Those 70ish Girls

I’m on my way to Pearl’s. I get a three day week-end  because I don’t have to go to school on Monday. I haven’t made any neat plans yet, but I’m sure an idea will hit me soon. Things have been a little different since Pearl started volunteering at the library. She’s kind of making a name for herself. People are always commenting on how flashy her outfits are and asking for her advice on what clothes are popular and does she think they’ll look good on them. One lady even brought her catalog in and they sat right down and ordered some things. People also ask her about how to handle problems in their lives. Pearl said some people even ask her about books.

To tell you the truth, I don’t really like Pearl being gone that much because it puts a lot more pressure on me. I am pretty much solely responsible for Pearl the dog and that really ties me down. I’m hardly ever busy, but it could happen, and then what would I do? Grace is around all the time, but It’s really hard for her to get up and down all the stairs. It’s even worse since she’s been sick.

I’m not quite there yet, but I almost am.

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When I got to the top of the stairs, Grace opened her door and said Pearl the dog was at her house. She had been crying over at Pearl’s because she was bored.

“Pearl didn’t even come home for noon dinner,” Grace said. “I just hope she is doing the right thing by spending so much time at the library. Doesn’t that sound funny? I mean to hear Pearl and library used in the same sentence?”

I took Pearl for a long walk and she loved it. She really is a sweet dog and she makes Grace and Pearl feel safe. Personally, I think the stairs keep more criminals away, but they’re nervous because they live on Main Street. When Pearl and I got back, Pearl the human was home.

“Hello Essie, how is my puppy dog doing?” Essie, do you think you could take Pearl out again in a couple of hours? I just came home to change for my yoga class at the library.”

“What’s a yoga class, Pearl?”

“Well, it’s a class where you do yoga. I think it’s exotic and spiritual, but I don’t know for sure. I’ve never been to one. I know you say omm.”

“I guess I can come back in a couple of hours,” I said.  “I just hope I don’t have someone call me and want me to go to the show or something. Do I get paid more money?”

Grace knocked on the door. She had a big pot of something. All I know is I was thankful it didn’t smell like cabbage.

“Hi Pearl and Ellie. I brought some homemade chili over and I also made some cornbread. I thought we might all have supper together tonight.”

“It sounds delightful, Grace, but I’m off to a yoga class. The girls and I are going to get a bite after class.”

Grace put the chili on the stove and without saying a word…she left.

“Well if that doesn’t beat all?” Pearl said.  “I can’t very well cancel yoga now can I?”

“Just don’t go,” I said. I was feeling bad for Grace. She was sitting around counting freckles while Pearl was becoming the Queen of Murdo.

“Well,” I have to, Essie. I’m teaching the class. Are you sure you don’t know anything about yoga? How do you like my yoga pants?”

I felt sorry for Grace, so I stayed and ate chili and cornbread with her. It was Friday night and I’m sure lots of kids were calling my house to ask me to go to the show with them or something, but there’s always tomorrow night. Besides, I was there when Pearl got home from her yoga class and bite to eat with the girls. I think she got her comeuppance. She took right to her bed.