Natalia Takes the Lead

Chapter Fourteen

The night of the play, the whole family shuffles into the theater to watch Zoe and Caitlin perform. The Stephenson-Martinez family is so big, they take up a whole row in the auditorium. At the end, the entire cast takes a huge bow. Caitlin is glittering and proud of herself in her Glinda costume, Darcy did really well as the Wicked Witch, and Zoe was incredible. Zoe may be shy and quiet sometimes, but onstage, she shines. Even the three Apple Trees (they cast a replacement Second Apple Tree) look happy, albeit a little sweaty from the heavy tree costumes.

After celebratory ice cream, Natalia walks home with Zoe and Emma. She tells them she got fully caught up in math class, and since all the dogs checked out, has had plenty of time to focus on studying. There’s even a couple with a schnauzer checking in soon, so that’ll be fun. Natalia is sure she can take care of one dog, especially with the others all helping. Natalia knows that with her sister and cousin, they can handle anything.