Sarah's POV:

       I am glad he came and helped me. He kept that bad man from kidnapping me. I knew he would not let me down. I smile.

       Yes, Mom got him to stay for supper. I was excited to have him sit with us. After the meal, he helped Mom with the dishes and kissed her! I knew Dad loved Mom. I only wish Mom could admit she loves him too. 

     I sigh as Dad tucks me.  I want Mom and Dad to be together for good so we can be one big happy family. I pray that soon they will be official.

     I fall asleep happy. I hope Dad will be here in the morning. I am not so sure.

    I wake up the next morning and hear snoring coming from downstairs. I check to see what it is and I smile. Dad is on the sofa. Well, at least he stayed the night.

      I go back to my room and get dressed. I wonder how soon it will be before Mom and Dad get married. I want them too because that way we can stay together. Besides, how else will I ever get a baby brother or sister?

     I   brush my hair and leave it down for a change. What is the point in fixing it in a braid again? I am tired of that same hairstyle.

  I come down for breakfast and see Mom smiling. It is a relief since she has not been this happy in a long time. It must be because of Dad. I  watch her make some waffles. Ooh, she usually makes those when it is a special day.  Maybe it is because Dad is here. 

    I  see Dad staring at her as she works. He loves her more than she knows.  Well, at least I know it is mostly mom's side I need to work with more to convince her that she needs Dad.

     I  smirk as Mom sits beside Dad. Well, it is a start at least.  I close my eyes as Dad says the blessing.

    *Author's note: Sarah calls Chole, Mom, and Nathaniel, Dad even though she is not officially adopted by Chole yet and Chole has not married Nathaniel.  She is hopeful Chole will adopt her. She also hopes Nathaniel will marry Chole.

      After the blessing, Mom passes me the syrup. I put some on my waffles, then pass it to Dad.

     "Dad, and Mom, what is on the agenda for today?" I ask.

       They both look at me shocked as if I had grown horns.  "Sarah, you use big words, are you sure you are only eleven?"  Dad asks.

       "Yes, I am an extremely, smart child," I reply.

    "That she is," Mom adds.

    "I could not agree more,"   Dad (Nathaniel) says.

         "Well, what are the plans?" I ask. I hope it is something fun.

      "I was thinking about taking you to the zoo, Sarah while your Mom here is at work," Dad says.

        "Mom, can he?" I ask excited about a trip to the zoo with Dad. 

         "Sure thing, kid, but make sure the bears do not mistake yours for their cub," Mom says. 

"Mom, don't be silly, I am leaving her here so she will not get lost," I say.  Mom looks surprised since I usually take my teddy bear everywhere with me.

      Mom leaves to get ready for work, and Dad sighs.

 "Dad, what is the matter? Mom says I go," I remind him. "I know, but  I forgot my wallet at my place and we need the money to get into the zoo,"  He says.

     "You could use a shower and a change of clothes," I say and put a hand over my nose.

     "Are you saying I stink?" He says and pretends to be insulted.  "Yes, you smell bad, phew wee," I say.

         I grin.  Dad walks with me to his place. Mom continues to get ready.

Once at his place, I looked at it surprised. Dad is rich. I think cause his place is huge.

   I enter with him and he shuts the door. I sit on his couch to wait for him.

    I heard him turn on the shower and I locked the front door. I don't want any creeps troubling me while Dad is in the shower. 

    Dad comes out wearing jeans, socks, tennis shoes, and a red shirt. He looks nice.

       "Wow, Dad, you look nice," I say.

    "Thanks, little bee," He says. 

   He grabs his wallet and puts it inside his jeans. I saw him as he grabbed his house key, car key, a box, and a small suitcase. I do not ask about the other things. I was too excited about our zoo trip to concern myself with such things.

     Dad and I got outside, he locked the door, and we headed to his car. It is a red Chevy bolt, wow! That is such an awesome car.  I get inside and Dad helps me close the door. Dad gets in and I put on my seatbelt. He puts on his as well.

  Dad takes us to the zoo, and I frown. Too bad Mom had to work, I thought.  I bet she would have enjoyed the zoo more.

      Dad sees me pout and laughs. "Little bee, don't worry we will take your Mom with us some other time," He says. "Promise?" I ask. "Yes, sure it's a deal," He says.

     We arrive soon at the zoo. It is amazing. Dad pays for our entrance fee and I notice he bought special passes. He purchased three even though it is only us two today. The extra one must be for Mom. He puts one in his wallet, holds onto his, and hands me mine.

     We showed our passes and they let us inside.  Once inside, I looked around amazed. It is better than I could have dreamed.  There are lots of animals.  Dad takes me to see the birds first. I stand in awe when I see all the toucans, flamingos, herons, and other birds. Next, we look into a cave like area and see bats. Wow!

     Dad and I see bears, zebras, elephants, and crocodiles. We are looking at the lion exhibit when I see some get akumantized. Oh, no! Why here and why now?  How do I transform without Dad worrying about me?  "Dad, I need to go to the bathroom." I hope he will be angry since I lied.

     "Go ahead, I will meet up with you when you are finished," Dad says. I smile and enter the ladies' room. I enter a stall and transform.

        I hear someone scream. I see a little girl hiding under the sink from a bad person. I go into battle mode.

        "Hey leave her alone!" I yelled. He sneers at me.

     "What you going to do about it wannabee zebra," He scoffs.

     "The name is Kid Zebra, and I am your worst nightmare," I say.

What happens next? 

Find out in Chapter 22

  Until then,

bye-bye,

little owlets!

Summer out!