
“Thank you for tonight.” Shelly clasped Miss Allie. “I think we’ll—”
“Don’t tell me. If anyone asks, I can say truthfully that I didn’t know.”
Kate ran to Miss Allie and gave her a quick squeeze. “See you tomorrow.”
Kate’s absences were properly documented on the attendance sheets. After ten unexcused absences, the county was notified.
