Natalia Takes the Lead
Chapter Eleven
On Friday in math class, Ms. Patel is collecting homework assignments when Natalia can’t find hers. She knows she did it—she remembers working on it sitting at her desk in her room, while Zoe did homework on her desk. So… she must’ve left it sitting in the center of her desk… she forgot to put it in her folder. Ms. Patel comes to Natalia’s desk, and when Natalia doesn’t hand it over, Ms. Patel asks her to stay late.
After class, Ms. Patel asks Natalia if everything is okay. She’s been noticing a pattern lately, and wants to check in. Natalia assures Ms. Patel she’s trying, and with just a bit more studying, she’ll get it all figured out. Ms. Patel is understanding, but tells Natalia it’s time to talk to her parents about getting her some extra tutoring.
Natalia knows that it’s okay to need help, and she’s sure her parents will see it that way, too, but Natalia doesn’t want to need help. And she certainly doesn’t want her sister and cousin to know she’s in trouble.
That afternoon, Natalia, Zoe, and Emma are walking the three well-behaved dogs down to the beach. They sit and make a sand castle while the dogs roam around. Bandit comes over to Natalia and puts his head in her lap. She pets him, and muses that she can’t believe tomorrow is the wedding, and that Ruby and Bandit will be going home soon.
Emma confirms the wedding is at 4 PM. Natalia nods, but mentions that the three girls will need to be at Seaview House the whole day to watch the dogs, since the bride and groom and their families and friends will need the whole day to be focused on the wedding.
When Natalia looks up, Zoe and Emma are staring at her. “When were you going to tell us you’d promised we’d be here the whole day tomorrow?” Zoe asks incredulously. Apparently, both Zoe and Emma made plans for the morning, anticipating they’ll only be needed in the afternoon.
Zoe is mad at Natalia, she can see that. Zoe makes a comment that she doesn’t want Ms. Andrews to think she’s irresponsible. Natalia takes that personally. Does Zoe think Natalia’s irresponsible? Well, it’s fine. Natalia can take care of the dogs alone the next day. Emma and Zoe can do their thing. Natalia made the promise, so it’s Natalia’s job to keep it.