Annie's Rainbow - Fern Michaels [92]
She saw her then, a bundle of arms and legs curled up in the wooden chair under the umbrella tree. She’d been crying, but her eyes were dry now. Clutched in her hands was a tired and worn stuffed dog that had seen far too many washings. A plate of cookies and a glass of milk stood untouched on the table next to her.
“Hi, kiddo. Where’s your mom?” Annie asked cheerfully.
“She’s taking a shower. She wants us to look nice when we go shopping.”
“Are you excited about going shopping? I know this great store that has the prettiest bicycles and the fastest scooters. They have a magnificent Barbie house in the window. Did I tell you Rosie knows how to play checkers? Harry is learning to play, too.”
The little girl with the big brown eyes looked skeptical. “Really and truly, Aunt Annie?”
“Really and truly, Daisy. I taught Rosie, and Harry watched. You see, before you and your mom came here to live, I was all alone. Sometimes I wanted to play checkers, and the dogs were the only ones around, so Uncle Elmo and I taught them how to play. Rosie cheats.”
Daisy smiled, then she giggled. It was a delightful sound to Annie’s ears.
“Does your dog have a name?”
“Elizabeth. Will they let me take Elizabeth to camp? Can I come home if I don’t like it?”
“Of course you can take Elizabeth with you. I can see she’s your loyal and trusted friend. You can come home if you don’t like camp. I think you’re going to love it. You’ll make all kinds of new friends. You’ll get to meet my niece Mandy. She’s going to look out for you. You get your own pony to ride every day. You’ll learn how to play tennis. Mandy is going to give you swimming lessons. The campfires are wonderful. You’ll toast marshmallows, roast weenies, and tell ghost stories. You have to promise to write at least once a week.”
“Is my daddy going to come here?”
“No, Daisy, he isn’t going to come here.”
“Truly truly?”
“I’m sorry, Daisy.”
“I don’t want him to come here. I don’t like it when he makes Mommy cry. Elizabeth doesn’t like it either.”
“You don’t have to worry about that anymore. You and your mommy are going to live here from now on. Your daddy is going to live in California. That’s three thousand miles away. You can bring all your friends here to play in the garden. I called a friend of mine who said he can build you a playhouse in the garden. You are going to have so much fun you won’t want to go to sleep at night. I saw your mommy laughing last night. She’s happy to be here. I hope you’re happy, too. I think I hear her now. Guess that means we better get moving. I have to warn you, I love to shop!”
“Oh, Aunt Annie, you are so funny.” The little girl giggled.
“I don’t think anyone ever called me funny before.”
“You girls ready?” Jane called from the kitchen doorway.
“We’re ready, aren’t we, Daisy?”
Both women watched as Daisy handed her worn, stuffed animal to Rosie. “Watch Elizabeth for me till I get back.” Harry woofed softly.
“I think Elizabeth is in safe hands, Daisy. Rosie will guard Elizabeth, and Harry will guard them both. Are we ready, ladies?”
“We’re ready, Aunt Annie.” Daisy giggled.
“Just five days, Annie, and I can see a difference in my child. I’m so grateful to you,” Jane whispered.
It was four o’clock when the weary shoppers returned home. Annie made ice tea while Daisy demonstrated all her new toys and clothes to her captive audience of three: Elizabeth, Rosie, and Harry. She generously handed out treats to the panting dogs, whose tails swished furiously in delight.
“I think we had a good day, Jane. Daisy seems happy. You look great with your new haircut. I’m off tomorrow for New Jersey, so you guys are going to have the house to yourself. Elmo will be here with the dogs, but I’d appreciate it if you kind of watch over Elmo without him knowing you’re watching.”
“For you, Annie, anything. Is there anything you want me to tell your niece when she arrives to pick up Daisy?”
“Nope. Tell her I love her and to take good care of my godchild.