Molly's Miracle Colonies

Volunteer Job

I got up, and my parents were gone. Gave Sylvania her insulin shot and fed her. Mom never uses the refrigerator in the garage they bought when she was throwing parties at home. I made a new batch of her food, enough to last through Wednesday. And had the last of my oatmeal. I liked to make my own from scratch with frozen strawberries in the microwave. Running out of everything. So tempted to get food out of my bank account, but Sylvania needs her vet appointment.

Then I cleaned the entire house, my usual Monday routine. Since I had the day off from school, I tackled all the weekly and monthly list Mom had on the fridge. Changed light bulbs. Dusted the attic. Washed every window, even though they were clean on the inside. Outside was always a mess. 

Took Sylvania to the litter box. Put her in her backpack carrier, and roller bladed to Angel's. She met me with a snack in the butterfly lunch bag she bought me. "Have you got a minute?" Her blue eyes were teary. I felt bad.

"I'm sorry, but I have to be on time for my volunteer job at Kennestone." We walked to the shed where they kept my bike for me.

"I put air in your tires when I put some in mine. Can I go with you? I want to see if I can be a volunteer, too."

I felt worse! "Angel, their teen program, you have to be 16."

"But you've been doing this since last year!"

"It's a requirement for my degree. So unfair! Your mom doesn't pressure people like mine does! She called Ms. Renault every single day until she agreed to let me go to 10th grade last fall. I think she got one of her rich friends to call her. I'm the only 12-year-old at Marietta High. I think I'm the only 12-year-old volunteer at Kennestone, too. 'S not fair!" And people pick on me or ignore me because I hang out with Hispanic and Black friends. Because I turn in people who persecute 'em.

"It really isn't fair. Go, so you won't be late. I'll see you this afternoon!" I wanted to say more, she looked so sad.

I checked on Sylvania, because she was quiet in the carrier. She's fine. Beautiful blue eyes, and neat long, white fur from her daily brushing. Loved the feel of its softness, and so will everyone who holds her! Shouldered her backpack with the clear bubble again. Someone left it at the vet's when I worked there last summer and Dr Ashley said I could have it when I adopted her because they couldn't figure out who left it. He's so nice! I hope he lets me do that again this summer.

I swapped out my roller blades for my tennis shoes and noticed the wheels are getting thin. They aren't commuter blades. All these trips to Angel's are wearing them down. Doesn't help that I'm learning dance moves. Dad complained about how much these cost. I still fit the adjustable child-sized ones. He'll be mad when they break.

Then I got on the aqua bike—just the color I would've picked—and set out. Mr. Pedersen got this bike for Angel, Christmas before last, but she thought this smaller size would fit her for a year, and it didn't work out. She got taller. So, she gave it to me. Just right for me. So grateful to my friend and her family! Her dad bought her another one for Christmas. He was hoping for a table saw to help him finish the basement, so I might be able to live down there. I felt bad. If it really can happen. He keeps these cheap bikes in top shape. Puts better parts on 'em.

I always got nervous riding on Whitlock Avenue. Traffic! But that prayer before I left helped me again. Got into the left turn lane and found a gap, because people had to wait for the light. Sometimes, rush hour is a good thing! The shopping center parking lot got hairy sometimes. But, the trip went faster today than last Monday. Lots of people are off for Martin Luther King Day. Most of the stores are closed.