Cherry On Top

Chapter 2: Big News

"Well, you've made it through the week sweetie." Mom said. I sighed, and took another bite of pizza. It was finally Friday. We were on the porch, watching the sun set.

"Yeah, I guess so. I can't believe I already have this much homework though." I replied.

"Well sweetie, it's school, they have to assign it." I knew she was right, but I still thought it was wrong. Inside, Arabella woke up and started crying. Mom made a move to get up.

"I'll get it mom, don't worry." I said.

"Thank you sweetie," She said, sinking into her chair again. I pushed the door open and made my way down the hall to Belle's room.

"Aww, hey cutie, what's wrong?" I asked, even though I knew she couldn't explain. I scooped her out of her crib and gently rocked her in my arms. She had been having nightmare's lately, so it had been a week of little sleep for our family. I sat in the rocking chair and held her until she stopped crying.

"ookie?" She asked.

"Sure belle-belle, you can have a cookie." I carried her into the kitchen and grabbed two cookies, one for me and one for her.
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"Homework stinks," I say to Reese as he jumps into my bean bag with me. The loft is my favorite place in the whole house. It's so peaceful, I always do my homework in there. The sun shone through the window on my amber bookshelf, illuminating my limited edition, signed, Harry Potter series. I got up from the beanbag and went to sit in the window seat, Reese following closely behind. His ears perk and his little tail wags. "I know, you want to play. But I have homework Reese's pieces. I can't right now." He whimpered and curled into a ball on my lap. It had been 2 years since I had first encountered Reese. His story was not a happy one at the time, but it is now.

I had been on my way home from school with Kass and Claire and I had seen a little puppy tied up to a tree in the alley be Kass's house. It's ribs were showing, it's fur was matted, and it had scratches all over it's face. So naturally, I untied him and scooped him up in my arms. When I had gotten home, I gave him water and soft chicken and gave him a bath. Several trips to the vet and a plush new dog bed later, he was mine. So, Reese loves me, and I love him. Did I mention he follows me around everywhere? Well, he does.
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I had just finished my algebra homework when my mom called me for dinner. "Sweetie? Spaghetti is ready, come on down." She called up to me. I forced myself up and grabbed Reese, he likes to slide down the stairs, so I have to carry him down as much as possible. The aroma from the kitchen made my mouth water.

"Smells delightful, mom." I said.

"Thanks sweetie, take a seat and i'll give you a scoop." I sat down and played peek-a-boo with Belle while my mom got our plates.

"Here you go." She said. We thanked God for the food and dug in.

"Mom, this is great!" I said through a big mouthful.

"I tried a new sauce today, i'm glad you like it!" She said. "Umm, sweetie?" She started.

"Yes...?" I responded, she was acting weird.

"I have some big news. The school is taking in a British foreign exchange student." She said.

"That's so cool!" I said. "Who is caring for them?" I asked.

"Well, we are." Said my mom. My jaw dropped, this wasn't happening. I was excited, but things would drastically change. Did we even have enough money to have another kid in our household? Could mom even handle it with dad working so much? Where would she sleep? Mom seemed to see all the questions spinning around in my head. "Her name is Samantha Nicole Abbott. She's your age, and she'll be with us for a year to see how she likes it. She will arrive next Friday, so in one week." I wasn't sure what to think.

"Where will she sleep?" I asked in confusion.

"While she's here, the loft will be her room. I need your help getting it ready for her." She said. My heart dropped. I spent all my time in the loft. What if she stole all my friends? What if Reese likes her better than me? What if she turns out to be really mean? I thought to myself.

"Okay mom, i'll help you," I said, swallowing my worry. Hopefully everything would turn out alright.
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After cleaning the kitchen, I ran upstairs and buried my face in my pillow. Reese jumped on my bed and put his paws on my back. I rolled over and hugged him. We laid like that until I realized I still had science homework. I walked up to the loft to enjoy it's peace and quiet while I still could. Glancing at my desk, I saw the picture of my family at the beach during summer 3 years ago. We were so happy, all of us together. Before dad was promoted and had to work all the time. Before mom had to spend to much time at the bakery to raise money for two kids, only one. But now, there were going to be three. Even less time to spend with each other, more time for mom and dad to sped at work, and more chances to be the one nobody liked. I sighed, and sat down to do my homework.
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"Who even cares about cytokinesis?" I asked my mom as she walked in to check on me.

"Scientists, physicians, doctors, teachers, engineers," I cut her off.

"Okay, I get it, it's important." She smiled.

"Listen sweetie, I know things are going to be harder over the next few weeks with Samantha and all, but I know you can do it. It's gonna be hard for her too, making new friends, being different than everybody else, and living with total strangers far away from home. She is gonna need some help, and you are just the person to help her. I will always be here, if you want to talk." She said.

"I know mom. And thank you, i'll do my best to make her feel at home." I said. She hugged me and went to tuck Arabella in. Once again, things were good, for the time being at least.