The Trails of Friendship

The Trials of Friendship

By E. Kay

            Isabella was worried. Today was her first day at a new school. She had just moved to Freedom’s Park a few days ago. Isabella wondered what the school would be like, and the teachers. But most of all, she wondered about the kids.

            “Bella! Hover bus is here!”

            Mom’s voice cut through Isabella’s thoughts like a knife. She grabbed her stellar pad and ran down the stairs. There she  strapped on her jet pack boots and rushed out the door. She climbed into the hover bus and looked around. All the cool kids up front didn’t want to sit near her, so she sat in the back with the unpopular kids.

            At school, everyone was flying around with their boots, except for Isabella. She got many looks, some of which were will-you-look-at-her-clothes, oh-look-it’s-the-newbie and bubble-gum-on-shoe. She dodged air currents and feet on her way to class. Isabella arrived just before the tardy bell rang. More bubble-gum-on-shoe looks. Ms. Starr, the teacher, got everyone’s attention and class began.

            “Class, listen up. We have a new student with us today. Please try to make her welcome here. Isabella Moon, will you please stand up.”

            Isabella stood. All of the students seemed to be judging her. What would they think of her old red and gray stellar suit? Her ratty black hair? Her plain brown eyes? Isabella attempted a smile and tried to appear friendly. The class wasn’t fooled.

            “Isabella, would you please tell us what planet or moon you came from?” Ms. Starr asked. “And the colony, please.”

            “Friendship Plaza on Mars.” Isabella whispered.

            “Those losers!” hollered one kid near her.

            The kids roared with laughter as Isabella sat down. Her face was a brighter red than her suit.

            “Class!” barked Ms. Starr. “Get to your blank screen and zip it!” There was an audible snap. “Type your name, 2050, and then type a three page essay about why we don’t tease others at school. I expect it to be turned in by lunch.”

            The students whined and groaned. There was a chorus of “But Ms. Starr…”

            Ms. Starr cut them off. “I don’t want to hear it. Get to work, all of you. Isabella, you can type a paragraph about yourself.”

            The only sound after that was the sound of fingers on stellar-pads. As she typed, she thought of how her day had been. She liked the teachers. They were nice. She didn’t like the kids who teased her and gave her mean and weird looks. She realized she was dreading school tomorrow. She shook her head and got to work.

            ‘My name is Isabella Moon and I moved here from Friendship Plaza on Mars. My favorite thing to do is read and I live with my mom. My mom is an author and she works from home. My favorite thing to do with her is go to the movies. My favorite movie is Earthbound, the one about when humans could only live on earth. My best friend lives in Friendship Plaza. Her name is Kelly and we used to tinker and improve our stellar wear. I want to make friends here, but everyone is so mean and I’m too shy.’

            Isabella sent her teacher the paragraph and lined up for lunch. At lunch, Isabella tried to sit with the other kids, but they would move whenever she sat at their table. At recess she played alone. The whole school seemed to have something against her. On the hover bus she sat alone. Even the unpopular kids didn’t want to risk being caught with her.

            At last she stepped off the bus and trudged into her house. She tried to avoid her mother and crept into her room. She dropped her stuff and crawled into bed. Her mother knocked on the door and came in. The bed creaked as she sat on it. Isabella felt her hand running along her back. They sat there for half an hour like that. Finally Mom spoke.

            “How was school sugarcane?”

            Those gentle words were all it took. Isabella broke into tears and her whole story came out between sobs. Mom sat and listened to the whole thing. When Isabella was done, she sat and held her for another ten minutes. Finally, when Isabella stopped crying, Mom spoke.

            “Bella, honey, don’t worry about what they think. Just do your best to make friends. You’re you, not them. You can’t make them like you, you can’t make them be your friends. But you have someone you can always count on. God is always going to be your friend. Others will fail you, but He will never fail you. You can rely on Him.”

            Isabella nodded and rolled over. Mom left her room and she went to sleep. The next day, she got on the hoverbus and everyone avoided her like they did the day before. The only thing that had changed was Isabella’s attitude. She smiled at everyone and ignored their jibes. She went through the day with a smile on her face and a spring in her step. She did the same the day after that and the day after that. Slowly, the kids warmed up to her. First, the unpopular kids became her friends. Then, the popular kids.

            By the end of the year, Isabella had broken through the walls that had separated outcast, unpopular, and popular kids. And in everything, she always turned people to God, not herself. She is a godly example to us all. Our trials may be different. Our trials may take longer. But in our trials we too can lead others to God.

What to Give - By Nina L.

                                      What to give

By Nina L.

Thursday 3 days before father's day

“Mom” 5 year old Suzie asked. “What should I give God for father’s day?”

“What do you mean?” Mom asked. “Well” Said Suzie. “Miss. Julie my Sunday school teacher said that I should give God a gift for father’s day sense he is my heavenly father.”  “I’m giving Dad a picture I made in school of me and him.” “And I thought I would make one for God but I don’t know how to give it to him.” Mom smiled. “Yes that might be a little difficult.”  “So Mom” Suzie said. “Do you have any ideas?” Just then Suzie’s older brother Jake walked in.  “What are you giving God for father’s day?” Suzie asked Jake. “What?” Jake asked. “Yeesh” Replied Suzie. “I said WHAT ARE YOU GIVING GOD FOR FATHER”S DAY?!?!?!?!?” “Suzie!!!” Mom said. “No yelling!!”  “Sorry Mom” Suzie said. “But Jake didn’t hear me I think he needs a hearing aid.” “I don’t need a hearing aid Suzie.” Jake said. “Then why did you say what?” “Because I didn’t understand the question.” Ohhhh… Sorry” Suzie replied. “It’s fine” said Jake.

“So….” Suzie said. “What I meant was- are you giving God anything for father’s day?”

“UH” Replied Jake. “I don’t know” “Are you giving your father anything for father’s day Jake?” Asked Mom. “Yes I-“  “Oh and” interrupted mom. “You are not giving God anything for father’s day?” “Well….” Stammered Jake. “I uh… um..” Suzie and Mom looked at him. “Well I am giving Dad a gift card to his favorite restaurant I just haven’t bought it yet.” “You need to do that soon” Said Mom. Father’s day is in 3 days.” “OK” replied Jake. “May I go play with my friends?” Jake asked. “In a minute” Mom replied.

“Why?” whined Jake.  “Because” Said Mom. “You need to buy your Dad his father’s day present.” “I’ll do it tomorrow.” Jake replied. “No now” “Fine” “Wait Jake” Mom said.

“What?!?!” “You should get God something too.” “How?” replied Jake.  “Maybe spend a little longer reading the bible or doing something that glorifies him.” Mom said. “OK Mom” Jake said. “Good” Jake left the room. “Mommy?” Suzie said.  “Yes?” Mom replied.  “Do you think if I told my friend Amy about God would be a good father’s day gift to God?”  “Yes” Mom replied. “That would be great.”

Sunday Father’s day

After dinner the family sat down. “Here are your gifts Dad!!!” Suzie said.

After the family gave Dad gifts Mom said “How was your day everyone?” “Good” Said Jake “I read my bible a little longer.” “That’s good.” “Guess what Mom and Dad?!?!” Suzie said. “What?” Mom and Dad said. “Amy accepted Jesus as her Savior!!!’ “That’s great!!!!”  Mom and Dad said. “Hey Mom” Said Jake. I found a really good bible verse today.” “Let’s hear it” Mom said.

The end

Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.

 Psalm 127:3-5

Mother's Day!!! - By Nina Lorene

Mother's Day!!! 

By Nina L.

''ERRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!" Liam said. 

"What's the matter?" Liam's older sister Margret asked. 

"Mom grounded me because I lied to her about my chores yesterday."

 "Well..... you shouldn't have lied, you know," she said.

"I know, but I really wanted to play with my friends." Liam said. 

"So.... why are you so angry about it?" 

"I wanted to give her a mother's day gift but I'm grounded for a week, and by that time, Mother's Day will be over," Liam replied. 

"Well I have not bought my gift for Mom yet, so I could ask if you could come with me so you can buy Mom's gift." Margret said. 

"Yea!!!!" Liam said. "Go ask her." 

Margret walked into the house. "Mom ,can Liam come to the store with me so we can buy you a Mother's day gift?" 

"No," their Mom said. 

"Why not?" 

"Liam is grounded he cannot go anywhere fun," Mom replied. 

"But can't he get you a Mother's day gift?" 

"No, he should have thought of that before he lied." 

"But...." Margret said. 

"No more about it,'' Mom said. 

"That's not nice don't you care that he won't be able to git you a gift?" 

"I said no more about.'' 

"Well I don't think that is nice," Margret snapped back. 

"OK," Mom said. "You are grounded, too" 

"Why?" Margret whined. 

"Because I said that was enough, and you talked back at me."  Mom said. 

Margret stormed back outside.

"So what did she say?" Liam asked. 

"Well now I got grounded too." 

"OH.. sorry" Liam said. 

"Yea, well, now neither of us can get her a gift," she said.

**********************************************************************************

"Happy Mother's day!!!!!!!!" Liam and Margret said. "Wake up!!!!!" 

As they were eating dinner, Liam and Margret look sad when their little brother and Dad gave their Mom their Mother's day gift. ''We're sorry that we couldn't get you a Mother's day gift" Margret said. "Yea," said Liam "But if you would have just let us go to the store, you would have one." 

 "Sweetheart," their Mom said, "Don't you think your obedience is the best present of all?" 

"I never thought of that," Liam said. "And..." Their Mom continued "Don't you think God deserves more attention then you give Him, too? When was the last time you read your Bible or thanked Him for some thing?" 

"Yea, I guess your right, Mom" Liam said. "I haven't read my Bible in so long that is probably has dust on it,'' Margret said. 

"Well I think we should all go out to ice cream!" their Dad said, "if we have learned something.'' 

"I have!" all the kids said.  

"But first" Margret said, "I think we should all read the Bible a little first; I have a certain verse I would like to share." 

PROVERBS 4:4-9

"He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live. Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.

 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.

 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.

 She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee."

The Dream - TreAnna B.

The Dream        

By TreAnna B.

            I had a strange dream last night, and yet the more I think about it, the more I wonder—was it a dream?

            When I woke up I was sitting in my window seat, my latest book fix laying face down on the floor. Since when did I fall asleep reading? Very strange indeed, and more proof to make me wonder...was my dream just that or was it something more.

            I frowned. What had I been thinking about before? I bent and picked up the book, Beauty and the Beast. It was dog-eared on my favorite part: in the movie Beast and Beauty would be dancing while “Tale as Old as Time” was being played. I sighed.

            Now I remembered what I had been thinking about before I had dozed off. My boyfriend—and by that I mean the lack thereof.

            It was kind of pathetic really. I am nineteen years old and I've never had a boyfriend. Never been on a date. Never had a first kiss. Nothing.

            Maybe that's why I wanted the dream to mean more than it had.

            I stared off into space, trying to recall in as much detail as possible, what the dream had been about.

*                                  *                                  *

            I was standing in a room just as big and beautiful as the ballroom in my book, probably even more so. A gigantic crystal chandelier hung in the middle of the ceiling, which was at least a hundred feet in the air. Around me floor to ceiling length windows surrounded me. It was odd, because I can't remember if there was any light coming through them or not and yet I know it wasn't dark.

            The floor I was standing on was a swirling mosaic of golden tile. I could almost close my eyes and imagine dancing with my prince. I sighed as I longing swayed from side to side.

             Suddenly a figure appeared before me. I couldn't see his face. It wasn't covered or anything but I don't remember ever really seeing it.

            He took me by my hand and led me in a graceful dance across the floor. It was just like dancing with my dad—there was that feel to it.

            After our dance had finished, He smiled at me. And in that moment I knew...I knew. This wasn't my prince charming at all. This was indeed my Father, but not my earthly one.

            He stood before me, smiling endearingly down at me.

            “I don't understand.” I said quietly.

            He shook his head sadly at me. “No, Anna, you don't.”

            I looked around me and my heart sank to the pit of my stomach. I felt a sort of emptiness envelope me as I thought back to Beast and Belle. They were together when they danced on this floor. Almost immediately I lowered my eyes in shame as I tried to banish such thoughts from my mind. Here I was standing before my King, and all I could think of was how I didn't have a boyfriend.

            “Anna.”

            I looked up at the sound of my name. He still smiled at me with the calm loving gaze of a parent. “You can tell Me what's wrong. You know that I will listen to anything you have to say.”

            I nodded. “It's just...” I sighed. “Why am I the only one in my group of friends that doesn't have a boyfriend? Why have you forgotten me?”

            When He answered, His voice had grown even more gentle. “I haven't forgotten you, Anna.”

            I clenched my fists beside me as tears burned my eyes. “Then why am I alone?”

            I could hear the sigh and then the gentle rebuke in his voice even as He answered, “Be thankful, I hold your heart. I have taken extra care to find the perfect man for you, for your heart is fragile and frail. I know you cry for other's pain. That you hurt when they hurt. That's how I made you. The reason why I haven't placed it in another's hands yet is because he's not ready. Be patient, my child. Your time will come.”

            At His words, I could no longer contain my tears. They fled down my cheeks in streams, even as I tried to hold them back.

            “Anna.”

            He pulled me into His arms, hugging me tenderly. When He let go He said, “You are a very special girl. I made you in My image. You are beautiful, kind, and loving. I am glad that you have decided to wait for Me to place your heart in the hands of a young man who is ready to receive it. Many girls don't want to wait that long.”

            “But I didn't want to wait that long.” I wiped the tears from my face. “I do trust You, but I...” I faltered in my excuse.

            “I know. You did turn away from Me for a moment, but when I called out to you, you took My hand.”

            “It's so hard.” I said quietly. “To see my friends with their boyfriends...knowing that I don't have one.”

            “Do you think they're relationships will end happily?”

            I looked up sharply. “What do you mean?”

            He was frowning.  “Anna, unlike you they didn't want to wait for Me to deliver the right one into their hands. They will go through many many boys before they finally decide it is time to listen to Me.”

            “I'm not afraid of heartbreak.” I said quietly.

            He smiled back at me. “I know.”

            “I know that if I begin to date, I'll probably get my heart broken. I'm not afraid of that.”

            “What else?”

            “And I realize that you can take me from that broken road.” My eyes widened in realization. “You can if...I...let...you...” The reality of that hit me hard and fast. My face flamed. No that I had said it, I realized that it was true. But still, I wasn't quite ready to let go so easily. “But still...why can't I get a boyfriend?”

            “Because you aren't ready either.”

            Once more I felt an immeasurable emptiness inside me. “But I am.”

            He shook his head. “Do you trust me, Anna?”

            I frowned. “Of course I do.”

            “Then trust that I am preparing someone very special for you.”

            I still wasn't quite ready to do that though. Although I believed everything He had said, part of me still wanted to rebel. Out of the corner of my eye, I could just see a shadow—not mine and certainly not my Father's. I frowned as I turned my head towards it.

            I could see the shadow smiling as if willing me to continue my argument, to come closer...to doubt.

            I turned back to Him and said quietly. “I want to wait. I want to. It's just so hard.”

            “Do you not remember what I said in My Word? I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. But that's only if you let Me.”

            I nodded. “I think I'm beginning to understand.” I let go of all doubt, of any insecurity I had. Deep in my heart, I knew that He did have someone waiting for me. I needed to wait on Him. “I'm sorry.”

            Once more that fatherly smile was on His face, gentle love radiated from Him. “Know that I am listening, Anna. Whenever you feel like you are being driven into despair or temptation, I am here and I will help you.”

            I nodded. “Thank you.”

*                                  *                                  *

            I smiled as I came out of the trance once again. I didn't think it was a dream any longer, and even if it was, I believe it was sent to me for a reason.

Words Can Do Amazing Things, By Beatrix C.

Words Can Do Amazing Things 

  

By Beatrix C. 

 BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! "Uhhhhh." I groaned. I shoved my hand out from beneath the covers and groped around for my alarm. I found the alarm and the button that would shut it up. I created a fist and swung down on it. BAM! It shut up. "I hope I hit the snooze button." I thought. "I need 5 more minutes." 

The door swung open. "BEATRIX!" My best friend practically screamed. "Gah!" I cried out. I shot up and surveyed the room. I spotted her. "Renata, DON'T YOU EVER DO THAT AGAIN!" She laughed. "How did you get in here anyways?" I looked at my watch. "It's 6 in the morning!" 

"Your mom let me in. I just knew you were gonna sleep in!" I stretched and yawned. "Well why wouldn't I? It's a Friday. School doesn't start till 8:59!” I growled. 

"That may be so, but we're gonna miss all the dresses!" I sighed. That's Renata for ya. "Look, 'Nata, I know you're trying to help, but I'm going somewhere else to get my dress. Somewhere that's better then Macy's. Somewhere that I can get vintage dresses." 

"Pfffffffffft!" Renata laughed. "As if!" "It's also pretty cheap." "Whatever. I can see my efforts were a waste." I rolled my eyes. "Not entirely. You got me up." "Yeah..... I suppose." "Well, you can leave now. Go have some cereal. I know you didn't have breakfast." 

"That's not-" Groooooowl. "Suuuuure. Go. Shoo." "Fine...." She closed the door and left. "Whew!" I sighed. I got out of bed and did a full stretch. I made my bed and went to inspect myself in my full body mirror. I looked terrible. "I am the ugliest thing on Earth. And besides that, I may be just the flattest chested girl in my entire school! It's not fair!" Tears started forming. "I don't understand." I whispered. "Why God? Why, why, why?" I sat on my bed, my face on my hands. 

"Beatrix... Beatrix do you hear me? You are not ugly. You are beautiful in every way." "Huh? I looked up. "God?" I looked around. I sighed. "Just my conscience trying to cheer me up..." I looked at the mirror again. Every imperfection. Every freckle, every mole. Every hair on my legs and arms. Why won't mom let me shave? Why can't I wear make up to conceal? More tears came. Why am I so scared that he doesn't like me back? He... Elijah... "The dance is tonight....." I thought. "Well it's now or never. I have to ask him today." I said aloud. I put on my school uniform. A maroon skirt with a white polo. Black shoes and knee high socks."I'm ready." I thought. I went into the bathroom and noticed the razor. I looked at my legs. The hair was dark. Dark enough to be noticeable. "I don't care what Mom says. I'm shaving!" I rolled down my socks and lightly pulled the razor over my hair. As long as I didn't press down very hard, I'd be okay. In a matter of minutes, my legs were hair free. I put lotion on to make it less noticeable. "Awesome!" I smiled. 

I went back into my room and picked up my school bag. I went downstairs, and into the kitchen. I was greeted by a full Renata. "Hello." "Hi!" Renata had a satisfied look on her face. "2 whole bowls! I better not gain any weight." She pouted. "Well. That's your fault if you do." Renata stuck her tongue out at me. I rolled my eyes. I put my bag down and went to the fridge, I got some yogurt out. I grabbed and spoon and set it on the table. 

"That's all you're gonna eat?" 

"No. I'm going to get a bowl and put some granola in it with the yogurt. Tastes really good actually." "Suuuuuuure." Renata thought that sounded gross. "Meh." I crunched on the mixture. By the time I was done it was 8:00. "We may as well head on to school. No use dilly dallying." "I suppose." "Well come on then. Into the car!" 

I opened the door to the garage. I pulled my keys out and unlocked the car. "Shotgun's open!" 

"Yay! It's not full of books." "Whatever." I smiled. I got into the drivers seat and turned on the car. I clicked the button that opened the door. I backed out, and before I got onto the street, hit the button again to close the door. By the time we got to school, it was roughly 8:30. I parked in the school parking lot. We got out and smiled. "Last one to the front door is a dance loser!" Renata cried. "You're on!" We raced to the door. I was almost there, Renata a fees paces behind me. SMACK! I ran into someone, knocking me back on my behind. The world swam around me a bit. 

"Beatrix, Beatrix, are you okay?" A face slowly came into view. "Yeah." Elijah bent over me. "ACK! I'm so sorry! Did I hurt you?" I blushed. He stood up and held out his hand. He helped me up. "No, but you look like you got hurt." "No, I'm fine." "You sure?" "Positive." I turned around and started to walk away. He out his hand on my shoulder. "Wait." I turned around. "Yes?" He looked uncomfortable. My heart pounded. "I know it's kinda last minute, but-" "ELIJAH!" Fabian crashed into his best friends. I jumped back a little. "How about you tell me later?" "Sure." I blushed and turned away. I walked towards Renata. She was smiling. "Uhhh," "Nope, don't wanna hear it." "But," "I know you like him." "Well naaaaah, I told you." "He was about to ask you something wasn't he?" "I dunno," I looked back. The two boys were rough housing. Well, it looked like Elijah was about to kill Fabian. "Fabian kinda ruined the moment. He's gonna tell me later." 

"Uh huh. Well, let's get into home room. School starts in like 10 minutes." She opened the door to the school. "Oh and I totally beat you." "Oh come on! You didn't crash into somebody!" "Don't care, still won." "Renata!" I walked in after her. BRRRRRRRRING! "Lunch time!" The class cried. "Now settle down class! Don't forget, you-"The teacher turned around. No one was there. "Kids." She grumbled. I walked as quickly as she could to the cafeteria. I turned down the hall when I saw Elijah. "Hey." He looked up. "Hey." "So, ya wanna tell me what you were gonna tell me when we were in front of the school?" "Yeah....." He blushed. "I know this is kind of last minuet, but will you go to the dance with me?" Silence. "I guess it's no." He looked downcast. He turned to go. "Wait!" He turned around. "Sorry, I was, I guess speechless. Yes, I'll go with you. His face brightened. "Great!" He blushed, so did I. "Well, I guess I'll see you at 7." "See ya." He turned and left. Luna headed on to the cafeteria. "YEEEEEEEEEEEES!" I thought. "Wait till I tell Renata." I rushes quickly. I opened the door to the cafeteria and spotted Renata almost immediately. I quickly rushed over to her. "You will not believe what just happened." "What?" "Elijah asked me to the dance!" "No way!" "Yes way!" "Eeeeeee! Excited!" "Me too." I sat down. I opened my lunch sack and stared at it for a bit. "Schools over after lunch cause of the dance right?" I asked Renata. "Yeah, why?" "That gives me plenty of time to get a dress." I opened my lunch sack and scarfed down my food. I grabbed Renata's hand. "Let's go!" "Wait! I have t finished my lunch!" "Well finish that last bite, I need to find the perfect dress!" "Oway, oway." Renata said, her mouth full. She swallowed and ran after me. "Oh, look at the dresses!" Renata cried. "Told you all girls should ditch Macy's and come here." 

"Yeah, yeah whatever. I think I'll get my dress here too. And it is pretty cheap of all this is vintage." "Hey 'Nata, is it formal, or can we wear short dresses?" "It's not formal, but a sort of long dress would look great on you. Fitted around your body, free from waist down, perfect for dancing." "Yeah..." I looked through the dresses. My eyes fell on a royal blue one. It's was perfect! It wasn't strapless, but the strap went around the neck. The bust line was a little low for comfort, but that could easily be pinned. It had a brooch in the middle, and skirt area was free and flowing.

"I think I'm going to try this one on." "Okay." Renata called. She was looking through another rack. I went into the changing room. Took off my outer clothes and looked at myself. "Hey, I'll be lucky if I'll even look good..." I sighed. I slipped the dress on. It fell around me as I went over my head. I got out of the changing room and went to find Renata. I found her rummaging through some short strapless dresses. "So, how do I look?" She turned around.

"You look gorgeous!" "Yeah, well I don't feel like it." "Oh come on, are still not over what your dad said to you those years ago?" "He called me an ugly lowlife! That I wasn't worthy to be his daughter!" "He was drunk!" "I don't care! Isn't there that old saying that when you're drunk, you're true colors show?"

"Beatrix, that's not true! He's just one person! Are you afraid Elijah might say the same?!? If he thought that, why would he ask you to the dance? I see the way he looks at you, he likes you, you just don't pay attention!"

"He, he does?" Tears spilled over. "Yes! He cares about you, as did your dad. Your dad, he had some kind of disorder. He didn't mean it. He didn't mean the things he said to you. Look, he's in Heaven now. He's probably singing his praises. Your daddy was a good man Beatrix, a good man. And you have another Daddy you can rely on. God."

"How do you know all this?"

"Because your mother was too afraid to tell you. She didn't know how you would react. So she told me to tell you when I thought you were ready. And I thought you were ready. Beatrix you look beautiful. Look at yourself!" Renata pushed me to the mirror.

"Look at yourself." I stared at the girl staring back at me. Who was this? Who was this beautiful girl? "That's you Beatrix. That's you."

"God?" I whispered. "Is that you?" "Yes. And like I said earlier, you are beautiful in every way."

"Thank you God, or my other Daddy. You've been there the whole time huh? The little voice inside my head." I smiled.

"Well," Renata said happily. "You go buy that dress. And I'll keep looking." She shoved me towards the cashier. "I have to change out of it first!" "Well, go change!" "Okay, okay!" I quickly went back to the changing room and changed. I came out a rushed to the cashier. I checked he price tag. "Only $24.00. Dang..." "I would like to buy this dress." "Okay, debit, cash, or credit?" "Cash." I smiled. The lady looked up at me. "Have fun!" "Um, sure." I walked back to where Renata was still looking. She had a lavender strapless in her hand. "What about this?" "Well I wouldn't know since you haven't tried it on yet." "Okay, I'll go try it." She. Are back in a couple of minutes. "So?" She stunning. The strapless short dress looked great! 

 "It looks wonderful. Now go change out of that. You should get it." 

"Okay, I will." She was in and out in a matter of minutes. She quickly bought the dress. 

"Let's get to your house so I can get my make up on. It's like, 6." "we've been here that long?!" "Yeah, shopping takes a while." "Yeah, yeah. Let's go!" Renata had gone back to her house after her makeup had been put on, cause her date was going to meet her there. I examined myself in my mirror. I looked beautiful, and I knew it. Ding dong! "He's here!" I hurried downstairs. When I got to the door, I breathed for a moment, then opened it. "Hey." I said as I opened it. "When he got a good look at me, he didn't say anything.He doesn't like it? I fretted. "Gosh, you look amazing!" "Thanks! Well let's go!" Beatrix and Elijah had a good time that night. Beatrix learned it didn't matter what others said, she was still beautiful, and God thought so too. She also learned that she had another Daddy, even if her biological one had deceased. Renata and her date had a good time too, till he tried to kiss her. He got punch all over him.

THE END