As the days went by Anna grew fonder of the frog and he grew fonder of her. The two could not speak about it in front of her mother. It was clear she disapproved. 

        Today, after supper, her mother came to argue with her. "Anna, you know your father, and I love you. We know the frog is your friend, but it is unhealthy." Her mother said.

     "Mother, it is alright, Freddie is different. I assure you he means us no harm," Anna protested.

      "Anna, you must stop this nonsense at once. I will not have my daughter known as the laughing stock in the kingdom." Her mother stated.

      "Mother, I made a promise and intend to keep it," Anna objected.

        "Very well, keep the ill-made promise, but assure you nothing good will come of it," Her mother sneered. She already knew her daughter was the subject of mockery. 

         Her mother stomped off, furious that Anna should defy her orders.

          Anna sobbed when her mother left the room. She hated making her mother angry but she could not let Freddie down. She knew he was special.  She was sure of it.

         She secretly wore the necklace he had given her under her clothes.

     The special necklace Freddie gave Anna for her birthday present in secret over a month ago now. 

    Anna continued to weep. She did not notice when Freddie came and sat next to her. She was too caught up in her sorrow.

   Freddie could sense her pain and felt he was the cause of it. He would let her out of the bargain if he knew it would help. Somehow, he was not so sure. He put one of his front frog legs on her left arm and gently stroked it.  He whispered, "Anna, my dear, thanks for always being there for me as I am for you."  

      Anna lifted her head and looked to see who had spoken. She saw that it was Freddie. "Freddie, oh, what am I to do? Mother is simply livid. She refuses to understand."

      "I know, and I appreciate all you have done for me," He looked sad when he spoke.

       "Freddie, what is the matter?" 

       "Anna, I do not want to cause you trouble. I will return to the pond and the lily pad from which I came," Freddie began to say. Anna sobs more now. "I can't let you do that, I gave my word, and no one; not even my mother will stop me from keeping it," Anna remarked. 

       "I will stay then, but I will try to stay clear of your mother," He said.

      Anna nodded her head in agreement. Today, she wore a white dress. It was nothing fancy, but Freddie thought she looked beautiful as ever.

        
The story continues in Chapter 5

 until then,

bye-bye,

little owlets!

Summer out!