Penelope 'Pepper' Saunter was a pretty blonde woman and very friendly. She was the perfect partner in the door to door 'begging' that Eleanor needed to do. They walked the streets of Zephyr together to ask for donations. The big fundraiser was coming up. It was the Valentine party and fundraiser event for a local company that provided services to disabled children. The Ladies' book club hosted the event each year and steadily raised more and more money and awareness for the cause.

The event featured a catered dinner, a live auction, a silent auction and a raffle. So many people attended the event in the past couple years that they had to change venues several times. This year, it would actually be held at the school gymnasium. Zephyr High school had a fairly new building that was completed two years prior. The gym was state of the art. The residents of Zephyr were paying out the nose in taxes for it and were not the happiest about it.

The two of them were hitting up every business in town for donations of money or auction items. The more 'prizes' they had to give away, the more money they could raise for the charity. And even more important; the more fun the event, the more money that people would be willing to part with.

"So you see," Ellie explained, "It's very important we help Runa out of her depression."

"I'll try but, Mendalie had her heart set on this trip. I don't know if she will stay and help."

"I know," Ellie told her. "When I first came to America, I tried my hand at acting too."

"Really," Pepper said. "I never knew that; where at?"

"A little theater outside Boston; it was called, 'Sound and Fury' and I was to play one bit part."

"How did it go?"

"Stage fright," Eleanor said. "I walked out onto the stage for my big line and I kept walking, right off the other side and out the back door and I never went back."

"I'm sorry," Pepper said.

"Don't be. I wasn't meant to be an actress. Just like Runa isn't meant to be a recluse."

"I'll talk to Mendalie," Pepper said.

They walked into the door at 'Family Dental'.

"Can I help you?" the girl behind the window asked.

"I'm Ellie Ravensdale. Can you tell Dr. Eddie I'm here for my appointment?"

"Is it a cleaning?"

Ellie looked at Pepper smiling and looked back at the woman. "I hope so dear."

The woman looked confused.