Holly's Heart Collection Two Read Online Free PDF Page B

idea to Paula, who was finishing her lunch. “Do you think you could keep Goofey for a few more days?”
    Her face broke into a grin. “Do you mean it?”
    You would’ve thought she’d just won a shopping spree.
    “Only a few more days,” I said, “till I can work something out.”
    She sighed. “Oh my! How can I ever thank you, Holly?”
    “I’ll think of a way,” I said a bit too sarcastically.
    Jared showed up just then, and Paula excused herself promptly. Strange. If I hadn’t known better, I would have thought Paula was trying to avoid Jared. How weird was that?
    “Heard you have a cat for sale,” Jared said, sitting beside me.
    I bristled at his remark. “I would never part with Goofey for money,” I declared. “I couldn’t possibly put a price tag on him.”
    “You’re one loyal and dedicated owner.” He smeared mustard, ketchup, and mayonnaise all over his hot dog. “Paula seems to love him, too,” he said. “Why don’t you let her keep him?”
    “Never in a zillion years,” I said.
    Jared shot me a surprised look. I didn’t want to explain why I disliked Paula, so I made a point of looking at my watch.
    “Going somewhere?” he asked.
    “I need to pick up some library books before my next class. Wanna come?”
    He held up his hot dog. “I’ll catch up with you later.”
    “Okay. See ya.” I rushed off to the library, hoping to find a book on Austria. Then just maybe I could get Andie’s attention. Finally!

SECOND-BEST FRIEND
    Chapter 7
    Paula called after school. “Something’s wrong with Goofey,” she said, her voice quivering.
    I gripped the phone. “What do you mean?”
    “He’s acting very strange,” she answered. “He won’t eat, and he’s throwing up. I called the vet.”
    “What did the vet say?” I tugged on my hair nervously.
    “He said to bring him into the animal clinic right away.”
    “Thanks for telling me, Paula. I’ll get Mom to drive me. I’ll meet you there.” I hung up the phone, trembling as I dashed down the steps to the main level.
    What had Paula done to my precious kitty?
    “Mom!” I called.
    No answer.
    “Where is she?” I said through clenched teeth, disgusted at her lack of immediate response. “Mom!” I called again. Louder this time.
    Carrie and Stephie came running upstairs. “Mom’s gone,” Stephie said.
    “Yeah, she left a while ago,” Carrie informed me.
    “Just great,” I muttered, wishing the city bus route went as far as the vet’s. What could I do?
    The TV blared in the family room downstairs. Maybe Mark knew something. I dashed down another flight of stairs. Carrie and Stephie followed. “When’s your dad coming home?” I asked Mark.
    “How should I know?” he blurted, making one of his disgusting alien faces at me. Stephie giggled.
    “Doesn’t anybody know anything around here?” I shrieked, growing more irritated by the second. “Goofey’s in trouble, and I have to see him before—”
    “Before what?” Carrie asked, her eyes ready to pop.
    “He’s sick, really sick, and I have to get to the vet’s. Goofey will be scared if I’m not there,” I said, tears blurring my vision.
    “Is…is he gonna die?” Stephie cried.
    A hideous thought. One I couldn’t bear to face. “I hope not,” I answered.
    Running upstairs to the kitchen, I reached for the portable phone. Maybe Andie’s mom could drive me across town.
    Andie answered on the first ring.
    “Is your mom home?” I asked.
    “She’s out buying groceries for next weekend when Christiana comes,” she said.
    “Oh, I just thought maybe she could drive me somewhere. Goofey’s real sick…at the vet’s. I need to get there somehow.”
    “What about your mom? Can’t she drive you?”
    “Mom’s gone. I wish I could drive!” It looked hopeless for transportation. And Goofey needed me. No one else could give him the kind of love and attention he needed now.
    “Sorry, Holly. Wish I could help,” she said.
    “I’ll work something out.”