Weddings don't Work!

Weddings don’t work

By: Emma Ladner

For – My Mom and Dad

For always making me feel good with hope.

                  CHAPTER

                     One

I opened my eyes. A nice sound and smell filled the air which could only mean one thing; Lulu, my house maid was making some pancakes. I hopped out of bed and walked downstairs to the kitchen where my Mom sat on the couch. “Dear I need to tell you something.

Now wait! Before I go telling you what my mom is about to say let me explain my life and family. Well my family is simple; I have a mom and dad who are divorced. My dad lives in Los Angeles with  his girlfriend; Julia. My mom lives with me in New York City. I have three brothers. My mom gave birth to one of the boys which she named; Eric. He is eighteen in his first year of college… I think. Then my dad gave birth to the other two; Sam and Sammy. My mom was married to a man named Dave and they divorced when Eric was five. Then my dad was married with a girl named; Octavia and they divorced when Sam was ten and Sammy was twelve. Then I have my grandparents who both live in Delaware. But in different countries in Delaware. So anyways then I have my best friend; Sophie. Sophie is my only friend to be exact and if I were to lose her I would be on the bottom of the loser list. That’s what they call the list at my school. Well that’s all I have to share expect my brother Sam is graduating college and Peter is fixing to get married to a girl named; Sara. Well that’s all so enjoy the story!

I walked over to my mom and sat down. “Allie, I’m getting married.” Said Mom. “What?” I asked. “I know it’s sudden but your dad has a girlfriend and he’s fixing to marry her and it’s about time I move on. We move on.” Said Mom. “But Mom I can’t live with your snotty rich boyfriend.” I said. “George is not snotty and he’s not rich. He’s a doctor.” Said my mom. “Oh so now his name is George?” I said. Mom rolled her eyes. “Dear what I’m saying is that George is going to move in with us.” Said Mom. “NO!” I said. “I’ve never met George!”I said. “I know dear but George can really help us.” Said Mom. “Mom, why?” I asked. I stood up. My mom stood up after me and looked me in my eyes. “Because you need a father.” Said Mom. “I’m fine with no dad!’ I said. I turned away and walked in the kitchen where Lulu served me some pancakes and I ate quickly. The phone rang and Lulu answered it. “Allie, it’s Sam.” Said Lulu. I grabbed the phone, swallowed my pancake and said, “Hello?” Hey, what’s up Al? “Nothing eating pancakes.” Hey I’m graduating this weekend. Do you want to come fix up my apartment and stay for a little while? “Yeah sure!” Ok see ya. “Bye Sam.” Bye. I turned off the phone, handed it to Lulu and finished my breakfast. “What did Sam say?” asked Mom. “He wants me to help him fix the apartment.” I said. “Well Allie Sam lives quiet a far way from here.” Said Mom. “I don’t care!” I said. I ran upstairs, closed my door and turned on the TV and opened my Mac book. With one leg on the bed and the other on the edge I turned on the Mac book. I logged onto video chat and Sophie’s face popped on the screen. “Hey!” I said. “Hey.” Said Sophie. “Uh hold on.” I said. I walked downstairs. “Hey Ma! Can Sophie come to New Orleans with us?” I asked. “I guess dear I bought a ticket for Samson but I guess Sophie can use the ticket.” Said Mom. I ran upstairs. “Hey Sophie want to come to New Orleans with me?” I asked. “On a plane?” asked Sophie. I nodded and pulled my hair in a side pony tail. “I can’t fly on a airplane!” said Sophie. “Of course you can, just don’t look out the windows.” I said. “I know but what if lightning struck the plane and we have to jump out and we splatter into millions-“said Sophie. “Sophie that only happens in movies.” I said. “Well it could happen.” Said Sophie. I rolled my eyes. “Well are you in or not?” I asked. “Hold on.” Said Sophie. Her face turned away so I could see her hair. “Mom! Can I go to New Orleans with Allie?” asked Sophie. Sophie’s mom stepped into the doorway. “I guess.” She said. Sophie turned to me. “She said yes.” She said. “Ok well anyways,” I took a pen and a piece of paper. “Let’s decide what to do at Sam’s house.” I said.

We worked on that list for hours. And to be truthful it was really hard. When Sophie finally left the video chat I logged off my computer and came downstairs for lunch. Lulu had fixed me a sandwich which I gulped down and went outside and sat on the back porch with a notepad and pencil and doodled. A boy from next door came on my porch. “Hey.” He said. I looked up. “Hey John.” I said.

Well yeah I forgot. I have two friends. I have John who I’ve known for part of my life and to be truthful we actually are best friends.

“Heard you are going to New Orleans.” Said John. I nodded. “Yeah,” I said. “So I was wondering if-“ he said. “No.” I shook my head. “Oh come on please?” he asked. “No John! I don’t have the money!” I said. I began doodling on my heart I’d drawn.

“Nice hearts.” He said. I looked up he was gone. I looked beside me; there he was! I looked at him. “You are crazy.” I said. He nodded. “I get that a lot.” He said. I rolled my eyes and continued. A while later John left and I went inside. I ate some dinner and Mom left for a meeting. I sighed whenever she left. “You miss her spending time with you?” suggested Lulu. “Yeah.” I said. “Well if she marries George then she can spend time with you.” Said Lulu. “Let me guessed she told you to say this.” I said. “No.” said Lulu. I rolled my eyes. “Now go get ready for bed.” She said. She smacked my bottom and I got up and left. Mom didn’t come for a while so I settled down in my bed and began reading Harry Potter and the Sorrcer’s Stone which I had just started to read. And to be truthful until my mom gave me the Harry Potter Series I had never heard of him.

Chapter Two

The Vanishing Glass

Nearly ten years had passed since the Dursleys had woken up to find their nephew on the first step, but Privet Drive had hardly changed at all. The sun rose on the same tidy front gardens and lit up the brass number four on the Dursleys’ front door; it crept into the living room, which was almost exactly the same as it had been on the night when Mr. Dursley had seen that fateful news report about the owls. Only the photographs on the mantelpiece really showed how much time had passed. Ten years ago, there had been tons of pictures of what looked like a large pink beach ball wearing different-colored bonnets- but Dudley Dursley was no longer a baby, and now the photographs showed a large blond boy riding his first bicycle, on a carousel at the fair, playing a computer game with his father, being hugged and kissed but his mother. The room held no sign at all that another boy lived in the house too. Yet Harry Potter was still there, asleep at the moment, but not for long. His Aunt Petunia was awake and it was her shrill voice thatr made the first noise of the day. “Up! Get up! Now!” Harry woke with a start. His aunt rapped on the door again. “Up!” she screeched. Harry heard her walking toward the kitchen and the sound of the frying pan being put on the stove. He rolled onto his back and tried to remember the dream he had been having. It had been a good one.

Mom finally came in but with a big bag all wrapped up on her side. “What’s that?” I asked. Mom sat down. “Well I realized you are a little lonely when your two friends can’t play. So I got you something.” Said Mom. She gave me the bag and I stared at the large bag for a second. It was hard not like other bags and I could hear it echo. “Mom is this another stereo machine?” I asked. Mom shook her head and grinned. Slowly I unwrapped it and came to a pet carrier. I gasped and looked at Mom. Slowly I opened the cage and inside were two wiener dogs. “Aww!” I said. I picked them both up. “They are brother and sister. My friend, Mrs. Alice from across the street had puppies and gave these two to me.” Said Mom. “Oh Mom!” I said. I hugged her and looked at the puppies. “Which one is the girl?” I asked. “The skinner one.” Said Mom. I looked at the girl. “Alicia, and Tate.” I said. I nodded. “Yeah Alicia and Tate.”

So Mom tucked me in and left my room and as soon as she left my room I turned on my lamp. Alicia and Tate looked up at me with a start. “So you guys like it here?” I asked. Alicia wagged her tail and Tate put his head on his paws and closed his eyes. “Oh Tate you will love it here. See your sister loves it!” I said. Alicia was on top of a rabbit I had gotten when I was five and chewing on its arm. “I guess you guys need a place to sleep.” I said. Alicia stopped and looked at me. Tate looked up at me wide awake now. I got out of bed and made my way over to a nice corner. I took some long pillows where I made a nice square. Alicia and Tate sat on my bed watching me. I took some blankets and placed them inside. Then I took smaller pillows and placed them inside. Then I took the rabbit and placed it in a corner. I put Alicia and Tate inside and looked under my bed. I pulled out a box and took off the top. I dug around for a few minutes and found it; my old princess nightlight. I crawled over to the plug and plugged in the nightlight. I twisted the cap and it came on and Alicia, feeling the warmth curled in a ball. Tate stretched and yawned. Then he crawled over to Alicia and curled into a ball too. I smiled and slowly I tip-toed over to my bed and crawled in and picked up my Harry Potter book and opened it.

There had been a flying motorcycle in it. He has a funny feeling he’d had the same dream before. His aunt was back outside to door. “Are you up yet?” she demanded. “Nearly.” Said Harry.”Well get a move on, I want you to look after the bacon. And don’t you dare let it burn, I want everything perfect on Duddy’s birthday.” Harry groaned. “What did you say?” his aunt snapped through the door. “Nothing, nothing…” Dudley’s birthday- how could he have forgotten? Harry got slowly out of bed and started looking for socks. He found a pair under his bed and, after pulling a spider off one of them, put them on. Harry was used to spiders, because the cupboard under the stairs was full of them, and that’s where he slept.

Mom came in when I was reading. “Allie!” said Mom. I looked up and gulped. Mom stood in my doorway wearing her pajamas. “What are you doing awake?” asked Mom. I was stuck. Mom came over, grabbed the bookmark and placed it in my book and snapped it shut. “Listen to me! Just because I’m getting married and you got puppies doesn’t mean you don’t have to listen to me!” she yelled. I felt tears but I couldn’t cry! I was mature enough to stand up for myself. “Well you were the one who gave me the books!” I yelled. Mom froze. I had gotten her. But then she turned mad. “Allie go to bed right now!” said Mom. She turned off my lamp and closed the door behind her once she left. I was sitting up in the dark. I heard thunder then the pitter patter of rain. Pit-pat, pit-pat,-pit-pat, pit-pat, pit-pat, pit-pat. I wanted to go into my Dad’s strong arms, I wanted him to hold me. I wanted him to be there. Lightning brightened the night time sky. I laid down and stared out the window where lightning struck again. I shivered and felt a tear come out of my eyes. I wanted to wipe it away but it felt good to cry. I wanted to cry more than anything at that moment. Then I remembered tomommrow was my Mom’s birthday. Maybe I could make her breakfast if Lulu helped me! I set my alarm for six because that’s when Lulu got to my house. Then I turned around and looked at the side of my bed. Alicia and Tate were there, their front paws on  the boards of my bed and they were whimpering. “Aww…” I said. I reached down and one by one I pulled them onto my bed. They curled by me and began to fall asleep. I remember feeling their soft bodies on me. I smiled and snuggled my face into their skin and finally I met sleep.

                    CHAPTER

                       Two

The next morning the alarm set off. Alicia and Tate sat up and barked. I opened my eyes and turned off the alarm. I waited for a few minutes and heard the front door open and closed. I hopped out of bed and ran downstairs in my pajamas. Alicia and Tate came after me, hoping down step by step. Lulu stood in the kitchen with her bag on the counter. “Hey Lulu, can we make Mom some breakfast?” I asked. “Great idea Allie.” Said Lulu. “Now… how about bacon and eggs?” So that’s what we began cooking. Lulu cooked some coffee and helped me with eggs and bacon. Finally we were done and placed the bacon and eggs on a plate and then poured coffee into a cup. Then Lulu took a silver tray and I put the stuff on and Lulu carried it up to Mom’s room. Mom awoke as soon as Lulu opened the door. “Good morning.” We said and brought the food over to Mom. “Well I smell food.” Said Mom. I drew open her heavy curtains to revel a nice warm day. “Yeah, my gardening club begins today.” Said Mom. “Lulu dear, can you make a five dozen sandwhichs and cut them into small triangles?” asked Mom. Lulu nodded and walked downstairs. “Mom Lulu works a lot.” I said. “Dear she does it for money.” Said Mom. I walked into my room and Tate and Alicia followed me and I closed the door behind me. I took a nice white dress and put it on. Then I put white tights on and some nice white shoes and took a pink sash, tied it on and combed my hair. Then I placed a nice pink bow into my hair. I walked downstairs with Alicia and Tate in my arms and looked out back. Mom had pushed white tables around and there were blue table clothes. There were seeds and the best part was that it was right under my tree house! I giggled and walked into the house and called Sophie. Sophie came over in the same clothes as me and we crawled into the tree house with Tate and Alicia. Mrs. Howard, the town mayor’s wife appeared first in a brown dress with her brown hair all curled up. Then Mrs. John came with a blue dress on and took a seat by Mrs. Howard. Then Mrs. Deer, Mrs. Edwards, Mrs. Lucy, Mrs. Harrington and Mrs. Sophia arrived and Mom began the meeting. The ladies began planting some flowers and Sophie and I watched from above and when the women went to get water in watering cans Sophie and I dropped water balloons on the plants and when they came back there was already water. Sophie and I giggled and gave each other high fives. Then Mom began talking about what would happen when the plants were ready. When George walked in I smirked. He was a tall man with blond hair and brown eyes. All the women gazed at him. Sophie and I took some water balloons and threw them at him and when Mom and the ladies and George looked up we ducked and giggled silently. Mom I could hear her; “Sorry ladies um…. Most me the weather.” Said Mom. George picked up a popped balloon. “I don’t remember there being balloons in weather.” Said George. “Sorry.” Said Mom. She coughed and Lulu brought the food to the tables. There the women and George ate some food. Sophie and I spied on George who talked to Mom and they kissed and EWW! I couldn’t tell you anymore or else I will barf! I felt like screaming at the freak. He was taking my Dad’s place and I barely even knew him! I only saw him in a picture! A PICTURE LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!

Finally the gardening club was over and George stayed over to meet me. But I wouldn’t dare go down to meet George this or George that. Finally George came to me. I was sitting on my bed with Tate and Alicia. Alicia was sitting in my lap and I was brushing her and Tate was beside me chewing on the rabbit. “Hey.” Said George. I looked up and looked down at Alicia. “Um… you look pretty.” Said George. I looked up and raised my eyebrows. He was still and silent. I shook my head and contiued to brush Alicia. “Um… I’m going to go.” He said. I looked up waved quickly and went back to brushing Alicia. Ha! That would teach him to take my dad’s place!

                         CHAPTER

                             Three

Finally Alicia had her first litter. I found her in my closet with Tate. The puppies were nursing from Alicia and by the looks of it they were a few hours old. Mom and George soon found out and Sophie was the first. I had eight puppies now. Three were girls and five were boys. I named the girls; Rose, Rosette, and Rosa. Then I named the boys; Jack, Jackie, Jackson, Jacks, and Jackal. I know weird names… but I couldn’t think because I was talking to Sophie at the same time.

Mom wasn’t too happy with the puppies. At age four months they were attacking each other, growling and drinking water. Alicia and Tate weren’t too happy. I was laughing and laughing and laughing every time they would frown. Jackson one time pushed Rose out of my room! I couldn’t believe it when I found seven puppies! I put up signs and called for Rose and after a week Rose came out of one of my shoes. I took down the signs and finally I kept a closer look of the puppies. One day Alicia was sleeping when Rosa jumped ontop of Rosette who jumped on top of Jack! The puppies all crash landed on Alicia! Tate growled and shoved them into the bed I had made for Alicia and Tate. One day I saw Alicia and Tate sleeping outside of the bed. When the puppies, and Alicia and Tate were outside for potty break I took apart the bed and made a rectangle. Then I placed more covers in to make it soft and placed the rabbit in and then when the puppies and Alicia and Tate came in the puppies climbed into the bed and went to sleep. I placed Alicia and Tate in and they made theirselves some room and stretched and fell asleep.

One day John came over with a girl. “Hey Allie, this is Marie my girlfriend.” Said John. I felt my heart break into millions of pieces. “Sara…” I said. John nodded. “Yeah this is Sara. You guys know each other?” I shook my head. “No just um… see prom is coming up.” I put my hands behind my back and crossed my fingers. “Oh yeah I was wanting to know if you wanted to go with me.” Said John. I nodded. “Oh not you, Sara.” He said, wrapping his arm around Sara. I sighed and uncrossed my fingers. “Well… see you at prom.” I said. “Hey why are you down?” asked John. “Nothing, no reason. Now go get kissy goo-goo eyes on Sara. I won’t care.” I said. “Hey!” said John. “Stop it you jerk!” I said. I yanked him off of me. “Why are you even my friend?” asked John. “I-“I said. “Tell me!” he yelled. I slapped him. “I did it for you, I did it for you, you jerk.” I said. I walked inside my house and closed the door and ran upstairs to my bedroom where I crashed on my bed and cried. I looked up; there was Alicia standing over me huffing and puffing. “Oh it’s hopeless.” I said. I sat up. Alicia jumped off my bed and Alicia ran under my bed. “Alicia I’m not going to-“I said. But Alicia crawled out from under my bed with a paper and in my old second grade handwriting was; My Sleepover. She dropped it in front of me and panted. I looked down and picked it up and erased the paper. “Of course Alicia!” I said. I took a new piece of paper and in my new, better handwriting wrote; My Sleepover

I paused and wrote- Games: Truth or Dare, Hide n’ seek in the dark

Pausing a second time I wrote- Movie: Nightmare on Elm Street

And last I took a deep breath and with all my might I wrote- Make sure to bring a sleeping bag and pillow and a change of clothes and a bathing suit! Tons of pizza and popcorn and outside swings and tree house!

I stopped, put the pen down and admired my writing. It was nice and not as scratchy as my second grade writing. I brought it down to my mom. Mom was on the couch with Glenn Beck on. She was painting her toes, eating popcorn, and talking on the phone all with her hair in rolls. “Mom, can I have a sleep over?”I asked. “Hold on Gwen.” Said Mom. She moved the phone from her ear. “Can’t you see I’m talking here?” she asked. I nodded. “Well I’ll answer in a second.” Said Mom. I walked into the kitchen where Lulu was on the house phone talking. “Yes she’s right here.” Said Lulu. “Hold on.” She handed me the phone. “It’s a young lad asking for you.” Said Lulu. I took the phone where I said “Hello?” Hey it’s John. “John if this is about prom and what I said then I’m going to hang up.” No um…. I wanted to call to see if you were okay. I heard giggling. “You’re a liar I hear Sara in the background.” Oh um… sorry Sara dared me to call you thinking I would ask you to prom… I hung up the phone and shoved it at Lulu. Mom came in. “Now what Allie?” asked Mom. “Can I have a sleepover?” I asked. “Let me see the paper.” Said Mom. I handed it to her and she scanned it. “I guess Allie but remember no messing up the house.” Said Mom. “Okay!” I said. I ran to the phone and dialed Sophie. Then paused; who else was I going to invite? Hello? “Hey Sophie can you come to my sleepover next week?” Yeah! “Hey can you invite some of your friends that are nice?” Yeah um… I think so I’ll call you later. I heard voices in the background and then the phone hung up. Slowly I hung up the phone and trudged upstairs to the hallway. In the hallway I tripped and fell on the rug and a few feet in front of me was paper. I picked it up and slowly brought it into my room. I opened it and there was a note and it read; Dear Allie, I hope you can come visit me next weekend. I really miss you, why won’t you write back? I send you messages every day and you never answer. What’s up cutie pie?

Love,

Dad

April 19, 2010

I gasped and dropped the letter. Mom opened the door and I stood up and glared at her. “Hey kiddo, here’s the paper.” Said mom. Tossing it to me she left. I took it and saw her scribble something at the bottom in the tiniest handwriting;

R.S.V.D. If not able to come call 234-5678

What did it say? I took my magnifying glass out and read;

R.S.V.D: If not able to come call 234-5688.

Who in the world was that? The phone rang and I answered it. “Hello?” Hey it’s Sophie five out of my ten friends can come. “ok great!” I heard more voices. “Hey I got to go…” I said. Slowly I hung up the phone and shivered. Alicia crawled up on my bed and the puppies walked into their bed and curled in balls to fall asleep. Mom had been hiding me away from Dad but why?

When my Mom went to sleep I went to her room. I searched around for more letters and couldn’t find anything. I searched the trash but there was nothing! So I made my way to my room and wrote to Dad; Dear Dad, Mom has been hiding the letters from me and I found one from last year under the rug! I can’t believe she has been hiding the letters from me. I don’t know what’s going on up there but Mom is getting married to a stranger; George. I hate him even though I haven’t met him!  Mom says keep up with it but I can’t! Well I’ll catch you later.

Love,

Allie

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Finally finished I was! I picked the letter up put it in a envelope, and mailed it. Then I went to sleep in hope that my father would get my letter.

The next morning I woke up to the smell of eggs. I stretched and yawned. Alicia and Tate jumped on my bed and the puppies woke up and ran downstairs barking because they smelled fresh milk in their dog bowls. I laughed as they pushed on one another like girls trying to run to the Jonas Brothers. When they entered the kitchen they ran to the bowls where they licked and licked their bowls clean. Lulu was in the kitchen and had fresh eggs on the table. I sat down and began eating while Lulu washed the dishes. She looked so sad. “Lulu, what’s wrong?” I asked. Lulu looked at me. And just to let you know she’s an adult. “Allie enjoy your breakfast.” Said Lulu. She wiped a tear. “Lulu you’re crying.” I said. “Yes but there’s nothing t-t-to fret m-m-my dear.” She sniffled. “Lulu tell me.” I said. “M-m-my father died last night, now I have no family.” She said. “Lulu! Of course you do! Mom, Alicia, Tate, the puppies, and I are your family!” I said. Lulu smiled. “Thank you Allie but really I have no real family that gave birth to me, knew me since I was a baby.” She said. “Lulu it’s alright it’s kind of like parents divorcing.” I said. “Dear this never happened to you.” Said Lulu. I smiled, it’s alright Lulu.” I said.

For the rest of the morning I wrote down my plans for my sleepover. Alicia and the puppies would sometimes help; they would throw paper in the trash. Finally I was done with the plans and I sent them around to my friends’ house. Well Sophie’s house and she gave me the addresses so that’s how I got the letters to the other houses. Anyways when I came home Mom was up and she looked at me. “Allie! Were you outside riding on your bike in PJs?” asked Mom. I looked down at my clothes then up at her and nodded. “Dear my lord; Allie go get dressed!” said Mom. I ran upstairs and dressed into a nice red dress and combed my hair. Then I called Sophie over. Sophie came over in a white dress with a blue sash. We laughed when we looked at each other. “Allie and Sophie would you help me set up?” asked Mom. “I guess.” We said at the same time. We set table cloths down and put flowers in vases. Then we placed plates d0wn and placed the forks and spoons and knives by the plates. Then we set up a longer table and we helped Lulu bring the food out onto that table. Then we made the entrance; it was big hoop covered with roses and we made pots go down the lane. Then we cleaned the driveway and put balloons on the mailbox and with a big sheet we wrote;

Mrs. Parker’s Gardening Club Meeting Today!!!!!

Then we walked inside and helped Lulu clean the house. We cleaned the kitchen and put balloons up and we made the beds. Then we blocked the staircase and we went outside with my mom. Mom was talking to George and when George looked at me I shivered. He smiled at me. “Allie this is George.” Said Mom. I waved without saying anything. “And this is his son.” Suddenly the cutest boy with blond hair and green eyes walked up. I gasped and dropped the glass bowl. “Oh!” I said. I bent down to pick it up. The boy dropped down to help. “Oops… hi.” I said. “Hi.” He said. “I’m Allie.” I said. “Peter, now let’s get this up.” He said. When we had it cleaned Sophie and I ran to my room. “He’s so cute!” I said. Sophie elbowed me and pointed at the doorway laughing. Peter stood there. I gulped and nearly passed out. He ran downstairs and we laughed. Alicia ran after him barking and then I heard tumbling and a squeal of pain. “Alicia!” I said. “Peter!” said Sophie. We looked at each other. “Both of them!” We ran down the stairs where Alicia lay on the bottom stair squealing. Peter was outside talking to George. “Alicia!” we said. We picked up Alicia and brought her outside. “Mom! Peter broke Alicia’s paw!” I said. “Did not! Dad send her away to military school immeadtly!” said Peter. “Peter.” Said George. “Allie.” Said Mom. “SHUT UP!” I said. I ripped hair out of Peter’s hair and then Mom shut me in the house. I cried and cried. Sophie had to go home!!! Just because of stupid, innocent Peter. But he’s not innocent! =[ This can turn out to be the saddest  day of my life!!!!!!

                CHAPTER

                       Four

After the gardening party I came downstairs to my Mom where she was snuggling with George and Peter. I felt left out and sad. “Mom…” I whispered. But she didn’t look at me. She wrapped her arm around Peter and said, “Do you really like Allie?” I sighed and walked to the kitchen where Lulu was going through the mail. “Anything for me Lulu?” I asked. “Nope… wait.” She said. She handed me a letter and I opened it;

Dear Allie,

Leave my boyfriend; John alone! He doesn’t like you! He even told me so! Well I’ll be on American Idol soon so I better hear that you watched it! Back off of John, you are only friends with him.

Sara

I looked up at Lulu. “Lulu, how much money is it for signing up for American Idol?”

Five weeks later I found myself backstage of American Idol in a dressing room! I rummaged through clothes and found some shorts and a t-shirt. I put it on along with cowboy boots and brushed my hair. “Allie Parker!” said the American Idol guy. I heard cheering and I ran onto the stage to the microphone. “Hi.” I said. “Hello Allie Parker, how old are you?” asked the main lady; Sasha. “I’m fifteen.” I said. “And you’re from California?” asked Sasha. I shook my head. “No Chicago.” I said. “Oh Chicago.” Everybody clapped. “Well what are you singing?” she asked. “Oh um… I’m singing the song Goodbye by Miley Cyrus. I know a lot of people don’t like her but this is a song describing my love to a boy.” I said. “Oh and who would that boy be?” asked Sasha. “His name is-“I saw Sara near the curtains looking mad suddenly Lulu came and dragged her away. “His name is- John…” I said. “Oh well sing it to us.” Said Sasha. The music began and I opened my mouth and saw Sara, her arms were crossed. “I-I-I can almost see it….” I said. The music stopped. “Allie that’s the Climb.” Said Sasha. I nodded, and turned my head to her. “Sorry…” I said. The music started. “I can honestly say you’ve been on my mind since I woke up today, up today. I look at your photograph all the time. These memories come back to life and I don’t mind. I remember when we kissed, I still feel it on my lips. The time that you danced with me with no music playing. I remember those simple things. I remember till I cry. But the one thing I wish to forget. The memory I want to forget is; goodbye.” I walked to the other side where people were. “I woke up this morning and played our song. And throwing my tears, I sang along. I picked up the phone then put it down. Cause I know I’m wasting my time. And I don’t mind. I remember when we kissed. I still feel on my lips. The time that you danced with me. With no music playing. I remember those simple things. I remember till I cry but the one thing I wish I’d forget. The memory I want to forget.” I was fixing to say thank you from in the crowd John stood up. “Suddenly my phone is blowing up with your ringtone. I hesitate but answer it anyway. You sound so alone. And I’m surprised to hear you say; You remember when we kissed. You still feel it on your lips. The time that I danced with you with no music playing.” Then we sang together, “You remember those simple things! We talked til’ we cried. You said that your biggest regret. The one thing you wished I’d forget; is saying goodbye, saying goodbye. Ooh Goodbye.” And the music ended and everybody cheered, Sasha clapped loudest. I smiled and John ran on and hugged me. Sara walked on stage. She yanked my shoulder. “Listen here brat; you better forget John or else!” she said. “Ooh….” Went the crowd. John stepped in front of me. “You know what Sara?” he asked. John put his arm around me. “This girl has been with me every step of my life! And now I’m taking her side.” “Aww….” Went the crowd. Sara hesitated then said, “You know what? We are OVER! DONE!” she said and ran off stage. John turned to me and took my hands and looked into my eyes. “Allie… I love you.” He said. “AWWWW!!!!” went the crowd even louder. I stared into his eyes and nodded. “Me too John.” I said. John smiled and I smiled back. “I always hoped this would be a happy ending.” I heard Lulu say. Suddenly John bent in to kiss me. Then he went back a little then went ahead and kissed me for the second time in our life.

We had last kissed each other when we were ten. Yeah I know I didn’t mention it. But when we were ten on the playground John and I were sitting on a bench talking in April. I remember like it was yesterday. That was the day somebody ever did a move on me. John yawned, patted his mouth and put his arm around me. The air was sweet and cool and everybody was running around playing. The teachers were sitting by the building talking and blabbering about the principal’s wedding. I looked at John. “John, do you like me?” I asked. “As a friend?” asked John. I nodded. John shook his head and for a moment I thought I would slap him then he said, “I like you like a girlfriend.” And then we kissed on that bench and Sophie watched all of it holding hands with Nick Montana. Who is John’s friend. I was John’s best friend and the next thing I know; I’m kissing John on the playground. Sorry I didn’t mention it earlier because now the story sounds jacked up after me singing that song. And oh yeah when we were on the weekend. He invited me over and we danced together in his bedroom with no music playing. Just like in the song! Well enjoy the rest…. It’s practically over so enjoy it while you still can before it’s over.

                           CHAPTER

                        Five

Finally the day came; when I had to sell the puppies. John was over and we were watching a movie. Mom came upstairs. “Hey Allie today we have to sell the puppies.” Said Mom. I looked at the puppies, sleeping calmly. “But Mom…” I said. “No Allie, bring the box down.” Said Mom. John helped me place the puppies in and we went outside to sell them.

A few weeks after the puppies had been sold it was the day of Mom getting married to George. All my brothers and all my mom’s friends and George’s friends came over to celebrate the wedding. Everybody sat down and Sophie and I stood beside my mom in white, elegant gowns holding red roses. Mom looked so happy. Her hair was like the hair that Bell wore in Beauty and the Beast. Her veil was in front of her face covering the beautiful makeup on her. I smiled and looked at Sophie. Mom wore a nice white gown, puffing out in a circle at the end where her legs were. George wore a black tux and his brown shaggy hair was combed back. He wore a red tie and his shoes were bright black. Peter stood beside him wearing the same clothes and his hairdo the same too. “Do you George Boston Samson take Marie Alice Parker to be your wife?” asked the preacher. “I do.” Said George. “And do you Marie Alice Parker take George Boston Samson to be your husband?” asked the preacher. “I do.” Said Mom. “Rings!” said the preacher. The ring boy; George’s sister’s son; Jimmy ran up holding the rings. Everybody awed at him running up. Sophie and I giggled a little bit. “Take a ring George.” Said the preacher. George took a ring and placed it on my Mom’s finger. “Now repeat after me.” George and Mom nodded. “I give you this ring-“ “I give you this ring.” “For I love you and I give you all my love.” “For I love you and I give you all my love.” “And when I’m not with you.” “And when I’m not with you.” “I will love you know matter what.” “I will love you no matter what.” “And so I give you this ring.” “And so I give you this ring.” “For you are now my wife.” “For you are now my wife.” Everybody cheered. Mom took the other ring and placed it on George’s finger. “I give you this ring.” “I give you this ring.” “Because I love you so.” “Because I love you so.” “And if I cheat on you.” “And if I cheat on you.” “I will tell you anyways.” “I will tell you anyways.” “So I give you this ring.” “So I give you this ring.” “Because I’m now your wife.” “Because I’m now your wife.” Everybody waited silently. The preacher closed his book. “I prounce you Mr. and Mrs. George Boston Samson.” Said the preacher.  It was silent even Sophie and I were silent. “I prounce you husband and wife.” Said the preacher. George lifted Mom’s veil and kissed her and everybody cheered and clapped and cheered and clapped. Mom hugged George and George hugged Mom and they ran to a limo where they climbed in and drove to where we would eat. My brother; Sammy, gave us a ride there where Sophie gave my mom a necklace and George and neck-tie. Sam ruffled my hair and whispered “Can’t wait for Easter.” I smiled and turned and frowned. Peter stood on the deck staring up and staring at the sky. When Sophie was talking to some guy I didn’t know I went to Peter. “Hey.” I spoke softly. Peter looked at me and mumbled, “Hi.” I walked over beside him and looked up at the sky. “So what happened to your dad?” asked Peter. “My mom and dad divorced.” I said. Peter nodded. “What about your’s?” I asked. We looked at each other. “My mom died in a car crash when I was twelve.” He said. Sophie walked over and for the first time they actually stared at each other. “Oh Peter!” said a girl. We turned around and there was a girl I also didn’t know. “Alice?” asked Peter. They ran up and hugged. “I thought you moved!” said Peter. “We had a change of plans!” said the girl; Alice. A boy from England walked by. “Hello hottie LaMotte!” said Sophie and ran over and walked with him to the dance floor. “Hey.” I heard a voice. I turned around and there was John by the staircase below me. “Hi.” I said. I walked down the stairs and stopped on the fifth step from the bottom. John walked up to me and looked at me. “You look pretty.” He said. I smiled and pulled hair behind my ear. “Um…” John looked to the left and then back at me. “Sorry about your Mom and George.” I laughed. “Hey George is alright and Peter isn’t much of a jerk anymore.” John laughed and walked a step ahead of me and reached his hand out. “Want to dance?” I blushed and grabbed his hand. He pulled me to his step. “I would be honored John.” I said. And arm in arm we walked up the wedding floor where people were slow dancing. He placed his hands on my hips and I put my hands on his shoulders and we slowed danced.

So that’s all that I have and I’m really expecting more! Anyways as you can tell George and Peter are better then I thought! And John and I are dating. Sophie, well I’m not sure if she’s dating that English man and abovisoly Peter is dating that Alice girl.

Allie…. You know we are dating.

Ok, ok! They are dating and they met each other in Alabama.

No it was in Iowa.

Well I don’t know the story! You tell them then!

Well see, my dad and I were in Iowa and we were at the beach for a day. And that’s where my dad met Allie’s mom. Now I was bored because I had nothing to do and all that so I walked to the water and that’s where I met Alice… in her nice hot pink bikini….

PETER! Stop drooling! You’re grossing me out!

Well anyways while my dad was talking to Allie’s mom…. Gross….

I can hear you!

Well anyways Alice and I met and we had our first kiss on the dock and then she had to go away and blah, blah, blah sad ending…. So then we met each other again!

Yep so now you get the big deal but anyways like my title says;

WEDDINGS DON’T WORK!!!!!!!

                  The End

Check out more books soon to come about Allie Parker’s lifetime;

Allie and John

Allie’s Big Spring Break

Allie’s Wedding Plans

Allie’s New Life

Coming soon to a classroom near you!