Free A Modern Day Sense and Sensibility: An Adaptation of Jane Austen's Classic by Kaitlin Saunders Page A

fussing over Diane and the girls, the two finally left the Dashwoods to themselves with the promise of returning tomorrow. Although their offer to assist them was meant to be helpful, Diane found their presence overwhelming and dreaded the next day’s activities. No doubt Mrs. Jennings would be teeming with endless questions, a stage Diane was so grateful Margaret was just graduating from.
    Heaving an exhausted sigh, Diane was caught off-guard by a knock at the front door. It was her cousin Don Middleton, returning with his sleeves rolled up.
    “I couldn’t help but notice how full your car is. May I offer my assistance in unloading it?” he asked.
    Diane smiled and silently chided herself for the negativity she had been feeling just minutes earlier. Perhaps having two busybodies living next door wouldn’t be too bad, after all.

“Here’s the last one, ladies!” Mr. Middleton exclaimed as he set the final box onto the ground while catching his breath. He had been helping them unload their car, and now the apartment looked even more dismal than before. Boxes laid everywhere, the furniture that had been sent ahead was positioned haphazardly about the room, and Diane’s large kingsize mattress rested forebodingly against the wall.
    “Don, thank you so much for all your help,” Diane said, following Mr. Middleton to the door in a state of exhaustion.
    “Okay, see you tomorrow!” he smiled, waving goodbye.
    Closing the door behind him, Diane turned and studied her daughters with tired eyes. Ellie was in the kitchen placing glasses in the cupboard while Marianne, a few shelves ahead of her, dusted and applied shelf-liners. Margaret was on the floor unpacking the various boxes Ellie had marked with a big “X” to keep her busy, and fortunately it had been working.
    But just as Diane sat down on one of the chairs, Margaret began complaining. “Mom, I’m hungry,” her youngest whined.
    Hoping to save her mother the trouble, Ellie answered in Diane’s stead. “There are some Cheetos and juice boxes in that sack over there,” she pointed to a bag on the counter.
    “I’m sick of Cheetos,” Margaret said, making a face, “I want something else.”
    “Margaret, that’s all we have—” Ellie stated in a desperate tone, weary of the stress this was putting on their mother.
    But just as Ellie had feared, Diane opened the zipper of her jacket and pulled out a twenty dollar bill. “Here, take it,” she sighed as Margaret scooted over and took the money from her. “Ellie, will you accompany Margaret to the store and get something for us?” she continued, looking pointedly at her eldest.
    Margaret smiled cheekily as she hopped to her feet and watched Ellie slowly descend from the stepping stool to put on her shoes. Ellie, who thought this trip unnecessary because it was only to appease Margaret’s stomach, knew not to push her mother by arguing the issue.
    “Can I go, too?” Marianne asked, pausing from her chore.
    Diane nodded, glad for an excuse to have some time alone.
    With tennis shoes on, Ellie grabbed her purse and the three sisters headed out the door. About a ten minute drive from their apartment was a local market. Although a little run down with its paint stripped exterior and a “Help Wanted” sign hanging in the dirty window, it would do. Ellie maneuvered the car into a parking spot and they started walking toward the entrance.
    “Can we get some DiGiorno pizzas?” Margaret asked.
    “Margaret, we only have twenty bucks,” Ellie began with exasperation. “We have to spend it on more than just pizzas.”
    “What if they’re on sale?” pursued Margaret.
    “Maybe. . .” Ellie said, opening the door for her sisters and grabbing a cart as Margaret ran ahead to the frozen section. A moment later she returned with a DiGiorno Pizza in hand.
    “Is it on sale?” Ellie asked.
    “No,” began Margaret before quickly adding, “but it’s only $4.99. Please?”
    Ellie shook her head. “I said