Natalia Takes the Lead

Table of Contents

• Chapter One
• Chapter Two
• Chapter Three
• Chapter Four
• Chapter Five
• Chapter Six
• Chapter Seven
• Chapter Eight
• Chapter Nine
• Chapter Ten
• Chapter Eleven
• Chapter Twelve
• Chapter Thirteen
• Chapter Fourteen

Chapter One

Natalia is busy raking the leaves of the massive front lawn of Seaview House, the oldest house in Waverly, which Natalia’s family has been in for generations. She’s accompanied by her twin sister, Zoe, and her cousin, Emma. Emma’s family lives with their Grandma in the attic of Seaview House, and they’ve just finished restoring the house into a B&B.

Natalia is pondering how different all three of them are. Emma is precise and thorough; her section of the yard is almost completely raked, with the yard split into quarters. Zoe is creative and quiet. She’s paused her raking to admire the colors of the leaves. Zoe’s clothes are neat and it looks as if she’s just gotten dressed. Meanwhile, Natalia’s clothes are messy and wrinkled, from running around, sitting in the dirt, and more general horseplay. Only Natalia’s part of the yard needs a lot more raking work.

Then, Tomás and Mateo, Natalia’s six-year-old and five-year-old brothers, come outside. After knocking over a full bag of leaves, Natalia suggests they come over and make a maze with the leaves in Natalia’s pile. Together, they arrange a maze, and then move the leaves into straight lines and corners.

Emma is struggling to get through the maze (which is most likely impossible anyhow), when Natalia’s mom, Alison, comes outside. Alison announces that Natalia’s Aunt Amy, Emma’s mom and Alison’s twin, have an announcement inside.

The five children and Natalia’s dog, Riley, all go inside Seaview House. Aunt Amy tells them that they’ve officially booked their first customers. Two couples that are friends are coming in from out of town, and they’re bringing their dogs. They’re not sure yet where to put the dogs, but they decided to come anyway.

Natalia suddenly has a brilliant idea. Why don’t the three girls take care of the dogs?! It’s only two dogs, and with the three of them, they can manage walks and feeding and playing.

Emma isn’t sure; she’s awfully busy with soccer and swim practice. Zoe says she was considering auditioning for the role of Dorothy in their school’s production of The Wizard of Oz. But Natalia assures them that they can do it. Natalia will be there to help… they’re ready to commit to dog sitting!