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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: CROOKED (04/30/20)
Wrigley and her friend, Shay, skipped into the kitchen. Shay grinned and held her arm up to Wrigley’s mom. “Check this out.”

Mrs. Fieldings examined a bracelet on Shay’s wrist. “It’s beautiful.”

Bouncing on her toes, Shay blushed. “Mom surprised me. Look it says, ‘Best Friends Forever.’”

Wrigley rolled her eyes and grumbled. She saw Mom’s right eyebrow dart up, so she bit her lip. “It’s pretty.”

Mom’s eyebrow went back to normal. “You’ve been an excellent friend to Wrigley.”

Tapping her finger on her bracelet, Shay shrugged. “Yeah, but Mom is my very best friend.”

Noisily blowing air through her pursed lip, Wrigley muttered, “Whatever! I’ve got homework. You need to leave now.”

Mom’s eyebrow shot back up. “Wrigley Grace! Apologize. Shay, honey, you’re welcome to stay.”

Shay looked at Wrigley and shook her head. “Thanks, but Mom will worry.” She put her hand on the doorknob. “Bye, Wrigs. See ya tomorrow?”

“Whatever.” As soon as the door closed, Wrigley turned to Mom. “Will you get me a friendship bracelet?”

Mom tapped her foot. “Seriously?”

Sighing, Wrigley leaned on the counter. “Aren’t we best friends too?”

Mom pulled Wrigley into her arms. “I love you very much, but I’m your mom, not your friend.”

Tears filled Wrigley’s eyes. “Why can’t you be both?”

“I think being a mother is more important. I’ll always be here, but friends come and go. I’d be cheating you if I acted like a friend instead of a mother.”

Crossing her arms, Wrigley kicked the chair. “I’m the only girl in the whole school who isn’t best friends with her mom.”

“I’m sorry you feel that way. God made me to be your mom, not your friend. And as your mom, it’s my job to let you know when you’re wrong. Hand over your phone and go to your room and think about your attitude.”

Wrigley flipped her phone across the table. “You’re the meanest mom ever!” She ran to her room, slammed the door, and flopped on her bed. Later, when Mom came in, she pretended to be asleep.

The next day, Wrigley stayed in her room and pouted. Just before lunch, Mom opened the door and peeked in. “Shay’s here. She looks upset. I know you’re still angry, but Shay really needs you. Can I send her in?”

Wrigley sat up, wiped off the tears and snot, and nodded. When Shay came in, Wrigley noticed her eyes were red and puffy. She looked worse than Wrigley felt. She sat on the bed and buried her face in her hands. “Wrigley, I messed up so bad. I don’t know what to do.”

Wrapping her arm around her friend, Wrigley whispered, “What happened?”

“Last night, Mom told me she spent all her money on this stupid bracelet. We didn’t have any food left. Then her boyfriend came over. I told her he gives me the creeps, but she said she needed to spend time with another adult. They went into her bedroom.” Shay shook as she sobbed.

Rubbing her back, Wrigley hushed her. “I’m sorry; that’s awful.”

“That’s not even the worst. I decided to return the bracelet and get money for food. I took it to the store and they asked me for a receipt. I told them it was a gift. The lady said it was stolen! She called the cops. I'm only ten! I don't wanna go to jail.”

Wrigley gasped. “Holy-moly! What’d you do?”

Shay crumpled on the bed. She cried so hard the whole bed shook. “I got scared and ran home. Mom was still in the bedroom so I turned off all the lights and locked the door. I was sure the cops would bust down the door any minute. I must've slept because the next thing I knew it was morning. I looked for Mom, but she wasn’t home. I tried calling you, but you didn’t answer.”

“Oh Shay. Where’s your mom now?”

“She left a note saying she was going to stay with Creepo for a few days. She didn't take her phone, and I don’t even know his last name or where he lives. I’m so scared. What should I do?”

“I don’t know." Tugging Shay’s hand, Wrigley took a deep breath. "But I know who will.” She looked at the door and smiled. “Come on. Mom’ll fix it. I promise.”

“Thanks Wrigs. You’re so lucky.”

Wrigley hugged her. “Yeah, I know.”
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This article has been read 369 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Bonnie Kronberger 
05/07/20
Heart-tugging bitter sweet story.
Bonnie Bowden 
05/07/20
Being a mom is such an important role in life. I'm so sorry that children have to suffer through the mistakes of a parent or parents.
Barbara Culler 
05/07/20
I knew there had to be a but... in here, and you did not fail. Well done with this interesting vignette.
Laurie Glass 
05/11/20
Lots of great things packed in this story. Some significant life principles that could reach kids when relayed in a story like this. Well done!
Karen Dick 
05/11/20
Your story had quite a twist I wasn't expecting. I thought you did a good job with this.
Bea Edwards 
05/14/20
Well written entry Shann.

I think your provocative but convicting story can apply in many family relationships today.

Sad but true that the world gets a little more broken each day and we rarely get to see into another's real life as you so aptly illustrated.
Holly Westefeld
08/22/20
Shann, you did a fabulous job of illustrating the difference between responsible parenthood and the false venir of parent/friendship. A heart-wrenching story with a glimpse of hope at the end.
Thank you for all the encouragement you are to others.