For Sale or Swap - Alyssa Brugman [64]
Shelby nodded and took a step backwards. He was the Olsens' pony now and his name was Patches. She didn't trust herself to speak, but she did manage a whisper. 'Thank you.'
32 Honorary Member
It was the weekend before school. Shelby was going with her mother to buy stationery, but Erin rang and asked her to come to Pony Club instead. It would be the first time she went back since Calvin Protheroe's guest lesson and she was dreading it, but Erin was so insistent that she agreed.
It seemed strange to be sitting up in the clubhouse with the grown-ups while all the girls were down in the arena. Shelby reached forward to help herself to a piece of fruitcake that was on the bench. Mrs Hockings gave her a stern glance and Shelby withdrew her hand. Mrs Crook saw it.
'Oh, Joy, don't be so stingy. Let the girl have some cake if she wants it!' She grabbed the plate and plonked it on the bench right under Shelby's nose. 'You have a piece, love. Have two.'
Shelby grinned.
'Now go on outside and watch the others, because it's time for our boring old meeting.'
Shelby took a slice of the cake, holding one hand underneath to catch the crumbs, and sat out on the front step to watch. She could hear the shuffling, scraping sound as the parents moved their seats around the little meeting table.
They must have thought that Shelby had moved further away, because inside Shelby could hear Mrs Crook talking. 'I've taken a real shine to the girl. I wasn't so sure before, because she was such a quiet little thing, but that Shelby's got spunk – and good manners too.'
'Yes, well, that does quite neatly bring us to the matter of late membership fees,' said Mrs Hockings.
Mrs Crook continued. 'I always thought her Mum and Dad were a bit snobby not ever coming along to any of our events, but I've met them and I think they're genuine. Very down to earth.'
'You mean the sort of down to earth that have to pay their membership in instalments,' commented Mrs Hockings.
Shelby felt the blood rush to her face.
'That may be so, Joy, but I think we can all afford to be a bit lenient, don't you? Let's just give her the blessed membership. All in favour say aye.'
'Aye,' came a chorus of voices.
'Wait a minute, I'm the President here,' protested Mrs Hockings. 'This is a matter of general business, and we haven't got to that part yet.'
'Oh, Joy, hang your silly rituals. The motion has been passed. Shelby's a member and that's that.'
'Hear, hear!' said another voice that Shelby recognised as Erin's mother.
Shelby stood up and wandered down towards the fence. It was nice that Mrs Crook and Erin's mum had stuck up for her in the meeting, but it was too late. Pony Club wasn't much fun if you didn't have a pony.
At least Mrs Hockings will leave me alone now, she thought. That was one person that she wouldn't miss at all.
She climbed up on the rail of the arena and looked around her. It felt like her last day at primary school, where she had walked around the old familiar playground, knowing that it might be for the final time. She had had some fun here. She had made some friends. Erin would still be her friend. Mrs Crook might keep her word and let her ride Echo at shows from time to time, but Shelby wasn't holding her breath.
At lunchtime when all the members were assembled at the picnic tables at the front of the clubhouse, the committee made their announcement that Shelby was an honorary member. Shelby stood up and bowed. Erin and Hayley cheered.
At the end of the day she hopped in the car next to Erin and watched out the window as the Pony Club grounds slipped away behind her. Shelby was sad, but endings were always beginnings too.
Maybe I'll get a pushbike. They're