Accidental Hero

Chapter 3 A Friend to Love

I'm actually getting excited about this. I can't wait to see the expression on Morgans face. The trunk is filled with supplies, lessons and appointments are all set up, the house and yard have been readied. I find myself squirming in my seat in anticipation. God, I haven't been this worked up since I found out I was pregnant. Who knew? I woke to a wonderful dream of idyllic happiness this morning. Love, laughter, and a feeling of being cocooned in a circle of purpose and meaning. Its like the hand of God reached down and bestowed upon me a wave of blessings. Casting all doubts aside I felt sure I was doing the right thing. This was meant to be.

This time when the school bell rang I almost jumped out of the seat and ran to the door to meet her. Ive got to calm down or I'm gonna blow the whole thing! Taking a deep calming breath I watched happily as the kids began their weekend migration. The Friday frenzy came in waves of liberation and smiling faces as cat calls filled the air. Morgan appeared as always lugging her backpack. She flipped her hair to say something to Abigail behind her and cast a little wave as she approached the car.

"Hey Mom" she says throwing her pack in the back. "What do you have planned for the weekend? Abby wants to know if I can sleepover at her house Saturday night."

" Sorry kiddo" I say with barely contained excitment "Ive got something in the works."

"Cmon Mom, do I really have to be there? Whats so important?" She starts to argue then abruptly stops. Narrowing her eyes slightly she studies the look on my face and blurts "Whats up Mom? You're a pot ready to boil. Has something happened?" In that unspoken moment whole conversations appear and the question hangs waiting. Is there news of Dad? There it is again, that feeling of quiet desperation that has overtaken our life.

Blinking it quickly aside I answer " Ive got a surprise to show you! If you wash that worried look off your face I might even give you a hint."

"Ooohkaay, give it to me" Morgan grins quickly, the ominous cloud dissipating in an instant.

"Hmm" I say "Were going to the north of town a little past the lake. At that point we will paws."

" Great Mom, another one of your riddles" first rolling her eyes then scrunching up her face in exaggerated concentration she begins to mull over the hint. We're halfway there when Morgan blurts out "I know! You're gonna let me volunteer at the shelter! I told you they take kids as young as 14! Is that it?"

Laughing at the uncanny way this child seems to read my mind I say. "Nope, even better!"

Getting into the spirit of the banter Morgan laughs heartily and then proceeds to rescrunch her features in concentration. He mouth transforms in to a broad O, eyes widening she whispers, "Mom, is it a puppy? Seriously?! Ive only wanted one my whole life! "

I can't contain my excitment and a huge grin paints my face as I nod. " They've got a litter of pups just ready to placed. You can have first pick!" Morgan bounces in her seat and claps her hands together reminding me of a pose she struck when she was a toddler. Tears shine in her eyes and she seems to be holding her breath. I wish I had waited until we arrived so I could wrap her in my arms for a hug.

The last 2 miles seemed to take forever. Morgan's poised to leap from the car as we pull into the parking lot. "Hold on there kiddo, there's some stuff we need to get out of the trunk and I want to put a blanket over the back seat before we go in." Bolting to the trunk Morgan stands still while managing to fidget just about every part of her body. I had to pause just a minute to laugh at her vibrating stance before popping the trunk open.

"Look at all this stuff! There's leashes, collars, food bowls, a dog bed, chew toys, a whistle, and what's this thing for?" She says holding a shedding brush aloft.