XII STANDARD - start!

Hmmm.... Last exam of 11th std was on 24th March. 12th std classes started on the 29th of march and it went on till the 28th of April. And i've got one word for it! it SUCKS!!! 12th std i mean... seriously, wats the point??
special classes in may from 9 to 3!! in the hot sun! woah! glad am still alive!! the sun was so horrible ya knw... the heat is tooooo much to bear!!
I've also been having my tuitions from Jan actually...
Here are the timings.
Mon 6.30 - 8.30 pm (Math)
Tue 5.30 - 6.30 pm (Chem)
Wed 6.30 - 8.30 pm (Math)
Thurs 5.30 - 6.30 pm(Chem)
Fri 6.30 - 8.30 pm (Math)
Sat 6.30 - 7.30 am (Phy), 5.30 - 6.30 pm (Chem)
Sun 6.30 - 7.30 am (Phy), 7.30 - 8.30 am (Math)
If that's not bad enuf, let me point out to you that the 7.30 - 8.30 am on sunday is actually not normal classes... but tests!! every sunday mornin we got to write a test in math! i do agree its helpful tho... but u hav no idea how much pressure it builds up u knw... :(
hmm... sigh sigh sigh... guess all i can do is that! oh yeah.. i can also pray!! :) i knw God will give me the strength to go thru everythin... so y am i whining anyway??
i jus hope its not tht bad... this acadmic yr i mean..
and GOD!! plz O God!! Lemme go into ANNA UNIV!!!! thanks a ton, Jesus!!! Praise You alone! :)

Sunday school programme '10

Heya readers!
Well... i knw i don hav ny readers! they're all imaginary... but u knw wat? i don care!! this blog isnt that personal i knw... buts its still some place whr i can scribble my thoughts n keep updatin stuff on wats goin on in my life... atleast wen i die or sumthin ppl can knw wat WAS reli happenin in my life....
We had the children's rally in our church in Jan. y tey call it that i have no idea! it always used to be called "the sunday school programme"... anyways.. its usually takes place on the first week of jan. but this yr it was supposed to be on the 4th week. but pastor's dad passed away in the 4th week. hence we had it on the 5th sunday. twas fun i tell u... total fun! if not the programme... the practices! had real fun... missin those times... sigh! i miss sunday class too... to be honest! :'( wanna go bak! but i knw am too old for it.. and i've got to MOVE ON!!
hmmm...am over it now.. anyways.... this is the first time they recorded the programme. tey sold dvds.. i've uploaded the choir's performance on youtube... thot i'll put it up here also...









The last one isnt the choir of course.... but am thr! so jus put it up!! :D
That's it guys! oh well... no one's thr anyway!

Awesome comics!!

Jus came across this website.. and its got some reli cool comics... lemme give u the links!
http://www.freethunk.net/russells-teapot/comics-russells-teapot-strip-6.php
http://www.freethunk.net/russells-teapot/comics-russells-teapot-strip-1.php
http://www.freethunk.net/russells-teapot/comics-russells-teapot-strip-10.php
http://www.freethunk.net/nickkim/deferentialequations.jpg
http://www.freethunk.net/nickkim/dogcryogenic.jpg

Oops! Forgot I had a blog!!

Hey ppl! I knw i have 0 (ZERO) readers!!
Nyways... i kinda lost touch... i mean i almost forgot i had a blog. jus thot of postin sumthin...
Am going out of the topic from that story which i was writing which is totally boring! I started with it but do not have the time to finish it also! wat to do? i have run out of ideas n i have no idea how am gonna make the story end...
I knw it has been around a year since i last wrote sumthin in my blog... its gettin crazier everyday I knw!! cant help it!!!!!
Life has been going good for the past year.... did my boards in march. came second in skool with a total of 471/500... all thanks and glory be to GOD!!
For the vacation we had been to Coorg and the Andamans. Also went to tanjore for Lydia akka's wedding. n Omg!! can u believe it? lydia akka's married! her wedding was on the 3rd of september in tanjore. reception on 5th in madurai. that went on fine... i was the maid of honour(according to everyone else) but actually i was only bridesmaid! (ppl think maid of honor is a lower position than bridesmaid. they've got that one wrong!! we didnt mind tho! i didnt knw this until once when i was searchin for duties of a maid of honour!)... we thot gift anna wud b best man but he wasnt. It was beaulah annie as bridesmaid (maid of honor according to us) and her husband was best man! (how unfortunate!! i wonder y gift anna neva fought for it!!)
wat else? i've started with my 11th... math with computer science... jeanie is my class teacher. oh well... whrs my respect?!?! Mrs. Jean Christopher is my class teacher...Physics teacher (Mrs.Beena Devaprasad) is my fav teacher in higher secondary... math classes are kinda boring. n chem... uh.. no comments plz! got some new friends this yr...
I'm kinda learning new stuff each day.. especially thru the youth meetings which i try my best to attend regularly.. makin some new friends thr too... :D
Lifes goin on pretty well... I knw its tuff to put an entire year's events into ONE POST in a blog!! neva mind! tis borin now.. so me jus blabbering sumthin! plz dont mind!! gosh! i don even knw who i am talkin to!! this is kinda like a personal diary cuz as i pointed out earlier.. i have ZERO readers!! :( not that i want readers! they'll obviously get bored of reading stupid stuff which i write... um... write soooooo irregularly! lol!! hopefully i maintain a blog well atleast in some point of life... *sigh*
wow! i wanted to write jus 2 lines... its turning out to be little.. oh welll.... really longer than that!
i don mind! wats the point anyway? I think am talking like andy griffith in the book "Just wacky"... sumthin's crazily wrong with me! tats the only truth i knw! anyways...
Last book i read... the princess diaries - take two. Actually got the 3rd n 4th part frm BCL. after that akshayaa said she had 6 books in that series. so i've read in the order of 3,4,1,2 till now...
Stopped watchin movies.
Stopped listenin to secular songs.
Its reli turning out to b a blessing. PTL!! :)
Thank God for my church and my family!
Joined facebook recently... its been little more than a month i think.. oh wait! it must b 2 months or even more than that! forgot exact date... :( doesnt reli matter i knw! so... :)
ha ha! i don see whr i am heading to!
its 11.3o pm now... its sunday night... they've declared tmr as holiday becuz of rains...friday fully i was online... night too... till 3 am. thats my personal record actually... previous best was only 2 am!! :P
Me turning 16 in 10 days!! SWEEEEEEET SIXTEEEEEN!! cant wait! but me gettin so old! :(
I can actually feel innocence departing frm me...
Anyways... Guess am puttin a lot of mokka! i better post this and sign off... its 11.50 already... i don wanna stay up till 3 today! :P
Bye!! Gn!

An Unexpected Situation - Chapter 3

The next morning found Kelly excited. She was going to school. She wondered how her new school will be. She knew that Jim will be in her class but she needed someone to sit with and talk casually.

Soon, all four of them, Madam, Braulia, Jim and Kelly set off. Kelly was dressed in her best frock to get a good impression. Jim and Braulia went to their respective classes. Madam met Mr. Bill and talked to him about Kelly and why she had to join this school. Mr. Bill was a tall man with handsome green eyes. He was a fun-loving man who wanted to earn the honor and love of all his students.

Mr. Bill accepted Kelly and warmly welcomed her into the class. He asked her to sit with Sarah Almond. Sarah was a short, twelve year old girl with a cheerful face. She made way for her and made her feel comfortable. Kelly looked around. There were many smiling faces and finally she spotted Jim who was sitting on the last row. Jim smiled and she felt happier.

Mr. Bill’s class was enjoyable but not particularly interactive. He gave long lectures and did not allow anyone to talk in class. He said that he must not be interrupted even for doubts and he never got the opinions of the students.

Kelly felt bored but she had made up her mind that she would be at her best that day. So she tried hard not to fall asleep. The lesson was on Geography. Once when Mr. Bill questioned Kelly, she stood up and answered brilliantly much to the astonishment of her fellow students. It was break now and Kelly and her new friend Sarah went outside. Sarah asked more about her and she explained. When they were talking, Kelly saw Braulia rushing up to her. Braulia asked her how it all went. Braulia looked up at Kelly and was glad to see Sarah with her. Braulia told her to wait for her after the school bell so that they could walk home together. They waved to each other and then there was math class. Kelly found math class very interesting. Kelly talked a lot with Sarah and Sarah also liked Kelly very much.

Finally the bell rang and Braulia came to meet Kelly. Kelly said “I like it a lot here. But I am like a stranger here. Hope I get used to it soon. I know I will. It’ll just take some time.” No sooner she had finished talking than Jim appeared in front of the two happy girls. The three walked back home discussing about school.

They soon reached the rose-red house. Braulia stepped in front but stood amazed. Madam wasn’t there in the armchair she usually sits. She saw no one in the living room. She felt a chill rise inside her and rushed into Madam’s bedroom. She was so puzzled. Madam was lying on her high bed. There was the doctor by her side. Soon, Kelly and Jim crouched behind Braulia. The doctor went away with a sad face. The three children left the room and went to the kitchen to see Hulda. Hulda explained to the three yearning faces “Madam fell faint today. We called the doctor and he says that Madam should be in complete bed rest for one month and that she has a severe case of Anemia. He said that the disease was unexpected for a healthy woman like Madam. He also says that if Madam gets out of her bed, she will be in real trouble.”

Braulia was so sad that such an unexpected situation has befallen them. Madam and Braulia loved each other but neither of them expressed their love. Braulia was awestricken. Hulda came for her comfort. Hulda calmed her down by saying that it’ll be alright and that God would take care of everything. Braulia believed that. But Kelly didn’t. She thought that there was no mercy with God or any compassion. She had kind of grown into affection with the good old lady and now felt sorry for her. They all had to leave the room as was advised by the doctor.

Braulia lied on the couch and began crying. Her tears fell like rain on the comfortable cushion. Kelly came and sat down next to her. Both of them lied on the other’s shoulder and cried. Braulia asked Kelly, “What if something dreadful happens to Madam? I can’t afford to loose her.” Kelly who was a bit experienced in losing loved ones replied comfortingly “don’t talk like that Braulia. Madam will be alright soon. We mustn’t loose hope.” Hulda who was listening broke in “say that you mustn’t loose faith. God is there Braulia; He will not let such a thing happen. Just pray daily. Now cheer up and let’s eat”

They all ate just as Hulda suggested but there was one face missing in the dining table. They were all sad but knew that nothing could be done by worrying. After the meal, they all felt better. Each person went to their own rooms. Madam was sleeping so no one went inside to wish her ‘good night’. Braulia didn’t wish Kelly also as she thought that this night possibly couldn’t be good. Braulia couldn’t sleep that night and neither could Kelly. Braulia was wide awake thinking about Madam and Kelly was thinking about Braulia. She guessed that Braulia hadn’t slept and so she finally decided to go to Braulia’s room. The rose-red house was very big. There were two bedrooms and one spare room in the ground level. Of course, the common room, the maids’ room and the kitchen add up. One bedroom was Madam’s and the other was not used. It is the ‘castle’ as the girls call it. The first level had four rooms. One was Braulia’s, one was Jim’s, one was Kelly’s and the other was that old grandfather’s which is always locked.

Kelly went to Braulia’s room and found that she had guessed right. Braulia fell on Kelly’s shoulders and cried her heart out. “I couldn’t sleep Kelly, I just couldn’t!” She wept but Kelly tried her best to comfort her. Though Braulia calls her mom as “madam” she still loved her with all her heart. She didn’t seem to mind about what she called her as. “I’m sorry for troubling you Kelly. I know God is there with me and He will help Madam get on her feet again” she said wiping away her tears. Braulia thanked Kelly for coming. So, Kelly went back to her room again.

According to Braulia, that night was the worst night of her entire life. She actually hadn’t slept after Kelly left either. She felt tired but her heart didn’t let her sleep. She was too soft a girl to be taken aback. The next morning she was sick of crying.

Hulda, Kelly and Jim were a little better. Braulia was also better but there was no sign of that. Madam opened her eyes once. Hulda attended her. She had an attraction to her. The doctor came and said that Madam was little better.

All the three children went to school to help them forget about Madam. That helped indeed. Kelly wasn’t that much disturbed as she was yet to know about Madam but the other two were not that happy anyway. School was over soon and the three walked back home. No one talked on the way home. The first thing Braulia did after entering the Rose-red house was to see Madam. She crept inside as no one was allowed to make much noise. Madam had a smile on her face. Braulia was comforted but that smile and she took Madam’s hands in hers and prayed to God. Kelly and Jim were watching all this from the room’s door. Braulia came out and joined the others.

As it was customary they all (excluding Madam) gathered at the table. They had some kind of pastry and drank tea. Braulia asked Hulda about Madam. Hulda said “I’ve given her milk and bread and some fresh fruits. The doctor advised about the fruits. He said that she should be given proper nutrition. She seems happy now. She has confidence in God that He will heal her.” Braulia thanked Hulda and went to her own room. She came to the common room with her books to do her home lessons. Jim and Kelly also came to the common room with their respective home lessons. Braulia looked a lot better now. Kelly was touched. Braulia seemed to have changed all of a sudden after praying to God. She thought “Maybe there is a God. She looks like she has cast all her burdens upon this God!”

So, the night arrived quickly and everyone looked like they learnt to accept the unexpected situation.

The second chapter of my story...

Looking around - Chapter 2

Kelly awoke from her sleep the next morning. She looked around and did not know where she was. She soon got up from bed and then thought about everything and figured out that she was in her aunt’s place in Lubbock. She had a vague memory of yesterday. She remembered Hulda’s words “Get up in the morning, get ready and come down at eight for breakfast”. She did that and went down to the table.

The Dining table was empty, so she went straight to the kitchen. She saw Hulda and wished her a merry morning. Hulda told her to go the table and sit on the third chair left. She obeyed immediately. She waited for a couple of moments until she saw Braulia arrive. Braulia was dressed in white and her hair was made up in such a way that it was very messy. Braulia began the conversation “How do you like it here?” She replied in a low voice “I haven’t seen much yet”. Braulia said without thinking “I’ll show you around after breakfast, wont we Hulda? I don’t think Madam would mind.” for Hulda had by then come out of the kitchen and standing leaning on the cupboard.

When the clock struck eight, there was Mrs. Darlene. And behind her was a tall good-looking young lad who came and sat opposite to Braulia. Kelly understood that it was her son. Mrs. Darlene insisted on the seating arrangement of the table. There were strict rules which had to be followed when Madam was there. Madam spoke in a high but kind voice “Good morning children!” Everyone greeted her together “Good morning Madam”.

No more words were spoken until everyone had finished eating their allotted share. Kelly was still hungry, but she did not take more of the plain white rolls that were kept in a basket on the table. She had been warned by Hulda last evening “Never take more than your allotted share while sitting on the table. Madam doesn’t like it”. Madam spoke in a tone that made Kelly comfortable “Braulia, you will show Kelly around. I see that Hulda has taught Kelly about table manners and Kelly is doing well. As a reward for Hulda, she can have a fun time accompanying you for showing Kelly around. Don’t disturb Jim. He has got to study hard today. Both of you can stay away from school today. Make Kelly comfortable – that’s your job for today and I’ll inspect it at supper. I shall ask your school mistress about Kelly’s schooling. Tomorrow, I will go with you to school and we shall take Kelly with us. Let us see what Ms. Janice has to say. Off with your work now everyone.”

While Mrs. Darlene made her long speech, Braulia’s face lit up with delight and so did Hulda’s. As soon as Mrs. Darlene went to her room, all three girls sprung up and hugged each other. “What fun we’ll have!!” said Braulia, “Let us go to ‘The Castle’ ”

They went to the last room downstairs. Kelly saw that it was indeed magnificent. It really looked like a castle. The drapes and furniture was neat and luxurious. They sat down and talked their hearts out. Braulia put on airs and explained as though she was very serious. She took a box from under the bed; it had an old spectacle without glass, an old paper, some bits of cloth and few old coins. Braulia asked the other two girls to take a seat and she stood on the bed.

She put on the spectacles and began to read aloud. She read “This is the castle. I, Queen Jane want to introduce to you, Princess Diana, a new member who will take part in our formal duties. Let us welcome ‘Princess Susan’ to The Castle.” (Claps). Kelly was bewildered. She went forward and took a big bow and came and sat down. Braulia continued “We will now discuss what we have to discuss. Do we have anything to discuss?” Hulda got up from her seat, took a formal bow and waited for Queen Jane to take her outstretched palm. Queen Jane stood aside. Princess Diana spoke now “Dear ladies, I am here to bring to your notice a matter about Princess Susan. She is very troubled now and questions God about her life. She needs to be explained a few facts for which I hope you will co-operate”. Braulia took a seat now. Hulda continued, “Our Dear Princess Susan, we must understand that God has a will for our lives and we must go according to His will. He has the perfect will. No one cares so much about us as our God the Father cares for us. There may be so many troubles brought to us by Satan, but we must stay till the end. We all are sinners. We must accept Him as our personal Saviour. Okay, I suppose there isn’t much to discuss… let us conduct the closing ceremony and disperse to the ‘garden of delight’ (they called the garden that way) shall we?”

Braulia got up and asked everyone to put their hand forward and then, everyone took an oath, “We will always remain true to The Castle by keeping it tidy. We are sure to gather here next week and do our duties sincerely”… They put the spectacles and everything else in place and left the room. “Wasn’t that the most solemn thing in this house?” Braulia asked Kelly. Kelly was excited too. She enjoyed the formal things too. Then they decided to go out to the garden.

The three cheerful girls sat on the soft green grass and smelt the flowers. It was very beautiful. The flowers danced like stars. Braulia said “Did you see my brother? He looks good, doesn’t he? But he never plays with me. I like Hulda but have always longed for a girl of my own age to be there for me. Now I found you! You have no idea how happy I am. You can come to school with me. I am sure Miss. Janice will love to have another student in her class. Jim is in another grade. The grade is for children from 11-15 years. I am in the grade of children between 4 & 10 years. You are nine, right?” Kelly replied “Good Heavens! I’m eleven!” Braulia said with a sad expression in her face “oh! Then, you will be in Jim’s class. I also wanted someone of my own age to be my best friend. Now you are two years elder than me. Nothing good ever happens to me…”

Hulda cheered her up “Don’t say that! You have a friend with whom you can play at home and you should be grateful to God for that.

“I guess so” Braulia said with a smile, “Mr. Bill will be your teacher then. I have heard Jim say that he is great to be with. Hope you have fun!”

Kelly thanked her. She felt little sad that Braulia was not in her class but felt encouraged when she thought that she would meet new friends in school the next day.

Braulia changed the topic… “Can you smell the sweet breeze of the goats? They are just behind the house. Let’s go and have a look at them. I have a favorite one called Snow. She’s going to give birth soon. It is so much fun taking care of goats, you know.”

Hulda said “Yeah! Lets go and show her the goats, and then we go inside right? I feel hungry now and I know that Kelly is hungry too. I saw the expression on her face today morning. She wanted to take an extra roll, didn’t you Kelly?” She replied laughing “Yes…I was.” Hulda put her arm around her and said “I’m glad you remembered what I said. You would have been in trouble if you had taken it. Let’s go and asked Margie for a slice of bread after we see the goats.”

Braulia said “That’s sounds like a good idea to me too!”

The three girls went behind the house hand in hand. There would have been three happier girls in all of USA by then, but I doubt it.

Braulia showed Snow. Then, they went inside to have a snack. It was half past ten by that time. With their stomachs quite full, they went down the lane and all around their neighborhood. Then they went inside the rose red house. The reason why it was called the rose red house is because the house was painted in pink and the roof was red.

They went to the living room and then to the common room. They found Jim sitting on a chair beside the table. He was in a world of his own. He was always in a world of his own. Daydreaming was one of his favorite passtimes. He was a clever boy for his age and quick at wits. At first, he did not notice them. So, Kelly was able to take a closer look at him. Suddenly, he looked at the three girls and said “Hi girls! Will I be disturbing you if I stay here? You can go on with what you planned to do here. Please don’t mind me.” He looked at Kelly and said “How do you do miss?” Kelly answered timidly “Fine. Thank you─sir.”(She added the “sir” after a pause). Jim replied with a laugh “You need not call me ‘sir’. Just call me ‘Jim’, okay?” Kelly was a bit comfortable now; she smiled and said “Yes Jim.” Braulia laughed out loud. Hulda joined in too! “Looks like everyone are getting together fine, don’t you think so Braulia?”

Kelly was drawn to a huge fresco on the wall. She opened her eyes with astonishment wide enough for one chicken egg to fit in! Braulia explained “That portrait is my grandfather’s grandfather.” “Mine too!” Jim broke in. Kelly said “Then, he’ll be mine as well…as we are cousins.” Braulia continued “He was a soldier in the army. He looks stern, doesn’t he? But granny used to say that he was a charming person. He gave everything he had to the poor and needy. His heart melted like butter in the sun when he saw a person in poverty…she used to say. Now, there is something special about his portrait. There is a black box in his hand, right? The box is a mystery. He always carried the box with him and would not allow anyone to open it. He had a key to it but always hid it from others. No one knows what is inside. When he died, he gave it to his grandson and told it to keep it in remembrance of him. His grandson, my grandfather could not find the key and when he died, gave it to his grandson, Jim. Now we don’t know where the key is, but we suppose it’s a mystery. “The case of the mysterious box”. How does that sound? We have lived in this old house ever since, it was this great great grandfather who built this house and he lived in the room next to yours which is always locked. We need to find that room’s key and then the key to the box and only then can we open the box, but it had seemed impossible ever since. When we asked Madam about the key to the room, she said that there are two keys to the room; one is inside the room itself and one is buried in the ground. Madam is not interested in all such things…so she doesn’t allow Jim and me to dig the whole place. Our only hope is that we find the keys and the box! Maybe there is something he used…or something his grandad gave him…or some photo... I really wanna know what is inside. We can treasure it and have it as a valuable possession. We are told that everything inside his old room will be antique and fragile. Maybe there is something worth possessing…It is a mystery. Don’t bother about it anyway…It would never be possible to search for a key from under the ground.”

Soon they left the room. Kelly’s mind was troubled. She was interested in solving mysteries…but she tried to forget it but ended up in dismay. So, she began thinking about other things. She went upstairs to her room. Before entering she saw the room next to hers and peeped in through the key hole. All she saw was a fireplace and an old table with lots of papers and a painting of a man with small children sitting on his lap. There was something ghostly about that room. She was a bit scared and so, slipped back into her room. She sat on the bed and thought about her day. It wasn’t so bad after all. She liked this place better.

Kelly was comfortable now. She had two friends on whom she could count and a sensible aunt whom she couldn’t call ‘Aunt’. But, she did not mind that because she understood the pain of Braulia. She couldn’t even call her ‘mom’.

The story

well...tis been a long time since i posted...so i jus thot of posting...
i told u na? that am writing a story...i have only finished 3 chapters....lemme put the 1st chap for u to read...i havent decided the title yet...this is my first big story...plz forgive me if i put too much mokkai....i jus rote it for timepass.....

A New Home – Chapter 1

The light shone through the window. The gleaming eyes of one girl reflected on a mirror. She sat opposite to the mirror and looked out at the clear sky through the window. The stars were twinkling; she saw the crescent moon and the dark blue sky made her cry. She was to leave to Lubbock the next morning. Her mother had died three days back and her father wanted to leave her at Lubbock to live with her aunt.

Kelly was an eleven-year old girl with beautiful curly hair and rosy cheeks. Her hair was the most attractive part of her and she was as innocent as a rose. She loved gardening. She was a silent listener and a careful observer but did not talk much. She had loved her mother very much and now that she was gone, felt that she would not find anyone more lovable than her dear mother. Her father loved her, but he thought that he wouldn’t be able to take care of her, and thought it best to send her to his wife’s sister’s place. He had heard that she was a kind lady but did not know much about her.

Kelly cried on her pillow and felt lonely. She was more distressed because she did not know about God, her creator. She knew there was a God, but did not have a personal relationship with Him. Her mother had not taught her how to pray or communicate with God because she was an atheist. She knew few things about God because of her friends. Kelly had to leave her home, her friends here in Odonell and go to a strange place and live with an aunt she had never seen before. Will she like the new place? Will she find any friends? Will her aunt be rude to her? Will her aunt have any children? Will she have someone to care for her? There were so many questions which she thought will remain unanswered till she gets there. She felt that she was trapped inside a dark forest. She questioned God “Why have you forsaken me? Why do ‘I’ have to face all the problems in the world?” As she was crying, she fell asleep. Her father went to the upper room, saw his daughter and kissed her on her cheek and left the room unhappily.

The sun rose again the next day. Kelly woke up long before dawn and was sitting on her cozy bed trying to imagine good things about her future. She tried to console herself and thought that she would rather be preparing for her new home. But her little heart was broken and a little tear ran down her nose. Her father called her down for breakfast. She wiped her tears, and ran down as she was hungry. But she couldn’t eat much.

Soon, it was time to leave. She had packed all her dresses and she also took her doll in her hand. There were two big trunks in the living room and her father had gone to take the carriage.

Kelly enjoyed the journey but deep inside her tiny heart she felt that she would not come to Odonell again. She looked at the beautiful countryside and stored it up in her heart. She saw her school and a thought stroke her that she would be missing all her friends. As each familiar spot passed by, her heart grew weaker and weaker. She felt that the world was against her. They soon reached the station. She had to carry out the rest of the journey by herself. Her father said “My dear little girl, I know how you feel and this is the best I can do for you. May the Lord be with you and send His guardian angels to protect you (her father was a believer). Be a good girl and don’t be a matter of trouble to anyone, not even to a maid.” At this, they hugged each other and saw each other for the last time.

She sat down on her reserved seat. She felt very lonely. There was an old man who was very kind to her. She told him her sad story and expected him to pity her. Instead, the kind old man asked her to look up to her problems and face them boldly. She said “I loved mama so much and she loved me with her life, but now she’s gone…” He said “Jesus loves you more than anyone else can ever love you. Ask the Lord God to help you face your problems. He will always be there by your side to guide you.” She cried a little. Then, she smiled at him but inside her heart, she thought “If God loves me more than my mother did, why did He take mama away from me? If there really IS a God, He is unfair.” But, she didn’t want to argue any longer with her old friend because she did not have the strength. They were talking till the sun set.

At last, she reached her destination. She saw the “Lubbock” station arrive. She bid her old friend “Good-Bye” and he helped her with her trunks. They agreed that each night they would remember each other and the time they spent together. She dragged her trunks to the station master and asked him if anyone had informed him about a girl called Kelly McKinney. He told her that a deep brown carriage with two white horses will be waiting outside for her. He helped her take her trunks. It was a big carriage that Kelly saw and a man was sitting there. She asked him if he was Mr. Gary Vernal (she was told of the name earlier). He looked very kind. He said with a twinkle in his eye “Yes madam. Are you Ms. Kelly McKinley?” She said “Yes. I am.” He asked her to get on and loaded her trunks onto the carriage. They were talking like good old pals. Finally they reached the big house.

It was a beautiful rose-red house with a large garden. There were colorful flowers and white daisies, one of her favorites! She had begun to love the pretty garden since the moment she kept her eyes on those daisies.

There was a name inscribed on the side of the door ‘The Shackletons’. Mr. Gary asked her to go ahead and he came behind carrying the trunks. She rang the bell and a small girl about her age opened the door. She looked like a princess, Kelly thought. Kelly did not dare to talk with her. The little girl helped her in. There was a big fat lady sitting on an armchair with a stern face. Kelly assuming that she was Mrs. Darlene Shackleton, her aunt, greeted her by bowing low her head. Mrs. Darlene got up and said with a stern voice to the maid “Hulda, show her the room in which she is to stay and tell her the rules of this house and make sure she conducts herself well. Ensure she is disciplined and teach her everything ‘she ought to know’. I suppose you understand what I mean by that. I will not allow any misbehavior inside the house.” After this, she faced Kelly and said “You better learn everything you are taught and don’t sneak up into others’ room. Keep your room neat and don’t throw stuff about. If you want anything, you can ask Hulda. The rest will be taught by Hulda. Off you go now.”

Kelly had tears in her eyes but did not show them until she reached her room. It was a big room upstairs but it was full of dust and cobwebs. Hulda, the maid was quite a young girl about fifteen years of age with blue eyes and a kind heart. She saw the tears in Kelly’s eyes and said “Madam has strict orders that I shouldn’t clean up this room for you. I am sure that she never comes to this room as she cannot climb the stairs. I will clean it up for you. I can understand how you feel.” Kelly wiped her tears and thanked Hulda and promised that she will also help in the cleaning.

Kelly saw that she liked Hulda. She told her all about her sorrows and interests. When Kelly said that the thing she loves best was gardening, Hulda threw her arms around her in delight. When Kelly asked her what the matter was, Hulda explained “Madam also liked gardening and loved anyone who was as interested as her in gardening. She is to give her pretty garden to anyone who is worthy of it. You can ask her about it and she may test you, if you satisfy her expectations, the garden is yours!”

Hulda had her orders. She showed Kelly the cupboard and said that she had full freedom to do whatever she wanted in her room. She talked very casually and Kelly felt ‘at home’. She taught her table manners and all kinds of things ‘she ought to know’. She explained that Mrs. Darlene detests bad behavior and has a very kind heart but a stern face and a burning anger. She warned Kelly “You must be very careful with Mrs. Darlene and always call her ‘Madam’ and not ‘Mrs. Darlene’ or ‘aunt’ or anything else. Since her husband died, she is very strict to everyone. Before saying anything to Madam, you must think twice whether it is appropriate or not. If you win her favor, then you can do anything. But getting her favor is something which would be the hardest thing on earth. She insists on praying as much as she does on manners.” Kelly said angrily “I never pray. I don’t believe there is a god. If there is someone like that, why did he let this thing come upon me? Why did he take mama away from me?” Hulda said “There is a God in heaven. You can’t be angry with Him. God has a plan for everyone. He also has a plan for you.” Kelly was a bit angry but remembered what her father had told her. So she thought about other things.”

Kelly asked her about the ‘princess’, as she called her. Hulda explained “She is Madam’s daughter, Ms. Braulia Shackleton but Madam treats her as some orphan. Braulia is a sweet girl she longs to have a friend of her own age. I am her friend, but she wants someone who is perfectly fit for her. She has no one to play with as her only brother is 5 years elder than her and he does not like to play with her much.”

Kelly questioned “What are you interested in?” She replied “I am interested in you! Oh Kelly, wait till you talk to Braulia, she’s my friend too, but in front of Madam we behave like we are strong enemies because Madam doesn’t like Braulia having fun with maids and servants. We have so much of fun together and it will be really funny in front of Madam. You can join in too. As a matter of fact, Braulia signaled me in the living room that she likes you very much. We have signals like that…you see.”

Kelly said “Oh! Is it so? I thought that the girl would never like to speak with me because she is so pretty and I’m as plain as –” Hulda broke in “Oh Kelly, don’t be silly. I am sure we will be the best of friends. But remember what we have to do in front of Madam, ok? We will be in trouble if she catches us. Braulia and I hardly get caught. Once when we did get caught, we managed to escape somehow. Madam usually does her knitting or reads her books or talks with Ms. Mary Duncan, our neighbor. Ms. Mary is an old spinster and a great companion for Madam. Madam is sure to be in the living room or her bedroom. She isn’t seen anywhere else. And we, Braulia and I, have our fun time in the last room downstairs next to the kitchen. It is a very fine room with a small bed and a beautiful carpet, magnificent drapes and rich furniture. We call it “the castle”. It is actually the guest room. But there aren’t any guests. So, Madam rarely comes there, but one day, as I told you, we got caught. But then, she never comes there again. I can’t wait to see you in the room. It will be great fun. I assure you that you will like this place. The Lord God has brought you to the right place. The only thing that you have to do is ‘ignore Madam’. Now we have to go down for tea. Get into your casuals. I’ll better be off now. You remember you table manners, alright? See you then!”

Kelly thought about the words of Hulda ‘The Lord God has brought you to the right place.’ Kelly said to herself, “Is there really a God? Will He make my life any better? I know I can count on Hulda, but what about God? Does He see me down here searching for goodness? I know I will miss my life in Odonell, but life in Lubbock sounds fun and exciting!! I can’t wait till I talk with Braulia… and all the new people I would meet here… One thing I must never forget: to behave well and remember my orders.” At the word “orders”, she remembered her orders. She got into her casuals and went down for tea. She knew how to behave in front to Madam (she got used to calling her Madam now, as Hulda used the word too often) she only had to try it out. How many things she was going to learn in Lubbock and what fun she was going to have!!!