Karen's Gift by Ann M. Martin

Author:Ann M. Martin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Published: 2016-12-15T05:00:00+00:00

Disappointing News

After dinner, Mommy called. She asked how I was. I told her about my day of dog-walking. (I had told her that I had a new job. But I had not told her I was going to use the money I earned to buy her a present.) I also told her about missing the show.

“I am sorry you did not get to watch the after-school special with your friends,” said Mommy. “But I am sure it will be repeated. If I see it listed, I will let you know.”

“Thank you,” I replied.

“Karen, I have a good-news reason and a bad-news reason for calling,” said Mommy. “The good news is that a famous jewelry designer is coming to visit the crafts center.”

“That is great. What is the bad news?” I asked.

“The bad news is that he is coming the day of your class party,” said Mommy. “I am so sorry, but I will have to miss it.”

“Miss it? How can my own mother miss the Mother’s Day party?” I said.

“Karen, this work appointment is very important. Are all the other working mothers taking the day off for the party?” asked Mommy.

“No,” I replied.

“I would have been happy to come if it were a regular workday,” said Mommy. “But this is my only chance to meet this designer.”

This was turning out to be a very hard day. But I understood why Mommy could not come to the party. She works at the Stoneybrook Crafts Center making jewelry. She needs to be discovered by a famous jewelry designer.

“I understand,” I said.

“Thank you, Karen,” said Mommy. “Maybe you could ask Elizabeth.”

“You are right. I will ask her right now!” I replied.

“I hope she says yes,” said Mommy. “I love you and I will talk to you soon.”

I was sorry Mommy could not come. But it would be fun to have Elizabeth at the party. I found her in her room, reading a magazine.

“May I come in?” I asked. “I want to invite you to a party!”

“I would love to go to a party with you,” said Elizabeth. “Whose party is it? And when?”

“It is our class Mother’s Day party. Mommy was going to come, but she cannot leave work,” I said. “It is this Friday afternoon.”

“I am so sorry, Karen,” said Elizabeth. “But I have an important meeting on Friday. If it were a regular day, I would have been happy to take some time off.”

“I know. That is what Mommy said too,” I replied.

“I really am sorry,” said Elizabeth. “Do you think Nannie might like to come?”

“She is busy,” I replied. “But that is okay. I will find someone to come to the party.”

The truth was, I was tired of asking people. I was tired of feeling disappointed. But I had promised Hank I would find a grownup for him to bring to the party. That meant I had to find at least one person.

I hoped Hank would not mind sharing that person with me.

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