Rascal's Festive Fun Read Online Free PDF Page B

sticking out of his mouth.
    “Oh, Rascal!”
    “Is he all right?” Mum asked anxiously, as she hurried into the room. Then she saw Rascal crunching the last of the candy cane and sighed. “Of course he is. What’s he done to the tree?”
    “Don’t worry, Mum. It’ll be fine,” Ellie said, trying to push the tree straight again. “It’s just a bit lopsided…”

    “Mum, can we put out the mince pies for Father Christmas now?” Ellie asked. She was just about to go to bed, after staying up late to watch a film with Lila and Max.
    “Oh, I already did, Ellie,” Mum called apologetically from the sofa. “Sorry, did you want to?”
    “Where are they?” Ellie looked at the fireplace, and then noticed that there was an empty plate pushed behind the poinsettia plant Dad had brought home for Mum.
    “Not again, Rascal!” Mum said crossly. “Oh, when am I going to stop forgetting about you? I just put them there like wealways do. And after the candy cane, as well. If you’re sick on Christmas Eve I’m going to take your present back to the shop!” She sighed and got up. “I’ll go and get some more. And this time I’m putting them in a tin, with a note! I’m sure Father Christmas won’t mind…”
    Rascal burped loudly, and then jumped up, looking surprised at himself as though he wasn’t sure where the noise had come from.
    Ellie giggled and picked him up. She had a feeling it was a good thing it was bedtime! 

Chapter Ten
Rascal’s Christmas
    â€œUrrgh…” Ellie rolled over, brushing at her damp cheek. “Rascal! What time is it?”
    It was still completely dark in her bedroom, and it felt early. “Oh, Rascal! It’s only half-past five!” But Rascal was scampering up and down Ellie’s bed, whining excitedly. At last, he gave up trying to make Ellie do what he wanted, and seized something in his teeth, dragging it towards her.
    â€œMy Christmas stocking! I’d forgotten what day it was!” Ellie was suddenly wide awake. “I’m not sure you’re going to want any of it though, Rascal,” she told the excited little dog, as she turned on her bedside light. “It’ll be pencils and books, and maybe some chocolate…”
    She tipped out a little pile of parcels, and Rascal swiftly seized the one he’d been sniffing out. Ellie laughed. “Dog chocolates! OK, I take it back. Shall I open them then?” She held them above his nose, teasingly. “OK, OK! Don’t bark, Mum’ll make us go back to sleep.” She opened the packet, and fed Rascal a few of the dog choc drops, while she ate a chocolate snowman and opened the rest of her stocking presents.

    Then she snuggled down to look at one of the books, and the next thing she knew, someone was tickling her.
    â€œI thought you’d slept late for Christmas morning!”
    Ellie jumped awake, and looked up to see Dad laughing at her. “What time did you open those, then?”
    â€œHalf-five.” Ellie yawned. “Rascal woke me up – there was a packet of doggie chocs in my stocking.”
    â€œI see! Get dressed now, Ellie. It’s breakfast time, and Auntie Gemma, Liam and Grandad will be here soon.”
    Ellie wriggled out of bed, trying not to tip her presents all over the floor, and dressed quickly. She was hungry, and before she reached the kitchen she could already smell the croissants that Mum had bought for a special Christmas breakfast.
    â€œWhen can we open our presents?” Max asked.
    â€œNot till everyone else is here,” Mum said firmly.
    Max sighed and stuffed half a croissant in his mouth in one go. Lila groaned, but Mum pretended she hadn’t seen him.
    Rascal suddenly bolted down the bit of croissant Ellie had “dropped” for him – it was Christmas – and raced out into the hall.
    â€œI guess people are arriving!” Mum laughed. “He must have heard them coming up the path.”
    Grandad was at