Friday, July 31, 2015

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Science Fiction
390 pages
Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles, #1)

 This was the book that pulled me out of my book reading slump.  With Fantasy and Sci-fi, as well as a touch of romance, Cinder had so many of my favorite things to read.  From the beginning, I was interested to see how Cinderella could be retold in such a futuristic, sciency way.
Source
 When I went in, I was worried about a thing or two.  So often in Cinderella stories Cinderella is made to be too perfect all the time.  Then sometimes you get this problem while reading a Cinderella story: It’s the same as all the others.

Let me tell you now, that these were not the case with this book.  I got to see Cinderella as a (mostly) human being, with problems that we all have.  (especially that problem with the prince not leaving her alone. ;)  Because that’s such a BIG problem.  I mean, come on Cinder)  And I got to see her deal with them as a sort of human for a while.  (no spoilers)
All in all, the recycled story of Cinderella was recreated and kept fresh in this great book. (with an ending to keep you on the edge of your seat until you can get the next book.)
There was no cursing (Woohoo!) and only like, three ALMOST kisses.  I think Marissa Meyer is toying with the shippers. 

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Ten Characters Who Are Kindred Spirits(In That They Are Book Drunkards Too)


Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish.

This week's Top Ten Tuesday was ten characters who are fellow book nerds! I had fun coming up with these.
 
Had to include these lovelies!
 

Ellie Sweet (The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet)

Ellie was the very first character to pop into my head. I'm pretty sure she loves reading, but even more she enjoys to write.

 
Hermione Granger (Harry Potter Series)

“But why’s she got to go to the library?”
“Because that’s what Hermione does,” said Ron, shrugging. “When in doubt, go to the library.” 

Samantha Moore (Dear Mr. Knightley)

Oh, gosh. Sam's bookish knowledge rivals even mine. She's always quoting one author or another.

Matilda (Matilda)

“The books transported her into new worlds and introduced her to amazing people who lived exciting lives. She went on olden-day sailing ships with Joseph Conrad. She went to Africa with Ernest Hemingway and to India with Rudyard Kipling. She travelled all over the world while sitting in her little room in an English village.”

 
Catherine Morland (Northanger Abbey)

Quite a few characters from Austen's novels came to mind, but Catherine is who stuck with me. Though she was perhaps not as well read as Fanny Price or Elizabeth Bennett, Catherine's fascination with gothic romance played a bigger part in her story.

Meggie (Inkheart)

“There was another reason [she] took her books whenever they went away. They were her home when she was somewhere strange. They were familiar voices, friends that never quarreled with her, clever, powerful friends -- daring and knowledgeable, tried and tested adventurers who had traveled far and wide. Her books cheered her up when she was sad and kept her from being bored.”
  

Mo (Inkheart)
 

“If you take a book with you on a journey," Mo had said when he put the first one in her box, "an odd thing happens: The book begins collecting your memories. And forever after you have only to open that book to be back where you first read it. It will all come into your mind with the very first words: the sights you saw in that place, what it smelled like, the ice cream you ate while you were reading it... yes, books are like flypaper—memories cling to the printed page better than anything else.”  


Jo March (Little Women)

“…books are always good company if you have the right sort. Let me pick out some for you.' And Mrs. Jo made a bee-line to the well-laden shelves, which were the joy of her heart and the comfort of her life.”  

Klaus (A Series of Unfortunate Events)

I admit, I haven't actually read these. Klaus was Alison's suggestion!
“Klaus sighed, and opened a book, and as at so many other times when the middle Baudelaire child did not want to think about his circumstances, he began to read.” 

Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables) 

I saved Anne for last, because she is my absolute favorite! I love what she says about books.
“I am simply a 'book drunkard.' Books have the same irresistible temptation for me that liquor has for its devotee. I cannot withstand them.”  

 Do you consider yourself a "book drunkard?" Who's your favorite character off of this list?

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Interview With My New Co-blogger, Alison!

 
First of all, welcome Alison to The Scribbling Sprite! (I feel like that should be Sprites now. Maybe we should come up with your own mythical creature name.) For those of you who didn't see my last post, Alison has agreed to join me as my co-blogger. Today I will be interviewing her so you can see how weird she is. *Spoilers* The answer is very. :D
 
Also, something else that's pretty exciting.... This is The Scribbling Sprite's 100TH POST!!!! I think it's kind of awesome that my 100th post happens to be Alison's first. Anyway...here's some more info about Alison! We don't actually have a bio for her yet, but I basically know everything about her. *Nods*
 
Alison is a quirky teenager, voracious reader(we like to call ourselves book drunkards, see), an aspiring author, and a sci-fi/fantasy geek(I know she would have no objections with me saying this). I think I can list her fandoms with authority. That is: Doctor Who, Harry Potter, Star Trek, Merlin, Firefly, Supernatural, Lord of the Rings, and Star Wars. Pinterest is her one true love.
 
On to the interview:
 
What are your top five favorite books/series? (Obviously, this is the most important question...)

That's a bit difficult, but I'll do my best:
1. Harry Potter (obviously)
2. The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom: I had to read this one for school, but it's one of the best books I've ever read and it really opened my eyes about what happened during WW2
3. The Goose Girl: This book was part of my transition into YA books, and it did a great job.  (Don't worry Ally, I'll read the rest of the series soon.)
4. The River of Time series by Lisa T. Bergren: I don't have much of an explanation for this one except that it was PHENOMENAL!
And last but not least:
5. The Iron Butterfly series by Chanda Hahn: If I had to pick one story to live in, this one would be in my top three.  The world she created was a masterpiece and the people in it went on the most amazing journeys.

What made you decide to start blogging? (Psst.  It's me.  You know it's me.)
Pretty much, yeah.  It was Ally.

Can you share your favorite quote with us?
"Never laugh at live dragons."  -J.R.R. Tolkien

What's something unique about you that you'd like to share with our readers?
I am not technically a writer yet, but I plan to be, and I have many novel ideas (hehe, did you get that?).  I often threaten to use my friends as characters and kill them off in my novels.  I have already planned the deaths of many.  
 

What do you want to do when you "grow up" (It won't happen you guys.  Not literally)
I want to RULE THE WORLD!!

*Facepalm* Yet another blogger aspiring for world domination, I see.
 
What's your favorite genre to read?  To write?
My favorite genre to read is probably fantasy, because the way people create whole new worlds and make them seem real kind of blows me away.
My favorite genre to write is probably fantasy as well, because I don't have to follow any rules.
 
Make sure to give a warm welcome to Alison in the comments. And--just for fun--what are your fandoms?

Thursday, July 23, 2015

New Discoveries Tag + A Special Announcement

I wasn't tagged by anyone for this as I....just made this up. But I was just thinking of how great it would be to share some blogs I've just newly discovered(and been pleasantly surprised by). So I created this tag.

The rules:

1. Share the picture above in your post and link back to the person who tagged you.
2. Share at least one blog you've recently discovered. (Try to say something about each blog)
3. Share at least one blog you'd describe as a new favorite.
4. Share at least one blog  you'd describe as an old favorite.
5. Tag however many people you like.

New Discoveries

Loony Literate - I recently discovered Emily's book blog. You should check it out! She's loony. She's literate. Is there a better combination? I think not.

26 Countless Possibilities - Rebecca and Sierra recently started this blog where they post book reviews, interviews, giveaways, and such. It's really awesome!

His Little Elephant - Unfortunately, this blog has been discontinued until further notice, and it's going to be made private. But I wanted to share it anyway, because Koko has done such a good job--and leaves the best comments!

Book. Blog. Bake. - Books and food. My two favorite things. Check. It. Out.

Blogging Brownie - This is a bit different from what I usually read, which is mostly just book/writing blogs, but I think you should check it out! Rachel blogs about art, DIYs, recipes, reviews, and life in general.

Such a Novel Idea - Run by Jess, Loren, and Aleya, and they do such a wonderful job with reviews, memes, giveaways, etc.

Brett Michael Orr - This guy writes amazing reviews and has an awesome instagram. Please--I implore of you--go visit his blog.

The Wallflower - A blog that meshes books and writing!

Forever Literary - Run by a girl with a passion for YA books. Can you fault her?

Readers in Wonderland - Tags, reviews, discussions. Gotta love it!

Simple Scribbles - Jessica(who's an amazing writer, btw) offers writing advice and book reviews!

For the Bookish - I'm a new follower, but already a fan! I love Emily's enthusiasm.

Reverie of a Glitter Aficionado - Hope on over there to give this new blogger some support! This girl loves words, reading, poetry, and movies it seems :)

Diary of a Teen Writer - I recently discovered this blog of teen reader and writer(who's about to be published!).

La Romantique - All right, so I don't understand the French parts, but the English parts I enjoy!

Sophie Reads YA - More YA books!

The Fictional Reader - If only I was fictional....

Feed Your Fiction Addiction - Reviews, Discussions, Memes, oh my!

New(ish) favorites

Paper Fury - Cait is hilarious. And she devours books. So, basically a girl after my own heart.

Musings of an Elf - A reader and writer muses on writing and life.

Opal Swirls - I almost want to put this as an old favorite, but then again, I've only been blogging for 8-9 months, and I'm not sure when I became a committed reader. All the same, Opal is an amazing blogger and posts about a variety of topics.

The Devil Orders Takeout - Reading, writing, life, and random morbid insanity.

Gossiping With Dragons - Imogen describes herself as a fantasy loving wordaholic. She's a kindred spirit.

Genie in a Book - This book blog is really lovely.

Old favorites

Ana @ Butterflies of the Imagination

Alexa @ Summer Snowflakes

Jessica @ Bookish Serendipity

Aimee @ To the Barricade

Alea @ Elvish Pens, Fantastical Writings

Heather @ Sometimes I'm a Story

Stephanie, Jill, and Shannon @ Go Teen Writers

^^^Just trust me on these^^^

Well, this feels like fan month all over again. And you know what? I love it! I'm really sorry that I couldn't mention everyone. There so much more blogs I love and that I have yet to discover.

I tag: EVERYONE mentioned above! And anyone who wants to do this.

**Edit: I am now thinking that maybe listing a plethora of blogs was a bad idea, as I am now feeling horrible for forgetting to list other favorites like South Kakalaki Girl, Poetree, and Ravens and Writing Desks. There are actually a lot more, but you know, I should just stop now.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
 
Now, you may be wondering what this special announcement is. You also may be wondering why it says I have a new contributor to the blog. Well, it all ties in together.
 
I've been pretty busy lately, and with college starting in the fall I knew I would just get busier and have less time to post. So, to keep The Scribbling Sprite active, I've invited Alison, my cousin and best friend extraordinaire, to be my co-blogger! I'll be interviewing her in my next post, so come back for that and give her a warm welcome!


Wednesday, July 22, 2015

The Act of Commenting


 
I'm a blogger. What this means, is I write about things within my niche(books and writing) and compile my thoughts and opinions into posts. These posts are submitted for the public eye to view. Which is kind of scary. But also very satisfying.
 
I find that one of the most fulfilling things about blogging is getting responses from my readers. These are typically(okay, always, really) people I've never met in person before who, for some reason, want to hear what I have to say. It is so, so gratifying to know that others have read my post and thought hard enough on it to write their own responses.
 
When I write book reviews, the best feeling happens when I get the feedback you've convinced me to read this. When I write discussion posts I love to hear others participating in the discussion.
 
On the other hand, when I don't get any feedback....well, that's a little depressing. Especially with a post I feel like I've slaved over.
 
Case in point...comments are important! And appreciated! I, personally, read and try to respond to every one of them. As do many other bloggers.
 
So, here's my advice to other bloggers who have not been taking the time to comment on others' blogs.
 
Do.
 
Please. I know you may not always have time, but I feel like I've illustrated how crucial it can be to building each other up as bloggers. Don't just blog. Be a part of the blogging community.
 
Here are a few more reasons you should comment on other people's blogs. Some are selfish reasons, but hey, gotta know what's in it for you, right?
 
1. They might just comment back. You want more comments on your blog, right? Well, how do you think you're gonna get them?
 
2. You'll make connections. If you, as a blogger, just read and don't comment, no one will know who you are. Do you really want to be an internet nobody?
 
3. It shows that you are capable of forming intelligent responses. This is important. And I really hope you are capable of forming coherent sentences.
 
4. It makes you THINK. Trying to form responses to blog posts keeps you from simply skimming over them and moving on. Which, frankly, is a waste of time.
 
Now, these are just my opinions. I realize that you might have a perfectly acceptable reason for not commenting on blogs you read. (If you do, you wanna share those reasons in the comments? XD Almost gotcha there, huh?) But if you want to build an audience for your own blog, I think commenting elsewhere can be instrumental in that process.
 
I haven't been active in the blogosphere this past week, I'll admit(I was at camp--yay, camp!) BUT the week before I went crazy! I commented everywhere. I discovered some amazing blogs. And several of those amazing bloggers responded very sweetly to my comments. Some even visited The Scribbling Sprite and commented here. That was a good feeling!
 
In honor of my new discoveries, I'm going to be sharing some of the blogs I've discovered within the past few weeks! I may even start a tag. So come back tomorrow for that(and a special announcement).

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award


I was nominated for the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award by Alexa and Bailey. Thanks, girls! (Psst! Before you read on--go check out their blogs!)
 
Rules:
  1. Thank the blogger who nominated you, linking back to their site.
  2. Put the Award logo on your blog.
  3. Answer the ten questions sent to you.
  4. Make up ten new questions for your nominees to answer.
  5. Nominate ten blogs.
 
Alexa's Questions!
 
#1 If you were a superhero, what would your costume look like?
I'd just whip my glasses off and lather on some hair gel--no one would recognize me!
#2 When did you start writing?
I don't remember! Writing has always been sort of an on again off again part of my life. It's something I've always enjoyed. But I started writing a bit more seriously at 15, I guess.
#3 Other hobbies besides writing?
Reading, blogging, drawing, just spending time with friends and family. I lead a simple life.
#4 Marvel or DC Comics?
Er...neither? Sorry.
#5 What’s your favorite character you’ve ever written?
I love all my charries!
#6 Favorite character you’ve ever read?
Oh, you are cruel. I'm going to go with Anne from Anne of Green Gables.
#7 Favorite food?
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.
#8 Favorite TV show?
Merlin.
#9 Which District do you belong to?
In Will's Go Teen Writers/Hunger Games fanfiction I was in district four(*fist pump* Careers!). Except (spoilers!!) I DIED. Still mad about that.
#10 What’s your OTP? (and yes, you can only have ONE. MWAHAHAHA, yes I am evil!)Eheheheh. For all you uncultured non-ya readers, OTP stands for One true pairing. I'll pick Gabriella and Marcello from The River of Time series.


Bailey's Questions!
 
1. Are there any other writers in your family? 
My little sister likes to write. As does my cousin, Alison.
2. What are your other hobbies besides writing?
See above!
3. Waffles or pancakes?
Waffles!
4. Do you collect anything?
Books.....
5. Who is your favorite Avenger?
Um...can I just...not...answer? Okay.
6. Do you play any instruments?
I've mastered Air Guitar.
7. What is your favorite character you've ever written?
See above!
8. What is your favorite character you've ever read?
You are equally as mean as Alexa. See above!
9. Do you prefer to write short or long works?
Short. Like my attention span.
10. What was the last absolutely stupendous book you read?
 
Here are my questions:
1. What is your least favorite conversation topic?
2. Have you ever eaten rutabaga?  If so, how was it? I'm dying to know.
3. Dark chocolate or milk chocolate?
4. Are you a coffee drinker?
5. Are you a writer? If so, tell us a little bit about your work in progress!
6. What's your dream job?
7. What is your BIGGEST(irrational) FEAR?
8. Describe a weird dream you've had.
9. Why did you start a blog?
10. What's your favorite fairy tale?
 
 
Look at me! I did get a post scheduled! Right now I'm at camp, so I may not respond to comments this week. But don't forget to come back next week for a special announcement!

Friday, July 10, 2015

Unpopular Opinions Tag

 
I'm wondering why I wasn't tagged for this. Is it because I'm unpopular? Alas, that may become true once this post comes to light.

These are my unpopular opinions. OPINIONS. Please understand that when I say OPINIONS I mean OPINIONS. You can argue with me. You will never change my mind, but your opinion can differ from mine--just be nice about it. Please. I have sensitive feelings.

Alright. *Deep breaths* Let's go.

1. A Popular Book/Series You Didn't Like

 
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green; Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas; Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card; Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

2. A Popular Book/Series Everyone Hates But You Love

 
The Selection by Kiera Cass. Just seems like there's a lot of hate surrounding this series. I admit I didn't LOVE the second book, but The Selection and The One were adorable!
 
3. A Love Triangle Where The Protagonist Ended Up With The Person You Didn't Want Them To Be With
 
 
 To be honest, I still haven't made up my mind. I liked one guy(Chase), then I didn't like him. And I'm still not sure I'm on board with the current relationship(after the second book). I need the conclusion to the series before I make up my mind!

4. A Popular Genre You Hardly Read

Contemporary Fiction. I like a lot of Contemporary Fiction, but I tend to read more Fantasy and Historical...

5. A Popular/Beloved Character You Dislike

Severus Snape and Draco Malfoy from the Harry Potter Series.

 
They're both bullies! And yes, I've read all seven books. Yes, I do respect Snape on some levels. But there is NOT reason enough for him to act the way he does. Especially (highlight to see spoilers from book 3) when he wanted to leave Sirius to the dementors even though he must have KNOWN there was a good chance he was innocent! He just didn't want to think that Harry might have been right. He couldn't let go of his petty feelings and jealousies.
 And Draco! Everyone has such a HUGE crush on Draco.
I hate this guy. Talk about petty. He's not even that witty. He's not a nice guy. He even makes a pitiful bad guy. He's just....annoying.
 
6. A Popular Author You Can't Seem to Get Into
 
1. Richard Paul Evans
2. John Green
3. Liz Curtis Higgs
4. James Dashner (He's not bad, really!)

7. A Popular Trope You're Tired of Reading

-(Wait, I'm a WHAT?) He's/She's a Princess, Wizard, Fairy, Angel, Super Hero, etc. and didn't know it. (Not that this is a bad trope, and can't be done well...It's just used a lot).
-Insta-love. Blech.
- The beautiful main character who is convinced she's plain or ugly.

8. A Popular Series You Have No Interest In Reading


The Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer and The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare.

9. A Show/Movie Adaptation You Liked Better Than The Book

It took me forever to come up with one for this question. Out of all the books I've read that have been made into movies I either liked the book better, or hadn't seen the movie. Or I'd seen the movie but hadn't read the book. I couldn't think of anything. Until I scrolled way down a list of book to movie adaptations and found The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot.

 
This is an adorable movie! And wayyy better than the book. I remember reading the book in Middle School and thinking "What is this?" (Just FYI: Not an appropriate series for Middle School girls).
 
10. A Popular Style of Cover That You Can't Stand
 
Yes, this is Cait's unsolicited addition to the tag. But I liked the question! And 10 is much better than 9! So here are some covers I love to hate:
 
 
I should clarify. It's not the style of Heir of Fire I don't like. It's the girl. She's scary...and ugly. Now, I know Celaena's scary. But she's also described as beautiful, so what happened here?

And covers with shirtless guys on them don't hold much appeal to me either. Particularly the ones that don't have foreheads. Is that sunlight blaring from his chest?

I tag: Alexa @ Summer Snowflakes; Ana @ Butterflies of the Imagination; Katie @ A Writer's Faith; Opal @ Opal Swirls; and Heather @ Sometimes I'm a Story

Okay. NOW you can lay into me.

Just a note: I'll be at summer camp all next week, so, unless I get some posts scheduled, I won't be around much at all until I get back.

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Genres: Young Adult; Fantasy
Pages: 423
 
The Girl of Fire and Thorns (Fire and Thorns, #1)

Goodreads Description 

Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness. Elisa is the chosen one.

But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can't see how she ever will.

Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.

And he's not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people's savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.

Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.

Most of the chosen do.
 
 
This book really surprised me. On my second read. I first read The Girl of Fire and Thorns a couple of years ago and only mildly enjoyed it. It just didn't make that much of an impression on me. Though reading it again, I honestly cannot see why.
 
The Girl of Fire and Thorns is an engaging Young Adult novel centering around themes of war, love, and overcoming self-doubt. What I loved most about it was the journey. Elisa's journey to fulfilling her destiny. The journey across miles of harsh desert. The journey we are taken on as readers. This book is all about journey, adventure, and self-discovery.
 
Elisa is one of the most relatable protagonists you'll find in YA literature. She's not perfect. She has doubts. She doesn't always know how to act. She's not thin, and she has problems with her self-image. She doesn't always feel courageous. But she always rises up to the occasion. She is by far my favorite character--though I love the supporting characters and how Rae Carson has portrayed them!
 
This book is so utterly unique. In it, the author presents a world of her own making, characters that defy the norm, and plot devices that many authors would be scared to use! Though this book categorized as secular, she didn't balk at including prayer and God in her novel. And sometimes things took a turn for the unexpected.
 
So, yes, this book surprised me. I don't know what possessed me to only give it three stars after my first read. As of today, I declare this a five star read, and officially a favorite of mine.
 
Content: There's kissing. That's it! Clean!
 

Monday, July 6, 2015

Chapter One of an Untitled Story

 
 
Hello, readers! Today, I have a little something special for you. A while back I started writing--just writing. I was bored; I didn't have a plan in mind. I just wrote. I ended up with Chapter One of a story. A story that hasn't been planned, written, or anything. I don't even have a title. This chapter is all I have, and I'm trying to decide whether or not I need to continue. The story would probably fall along the lines of Middle Grade. So, please! Read! Tell me what you think! (The blank spaces there just mean I haven't come up with a name yet.)

  Ms. Pempsky's wig had gone missing.
   I wasn't entirely at fault. That daredevil cat certainly had something do with it, but of course Ms. Pempsky would never admit that. Which left the finger of blame pointing at me.
   "Grace ___ ___." She was enraged.
   I was annoyed. How did she even know my full name?
   "You have completely  humiliated me."
   My apologies. Perhaps you should order a tighter wig?
   Her eyes narrowed as if she could read my thoughts. I wouldn't be surprised if she could. Ms. Pempsky could tell truths from the smallest of fibs. She knew when you were sleeping, and when you were awake. Her abilities were uncannier than those of St. Nicolas. Mind-reading wasn't that far of a stretch.
  I rocked back and forth on my heels, trying to look anywhere other than into her cold green eyes. If only those eyes would soften, and her lips turn upward. Ms. Pempsky could be quite pretty then....with her hair, that is.
  But no part of her--eyes or mouth--was smiling. Any fantasy I might have had of Ms. Pempsky as Old St. Nick vanished. I ducked my head, offering my own small smile in apology. My eyes couldn't help but be drawn to her shiny head.
  Please send me away. Just send me away.
  I knew she wouldn't. She was searching for some way to restore her dignity. Even I could tell that she was dreadfully embarassed to be de-wigged in front of her guests. Ms. Pempsky and I weren't alone. My handsome, eligible father and I had paid the call together. He was standing off the side trying not to laugh, and a lot of good that did me.
  I stood still, awaiting my punishment, knowing that my father wouldn't do anything to prevent whatever she deemed fit. The lady sat as regally as she had before the...um...recent events. Chin up. Posture perfect. Very queenly.
  Your baldness.
  I nearly snorted.
  She sighed. “Grace. If you would.” She inclined her head towards the next room, where the cat had scurried off to with her hair. “Fetch it, please.” She folded her hands in her lap and gave another frustrated sigh. “I'll have you know that wig was imported all the way from Brazil.”
  She glared at me again. Oh, right. I was supposed to make like a good little girl and fetch her hair.
  I couldn't get out of there fast enough, and I nearly tripped over the armchair Father had been sitting in before he sprang out of it in surprise. A sigh of relief escaped me as I slipped through the doorway.
  There.
  That devil cat. He rested atop the piano, happily chewing on Ms. Pempsky's blonde wig. For a moment I wondered, why blonde? I would have pegged her for an auburn.
  Slowly, I reached out a hand. Palm up, just like Father taught me. But the cat only hissed at me and went back to slobbering all over his new chew toy.
  Now, now. We aren't going to repeat your earlier episode, are we?
  It was a funny story, really.
  Politeness required that both my father and I pay a visit to Ms. Pempsky, as she had blatantly expressed a wish for us to do so. We went, albeit begrudgingly, and found that she had acquired a new pet. I would have danced for joy had my spirits not already been dampened by just having to listen to our hostess.
  A cat. A beautiful cat with soft fur as pure as the snow that blanketed the ground this morning.
  When we entered the parlor Ms. Pempsky took straight to my father, ignoring me completely. Not minding at all, I did the same. And went straight for the cat.
  Filthy, no-good, mean-spirited demon.
  I picked him up, wanting to stroke his fur while the adults talked idle nonsense, as most adults are prone to do. Ms. Pempsky was laughing prettily at one of my father's “when I was young” stories(they always put me to sleep) when the animal let out a loud screech and jumped from my arms.
  His aim was quite perfect(or rather the opposite, depending on how you looked at it) for he landed squarely on the lady's head.
  She didn't shreak as her pet did. She was quite calm about it, although her eyes nearly bulged out of her head.
  This was about the moment my father sprang out of his chair. After that, we all seemed to be frozen in place.
  Except for the cat.
  The feline hissed and pawed and scratched at his owner's head. I snapped out of it, rushed towards the lady in need, and picked up the cat from her head, effectively rescuing her from probable injury. But not mortification.
  I picked up the cat, the cat picked up Ms. Pempsky's wig, and Ms. Pempsky's wig picked up...well, I'm not sure, but I think head lice. Then, I dropped the cat, and the cat did not drop the wig, but shot its way to the room next door.
  It was a funny story, now that I thought about it.
  Here, Devil.
  I reached out my hand again. I didn't actually know what he was called, but “Devil” seemed as good a name as any.
  He ignored me, and it was just as well because it let me hear Ms. Pempsky and Father. My hand froze at the former's voice.
  “Charles, you simply must do something to control that girl of yours. She'll never marry the way she keeps on.”
  Father laughed. “Now, Evelyn, she's only 14.”
  I made a face. Charles. She called him Charles. And he called her Evelyn.
  I shook my head. It didn't matter.
  Devil was looking at me again, on the verge of a hiss.
  Oh, come off it.
  In one swoop of my hand I grabbed the wig, tearing it away from the cat. I could have sworn he glared at me, but instead of putting up a fight he simply licked his paws and slinked away like the proud little devil he was.
  I glared at his retreating form. And I had thought he was cute. Big mistake on my part.
  I went to stand in the entrance of the parlor with the slimed hairpiece in my hands. The adults were still talking.
  Talk, talk, talk. It was overrated if you asked me.
  “Well, Charles. I-I'm sorry you had to see me like this.” Her eyelashes fluttered. She was flirting. With my father. And she was bald.
  Father chuckled softly. “Don't be. You always look lovely, with your wig or without.”
  I would have been insulted by such a comment, but Ms. Pempsky actually blushed. I think it was the gagging noises I made that alerted them to my presence.
  Father smiled. “Grace! Do you have--”
  I nodded, holding up the wig.
  “Ah. Good,” he said. Ms. Pempsky sat up even straighter, which I didn't think was possible. Slowly, awkwardly, I held out the hairpiece to her. But she shook her head. I blinked, not knowing what to do.
  “Put it on.” Her eyes bore through mine. I didn't move.
  “You heard me, child. Put it on me.
  My hands twitched. Did I let her know that her wig had been in Devil's mouth for the past few minutes? Surely she could have guessed as much.
  As I stood frozen in indecision a thought came to me. Ms. Pempsky knew her hairpiece wasn't fit to wear. But she would still have me put it on her. Was this her twisted way of restoring her dignity? Having me bow to her command, fixing every strand of hair to her liking?
  The thought made me scowl, but I stepped closer. Whatever got the nasty thing out of my hands.
  So I put in on her. A bit lopsided, perhaps, but she snatched her head away before I could straighten it. At least that was over with. But she bent her head towards me again.
  Really, lady?
  “Well? What do you have to say for yourself?” The bitterness in her tone made me flinch. She smirked, eyes flashing with contempt. “Cat got a hold of your tongue, Grace?”
  How dare she? She knew. She knew and purposefullly—
  “Ah, Evelyn.” My father stepped in, laying his hand on my shoulder. “I'm sorry; I thought you knew. Grace is...” I braced for it. “Well, you see, Grace is mute.”
 
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