Katy & Shari: Adventures in Friendship

All Rights Reserved © 2001 by Tammy Tappan

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or by any information storage retrieval system, without the permission in writing from the publisher.

Writers Club Press an imprint of iUniverse, Inc.

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ISBN: 0-595-20447-3

ISBN: 978-1-4697-3472-9 (ebook)

Printed in the United States of America

Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Shari’s New Bike

The Party

Katy Comes Home

Thunder

Katy and the Possum

Gonzo

The Gentle Protector

New Kids on the Block

Katy Goes to School

Alicia

Katy’s Shining Moment

Summer Vacation

The Picnic

A Walk in the Moonlight

Danger in the Woods

Katy Helps Out

Shari’s First Date

Good-Byes are Never Easy

Katy Gets Sick

Moving On

About the Author

Dedication

To my husband, Glenn, because without you in my life I wouldn’t have a life.

To my dog, Tonya, who’s looks and personality served as the inspiration for Katy. You’ll always be my little girl!

And to animal lovers everywhere who follow their hearts as they adopt dogs and cats from animal shelters, providing a home and life to someone who just wants to be your best friend.

Acknowledgements

I’m very grateful for the people who helped the story in my head become a published book for the world to enjoy:

To my husband, Glenn: thanks for supporting and encouraging me to write this book.

To Annette Hahner: thanks for being a dear friend, for loving my story as much as I do, for seeing the people behind the characters, and for all of your great editing work. I’m sure glad you weren’t my English teacher; I don’t think I would have passed the course!

To Lynn Cochran: thanks for your positive words and wise editing marks on the manuscript. I appreciate that you took time from your busy schedule to help out a friend.

To Tim Cochran: thanks for liking my story and for filling me in on rattlesnakes, y’all!

I need to say a special thanks to Kerri Nielsen, the JC Penney photographer who so patiently and diligently worked with us to get the picture for the back cover. Although Tonya was less than cooperative, with some extra help from Lindsay Wilson, another JC Penney associate, we finally got a picture we could use!

And, of course, to Tonya: the dog who came into my heart and home, and who inspired this story.

Shari’s New Bike

Shari looked at her watch. Three o’clock. Five minutes since the last time she looked. Ten minutes until school let out for the day and she could go to the bicycle store to pick up her birthday present. This has to be the longest school day ever! Shari thought, as she looked at her watch again. Two minutes past three. Shari rested her chin on one hand while she finished copying the homework assignment from the board. She wrote slowly, trying to fill up the time until the bell rang.

Just as Shari was closing her notebook, the school bell sounded. Jumping up from her chair she wove her way through the classroom quickly. Shari was about to go through the door when she heard, Hey, Shari, wait up! It was Cyndy, her best friend. Shari half turned around and shouted back, I can’t, I’m in a hurry!, as she continued out the door and down the hall toward her locker.

As Shari was closing her locker, ready to leave, Cyndy came running up to her. Shari, I thought we were going to the bicycle store together? You look like you’re ready to leave without me!

I’m sorry, I had forgotten that we decided at lunch to go together. It’s just that I’m so excited about getting a new bike for my birthday! Do you know how long it took me to convince my dad that I had outgrown my old bike? I feel like a baby whenever I ride it! I guess it’s partly because it’s hard for him to realize that his little daughter is going to be thirteen, and become a teenager, in a few days. Parents get sentimental about that kind of stuff, you know?

The two girls headed for the bicycle store. They walked in silence for about two blocks while each of them thought about what Shari had said. Cyndy finally broke the silence. I know what you mean, about parents getting kind of weird about us getting older. My mom did a lot of sighing when I turned thirteen last month. But it’s got to be harder for you, since you don’t have your mom, just your dad. Does he make more of a fuss?

Shari smiled. Well, about some things he does. Other times, when it’s girl stuff, he just gets kind of flustered and tells me to call my Aunt Karen. She’s my mom’s sister, so I guess my dad figures she’s the best one to call. Aunt Karen’s okay; she gives good advice and all. But I sure do miss having my mom. I didn’t really know her, you know, since I was only three when she died. But I do remember the feeling of having my mom around. With just my dad and me at home, I’ve had to learn a lot about keeping house, cooking, and that stuff. You’re lucky, because your mom does most of those chores at your house.

Yeah, right! Cyndy hooted sarcastically, So why am I always cleaning the bathroom?

Shari laughed as she bumped into Cyndy and answered, Because you’re so good at it! You can come over to my house any day and scrub ours! Cyndy bumped Shari back and said, In your dreams, girl! Both girls started laughing as they bumped playfully into each other.

The street took them past the animal shelter. Every day for a week now, Shari had gone to the bicycle store to decide which bike she wanted. And every day she passed the animal shelter. Like every normal kid, Shari would stop a minute to look at the dogs that were out for display. The shelter had what they called the daily specials, which meant dogs that were harder to place in homes, or had just been at the shelter for too long. They would take those dogs out of their cages and display them where people would be sure to see them, and hopefully would adopt them.

Today, however, Shari was too excited about finally picking up her new bike to think about looking at dogs. But Cyndy wasn’t. She ran ahead of Shari and up to the fence to look at today’s special dogs. Come on, Cyndy, we don’t have time to stop and look today, cried Shari as she pulled on Cyndy’s sweater.

But Shari, just look at that one dog over there. Isn’t she pretty? And she’s so quiet; she’s not barking like the other dogs. I can’t imagine why anyone would want to get rid of her. Take a look.

Oh, probably because she’s not housebroken or something. Okay, a quick look. Which one? Shari stood next to Cyndy at the fence and looked in. Cyndy was just about to point out the dog when Shari said, I see the one you mean. You’re right; she is beautiful! Okay, can we go now? I’ve got a bike waiting for me!

Okay, okay, replied Cyndy, as she let Shari pull her away from the fence. They walked back down to the sidewalk and continued toward the bicycle store. But you have to admit, that was kind of an unusual dog. She must be a mixed breed, because she didn’t look exactly like any regular dog I’ve seen. If I didn’t already have a dog, I’d try to talk my parents into letting me have that one, just because of how different she looks.

Well, mixed breed or purebred, it doesn’t matter. Dad says we have enough to do around the house without worrying about pets. He doesn’t even want a bird, and they’re so easy to take care of! Shari kicked a small rock out of her path. I sure wish he’d change his mind. I think I’d almost rather have a dog than a new bike. At least I already own a bike, even if it is kind of old. Suddenly, Shari didn’t feel the same urgency about getting to the bicycle store as she did when she left school.

Aw, come on, Shari! Don’t get bummed out now, we’re almost to the store. You’ll probably get a dog someday; but today you’re definitely getting a bike! Now let’s go. The store is just around the corner. Cyndy grabbed her friend’s hand and pulled her along the sidewalk quickly.

You’re right, and I’m really happy. It was just that I was thinking about that dog, and what it would be like to own her. Oh well, at least my new bike will be dependable; that’s more than I can say for some dogs I’ve met. And with that, Shari raced ahead of Cyndy to the door of the bicycle store.

Shari’s dad had promised to leave work by around three o’clock that afternoon and meet her at the store, to pay for the bike. Shari looked around the inside of the store, but she didn’t see her dad yet. She went up to the counter and the sales clerk, quite familiar with Shari by this time, just shook his head. No one’s been in yet to pay for your bike, but I’ve got it right back here when you’re ready.

Shari went back out the door to wait on the sidewalk. She was once again feeling the excitement of getting a new bike, and was starting to get anxious about her dad coming. Cyndy, you haven’t seen my dad, have you? Cyndy shook her head, Nope, not yet. Cyndy squinted to look far down the street, "Wait, isn’t that your dad’s car heading this way?

Shari stretched out her neck and stared down the road. Yes, you’re right, that’s him! She began waving her arms to let her dad know that she was here and waiting.

As his car pulled into the parking lot, Shari and Cyndy raced over to meet him. Hi, Dad! I thought you’d never get here! Shari opened his door and gave her dad a big hug as he got out. I love you, Dad. Not just because you’re getting me a bike, but also, well, just because.

I love you too, Shari, he answered, as he gave his daughter a big hug back. Okay, let’s go get your bike! Then he stopped walking and said, trying not to smile, Of course, there’s a problem with getting this bike now.

Shari looked at him in disbelief. Dad, what do you mean a problem? You promised we could get it today. Don’t tell me I’m going to have to wait longer?

No, no, we’re getting your bike today, he smiled, but since your birthday is still two days away, by getting your present now, I feel like it’s spoiled because I have nothing to surprise you with.

Oh, is that all? I thought it was something serious! Come on, I don’t care what day I get it! If it would make you feel better, you can put a bow on it Saturday, for my party, okay? Can we go in now?

Yes, Mr. Berhmann, please can we go in before Shari bursts? laughed Cyndy, as she opened the door to the bicycle shop.

It only took five minutes to complete the purchase. Shari proudly rolled her new bike out of the store. Dad, she asked, Do you think I could ride my bike home? It’s really not that far, and I’ll be very careful, I promise.

Okay, but please come straight home. And remember the rules of the road. Mr. Berhmann hugged his daughter once more, then headed for the car. Realizing that Shari’s friend was still there he asked, Cyndy, can I give you a lift?

Sure, thanks Mr. Berhmann. I’d rather ride than walk! Cyndy went over to the passenger side of the car. See ya later, Shari. Happy riding!

Thanks, replied Shari, Come by the house as soon as you can, okay?

Okay, I’ll see you later. Cyndy got into the car.

As they pulled away, Joey Berhmann looked in his rear view mirror and saw his daughter riding her new bike. He felt very good inside, because he had made Shari happy.

Cyndy had been thinking about something that Shari’s dad had said. Excuse me, Mr. Berhmann, but I have a question.

Yes, Cyndy, what is it? He replied.

Well, Cyndy hesitated, not sure of how to put her question, You see, it’s like this. First, did you maybe mean it even just a little bit about wanting to have a surprise for Shari on her birthday?

Joey, feeling a bit puzzled, answered, Well, in a way, I guess I did. Why, do you have something in mind?

Cyndy hesitated, then said, Well, sort of. You see, every day this week, when Shari’s gone down to the bicycle store she’s passed by the animal shelter. She loves to look at the dogs, you know.

Joey cut in, Yes, I know, and if you’re thinking I should get her a dog, too, then just stop right there. A dog is a big responsibility for a family, and I’m not sure that Shari is ready.

But Mr. Berhmann, you should see how great Shari is with my cocker spaniel, Gonzo. She even makes him sit before giving him a treat, and there have been many times when she tells me I need to let him out, because she noticed first that he was acting like he had to go. Couldn’t you maybe just think about it? Cyndy tried very hard to think of other reasons to convince Mr. Berhmann that Shari should have a dog.

Joey thought for a moment. Well, okay, I’ll think about it. I guess in some ways a big dog would be good, because it would offer some protection for Shari now that she’s old enough to stay home alone during the evening when I have to work late.

Cyndy was excited by his answer. She thought about the dog they had seen today. You won’t be sorry, I know! And besides, there’s this really pretty dog that just came in, and Shari and I both really like her, and…

Hold on there! Joey jumped in before Cyndy could get any further, I didn’t say yes, just that I would think about it! Afraid he might have hurt Cyndy’s feelings he continued, But if I decide to get a dog, I’ll be sure to tell Shari to thank you for convincing me, okay?

Okay. Cyndy settled back into her seat, secretly praying that he would decide in favor of a dog.

And I wouldn’t mention this conversation to Shari, he cautioned, so she won’t be disappointed if I decide against it.

Cyndy sighed, thinking that maybe she’d lost this battle after all, I won’t.

Joey pulled up to Cyndy’s driveway and said, as she was getting out, Thanks for the idea. I’m glad Shari has such a good friend like you. I’ll see you on Saturday for the party.

I wouldn’t miss it! Thanks for the ride, Mr. Berhmann. Cyndy walked up to her front door, gave one more wave to indicate that she was fine, and disappeared inside.

As Joey drove away, he began to think more about the idea of a dog. It would mean a companion for Shari when her friends weren’t around, and a bigger dog could be some form of protection. But then there was the food, and the vet bills. Of course, if he got a dog now, he could surprise Shari with it on Saturday. He weighed the pros and cons of this idea as he drove around the block to his house.

Shari wasn’t home yet, but he figured she should be riding up soon. He took the mail out of the mailbox and headed inside. There was a flyer in the mail from the animal shelter, asking for donations as well as urging people to adopt animals, because they were getting crowded. What timing! Joey almost thought that Shari and Cyndy had planted the flyer, to try to convince him to get a dog, except he didn’t think that an almost teenager would be quite that conniving. But he had to admit, it was a strange coincidence!

Shari arrived home about twenty minutes later. She carefully parked her new bike in the garage, then ran into the house and gave her dad another big hug. Oh, Dad! That new bike rides so great. Thank you again so much for letting me get it!

You’re welcome, darling, he replied, returning her hug with a kiss on the cheek. Nothing’s too good for my little girl! So tell me, how many friends are coming to your party Saturday?

Shari took a deep breath, and counted in her mind. I think the final total is eight, if that’s okay. I know it’s a sleepover, so I tried to keep the list small. And dad, I’m going to be thirteen, so can you not call me your ‘little girl’ anymore, at least not in front of my friends?

Joey rolled his eyes, Okay, I’ll try to remember. Eight girls, plus you, in one house overnight? I don’t know if I can take it! Then he clapped his hand on his forehead and sighed.

Oh Dad, you’re so dramatic! Shari laughed, knowing that her dad was just teasing. Did you order the cake yet?

Cake? Joey said, pretending to be surprised, What cake? Was I supposed to get a cake for your birthday party, too? Then he smiled, Of course I ordered the cake! How could I forget, with you reminding me every day?!

Okay, so I’ve been a bit excited about this party. It’s my first sleepover party, you know, and I want everything to be just right. Shari pretended to pout, but she couldn’t keep a straight face for long.

Now that the party is settled, could we please think about dinner? What’s on the menu tonight? Joey tossed the mail on the kitchen counter as he walked over to the refrigerator to look at his options.

I was thinking maybe…, Shari hesitated as she noticed the flyer, Hey dad, what’s this? she asked.

Joey looked over and recognized that Shari was holding the flyer from the animal shelter. Oh, some advertisement from the pound asking for money and such.

Shari considered this a great opportunity to make another pitch for getting a dog. Funny this should come today. I happened to pass the animal shelter on my way to the bicycle shop today, and I saw this really pretty dog sitting there, looking kind of sad and lonely, and I was thinking that, maybe.

Hold it right there, young lady! Joey interrupted, We’ve been all through that before. Besides, isn’t getting a new bike enough for one birthday?

Shari put the flyer down. Of course it is! I just thought that, well, since the flyer came, I might mention it again. But never mind. Let me figure out what to make for dinner while you relax, okay? Shari didn’t want to push the issue right now and risk getting her dad upset after he just bought her a new, expensive bike.

Joey walked into the den. I’m going to watch the news. Let me know when dinner’s ready.

Dad, Shari called from the kitchen, It’s only four-thirty. The news isn’t on until five o’clock. Remember, you left work early today. And I usually get my homework done before I actually start dinner.

Oh yeah. Well, I think I’ll close my eyes for a bit. Wake me up at five, will you? Joey sat down in his recliner to relax. He wanted to take a nap, but he kept thinking about dogs. He turned on the TV to find a dull show to watch, hoping it would clear his mind. The show had just gone to a commercial, and as luck would have it, it was a dog food commercial! "Man, what