From the moment I saw it, I knew I had to have it, I knew it was special
Standing in front of the window of Miss Elizabeth's store, I could sense it's power. The window was decorated in bright paper flowers and plastic ladybugs. The scene worked well to compliment the new articles from the spring clothing line. The skirts and blouses matched the bright colors of the flowers, and any girl would be proud to wear them.
But the focus of my eyes was the shiny purple raincoat. It was beautiful, with big lilac buttons and tiny little red hearts over the front pockets. I could imagine myself walking around town in that beautiful jacket, catching everyone's eye. Everyone would want to be my friend; everyone would want to know the girl with the pretty jacket, even Doug Collins. I bet he'd even ask me to be his girl! I was so excited I ran all the way home to get Mama; I needed that jaket right away.
Only we didn't go rushing back like I'd hoped. Instead Mama just gave me a stern look and told me that money didn't grow on trees and that the coat I had now suited me just fine. I looked down at my dingy yellow jacket with the faded outline of a duck over the breast pocket and a tear rolled down my cheek. Mama, sensing my dissapointment, added "Maybe next spring". That was it, I ran to my room sobbing.
Next Spring!!?!! What was she thinking? By then the coat woudl be gone, its magic lost to me forever.Why couldnt she understand that I needed this jacket? If I had this jacket everything would be different. She should be proud to have a daughter wearing that jacket. I'd probably become famous; some director would see me wearing that jacket and take me to Hollywood with him to be in all his movies. Then Mama and Daddy wouldn't have to worry about money no more. They could buy a big house like Mama always wanted. But none of this would be possible without that wonderful coat...
Sigh, Goodbye big fancy house, Goodbye to my fans and most importantly Goodbye Doug. It's all over...all hope is lost; I might as well die. How can I go on living knowing what I've lost?
Then, amidst the tears came a stroke of pure genius. It is insane, but it has to work. I have nothing to lose; this is my last hope. I'd wait until Friday, then launch my plan.
Two more days... just two more days until the moment of truth.
Thursday was one of those endless days. What seemed like an eternity was in fact five minutes, according to the clock. But,sure enough, the sun set and Friday was born. I made sure to wake up extra early before school and I went into the backyard and buried my old coat under the big oak tree. I ran to the front door,yelled goodbye to my mom, and ran to school before she could notice anything was wrong.
Now that was the easy part; the hard part would be waiting for me when I got home from school. All day long, I rehearsed my lines, each time with more passion and conviction, until finally my moment arrived. I stood outside my front door, took a deep breath and ran inside.
"Mama, Mama!!"
"Baby, what's wrong?"
As soon as her eyes looked into mine I froze.
" I uhh...I uh..."
Those eyes, she knew the truth. Any minute now she'd march me straight into the backyard and it would all be over. I can't handle the pressure, and all of a sudden the tears came rolling.
"Baby, tell Mama, what is the matter?"
As her arms protectively wrapped around my shaking body, it hit me.
She has no idea!!! Do it now, Do it now! I instructed myself. And then amidst the choking sobs i let the words escape
Mama, someone stole my jacket!!"
And to my great suprise, Mama bought everything. As soon as Daddy came home and the story was repeated to him, Mama marched me straight to Miss Elizabeth's store and bought me my new jacket.
"Well ,my goodness, doesn't my little girl look beautiful?". Daddy's words of inspection, when we got home, gave me an extra boost of confidence, not that i needed it seeing as how by that point I was glowing. I couldn't wait to show it off at school on Monday. All weekend long I pranced around the house wearing my brand new purple jacket. On Monday morning I made it a point to show up extra early to school. I strutted proudly through the halls, displaying the masterpiece.
There was a hush followed by a wave of whispers. I was genuinely suprised, I mean, I knew my coat was spectacular, but I didn't think it would cause that much of a commotion.
"I can't believe it!"
I twirled around only to find myself face to face with the school "princess". Linda was a popular 4th grader who always got her way. I was so excited, I couldn't believe she was actually talking to me. Then I noticed what she was wearing and my heart dropped.
Linda was wearing a shiny purple jacket, with tiny read hearts over the front pockets.
"Whatever, I had my jacket two weeks ago! You are such a copy cat!"
And with that, Linda reached over and pulled off one of the red hearts, leaving a huge rip in the jacket. Everything became a blur as I ran from the building, trying to escape the cruel laughter that rang though the halls.
How could this happen to me ? This coat was supposed to set everything right. I'm almost home. I just want to go home.
The sound of a horn snaps me back into reality and I turn just in time to see the headlights coming towards me.
When I open my eyes, I find myself in my Mama's arms.
"Mama, my jacket, I'm sorry. I can feel the hot tears stinging at my eyes.
No baby, don't worry about that now, you just be strong for Mama, the ambulance will be here soon".
She looks so sad; I've been such a bad girl, I made Mama cry.
"Mama, my jacket wasn't stolen. I buried it in the backyard, under the oak tree".
I'm sorry Mama. Why am I so tired? Maybe I should rest my eyes.
" Baby stay with me, Baby stay awake for Mama".
Just a short nap, then maybe I'll feel better. Mmm.... the sky looks purple from here.
Purple skies, purple jackets, and purple flowers...
