Natalia Takes the Lead
Chapter Four
On the way into math class, Natalia gets a text from her mom. She says the couple getting married is checking in with their dogs that afternoon. She asks Natalia, Emma, and Zoe to come meet the dogs after school. Natalia’s excited to meet the two new dogs.
In class, Ms. Patel, the teacher, asks the students to get their latest homework assignment ready. But Natalia didn’t do a homework assignment. She must’ve forgotten to do it. Caitlin has hers, and Emma and Zoe both pull theirs out. Somehow, Natalia was so busy with the audition meeting, meeting the new dogs, and walking them that she forgot the homework.
When Ms. Patel asks her where her homework is, Natalia, ashamed, admits she forgot to do it. Ms. Patel says that she expects it the next morning on her desk. If Natalia isn’t able to catch up to the rest of the class, she’ll have to call Natalia’s parents about getting her some extra help.
Later, Natalia explains to Zoe that she also hasn’t done well on the last pop quiz, and the last few homework assignments, too. She’s been too busy daydreaming about the dogs and the show. Then Emma runs up. She tells Natalia and Zoe to let her mom know she’ll be late coming home. They’re having an emergency soccer practice. Zoe says she’ll be late coming home, too, since she’s going to run lines for the audition with some other students. Natalia tells them that they are wanted back at Seaview House to meet the two new dogs. But that’s okay, Natalia will meet the dogs all on her own.
Back at the house, Natalia is introduced to Ruby and Bandit, two adorable white standard size poodles. Ruby seems energetic and eager, and Bandit seems lazy and tired. The couple getting married seems really nice, too! Natalia’s mom is nervous that only one of the girls could come get the dogs ready for their afternoon walk. Natalia reassures her that the others would’ve been able to come, if only she had given them more notice than she did. Zoe and Emma will love taking care of all the dogs just as much as Natalia does, she’s sure of it.