Free Shoeshine Girl by Clyde Robert Bulla Page B

the sink. She came back to the table and sat down. “I don’t like to bring this up,” she said, “but I suppose I must. I’m not supposed to pay you anything.”
    â€œAnd why not?” asked Sarah Ida.
    â€œBecause your mother asked me not to. She told me you had borrowed your allowance for the next two months. She said you had spent it all and had nothing to show for it. She asked me not to give you any money while you’re here.”
    â€œBut I’ve got to have money!” said Sarah Ida. “I’m going to need it!”
    â€œWhat for?” asked Aunt Claudia.
    â€œLots of things. Candy and gum. Movies—and popcorn when I go to the movies. I need it for magazines. And for clothes.”
    â€œIf you need clothes, I’ll buy them,” said Aunt Claudia. “We can talk later about movies. If I buy you a ticket once a week—”
    â€œI want money in my pocket!”
    Aunt Claudia sighed. “That seems to be what your mother doesn’t want. I think she’s trying to teach you the value of money.”
    â€œI know the value of money, and if you think you can—!”
    â€œAll right, Sarah Ida. That’s enough.”
    Sarah Ida ran up to her room. She could feel herself shaking. They didn’t know how she felt about money. They didn’t understand, and she didn’t know how to tell them. She needed money in her pocket. It didn’t have to be much. But she just didn’t feel right with none at all!
    Aunt Claudia was calling her.
    Sarah Ida didn’t answer.
    â€œSarah Ida!” Aunt Claudia called again. “Rossi is here.”
    Sarah Ida lay on the bed and looked out the window.
    â€œRossi has something for you,” said Aunt Claudia. “Is it all right if she brings it up?”
    â€œNo!” said Sarah Ida. She went downstairs.
    Rossi was waiting in the hall. She had pink cheeks and pale yellow hair. She wore a yellow dress without a spot or a wrinkle.
    â€œI brought some cupcakes,” she said. “I made them myself.”
    â€œThat was sweet of you, Rossi,” said Aunt Claudia.
    â€œYes, that was sweet of you, Rossi,” said Sarah Ida.
    Aunt Claudia gave her a sharp look. Then she left them alone.
    The girls sat on the porch. They each ate a cupcake.
    â€œI think you’re awfully brave, coming here all by yourself,” said Rossi.
    â€œIt was no big thing,” said Sarah Ida. “My father put me on the train, and my aunt was here to meet me.”
    â€œWell, it’s a long trip. I’d have been scared. Are you having a good time in Palmville?”
    â€œI just got here,” said Sarah Ida.
    â€œI think you’ll like it. There’s a lot to see. Come on down the street. I’ll show you where I live.”
    They walked down to Rossi’s house. It was old, like Aunt Claudia’s. It was half covered with creepy-looking vines.
    Sarah Ida met Rossi’s mother. Mrs. Wigginhorn was pretty in the same way Rossi was. She had pale hair and a sweet smile.
    She said, “I hope you’ll enjoy your visit here.”
    Rossi showed Sarah Ida her room. “My daddy made this shelf for my library. These are all my books. Any time you want to borrow some—”
    â€œI don’t read much,” said Sarah Ida. She was looking at something else. She was looking at a blue and white pig on the dresser. “What’s this?” she asked.
    â€œThat’s my bank,” said Rossi.

    â€œIs there anything in it?”
    â€œAbout five dollars.”
    Sarah Ida picked up the pig. It was heavy. She turned it from side to side. She could feel the coins move.
    â€œI need four dollars,” she said. “Will you lend it to me?”
    â€œI—I’m saving for a present for my daddy,” said Rossi.
    â€œIt’s just a loan. I’ll pay you back.”
    Rossi looked unhappy. “I’m not supposed to lend