The Girl Squad
by Barbara Lynn Terry

We said our goodbyes to the mayor and officer McKinley, and then we went home. Once we got home, we put our coats away and went into the front room and talked about the days events.

"Well Allison, what did you think of dinner at the civic center this evening?" My mother asked.

"Just fine, mom." I answered. "I was really surprised by the award being given by officer McKinley. I thought the mayor was going to present it."

"I thought so too, dear. But I think it was even better for officer McKinley to do it, because he was the one who answered the call when you called the police. And, I think he wanted to do it for such brave girls who knew what to do when faced with an unknown situation. Anyway, it all worked out and I guess that’s why he was given the honor of presenting the plaque. When you go back to school it will in the trophy case. I think it’s just wonderful."

"So do I, mom."

We watched a little television. There was a movie on about the pilgrims and it was very interesting. It was about how the Pilgrims came to north America and settled on the east coast and called it Plymouth Rock. It ended with the Indians and the Pilgrims sitting down with each other and having dinner. After the movie, I kissed and hugged mom goodnight and went up to bed.

Morning just seems to come way too fast. I opened my eyes and heard the rain hitting against my window. A loud thunder clap sounded and it seemed just like it was over the house. I got out of bed and put on my robe and went down to breakfast. Mom was in the kitchen and she had made waffles and sausages. I ate only one waffle, two sausages and two pieces of toast, with a glass of milk and a glass of juice. Mom then looked at me with a concerned look.

"Allison, I think you had better wait on your bath, until the rain stops. It's not good to take a bath or a shower when it is lightening outside."

"Okay mom, I'll wait."

I went in the living room and watched a little television. There were cartoons on, and they made me laugh. Especially that wascally wabbit and Elmer Fudd. Then there was Foghorn Leghorn and the little chicken hawk. I just cracked up everytime the chicken hawk would try to capture Foghorn. It was hilarious. I watched the road runner and the coyote. Mom came in to watch with me and we both laughed at all the cartoons. When the cartoons were over, so was the rain. I could now take my bath and get dressed.

I went up to my room and got out my clothes and since there was no school today I could relax. I got out my pair of silver pants that zipped up the back, my red blouse with the ruffles, my white camisole, white panties with the roses on them and a pair of white ankle socks with pink trim. I then got out my red Mary Jane t-bars. I then went in to run my bath and put in some lilac bubble bath. I looked at my hair and it needed washing too. So I did all that and when I was done, I patted myself down with my towel and went to get dressed. I put on my clothes very carefully and went to ask mom if she could help me with my hair. She said yes, she could, and did.

As we got downstairs, the doorbell rang. I went to open it and saw Chrissie, Dee, Charla and Melanie. They all said how nice I looked in my outfit and then Dee just couldn't resist.

"Is that a new hair style, Allison. I just looks so divine." We all giggled, and when I turned around, I saw mom smiling. It is so nice to have friends who have a sense of humor. I invited them in and we went in the living room and sat down to plan our escapade for today. It wasn't supposed to rain anymore today so we could go into the city and go to Marchand's. Mr. Marchand was very nice, and as long as we behaved ourselves, he let us have free reign in his store. It was a department store, much like Sears, and had everything under the sun. I asked my mother if it was all right if I went with the girls to the city and go to Marchand's and she said yes.

"I'll be right back Allison, wait here," mom said as she headed for her room. She came back a few moments later and said,

"Here sweetheart, some money to shop a little while you're there and here's the money for the bus fare." I said thank you and got my coat and we left. We had to take the coach bus into the city but the fare wasn't all that much. Only fifteen dollars roundtrip for children under twelve. Of course when we reach that age we could probably still get on for children's rates. Giggle. It didn't takes us long to get to the city and Marchand's was only a few blocks from the bus station. It turned out to be a nice day, but it was still a little chilly. We were glad to be in the store before long, just to get rid of the chill. Mr. Marchand came up to us as we went in.

"Hello girls. Welcome back. Do you know that you are the finest behaved group of children I have seen in my store or anywhere else for that matter." He looked at me, then said, "You're Allison, right? I have something for you. A present. When you leave, it will behind the cosmetic counter with your name on it. In my opinion you deserve this. There is something in there for each of you. I hope you like it. Well, have fun I have to go back to work, you know, being the boss sure is hard work." He smiled and we giggled and went about our business. We looked all over the store and I saw a really neat purse. It was silver, and had a side zipper pocket and a couple of outer pockets. I went over and looked at it and the price was thirteen dollars and ninety five cents. I bought it as it would go good with my pants. The other girls were delighted and said it was very chic.

Chrissie decided she wanted to buy some perfume, so while we were at the counter, she bought a small bottle of what was called Rose (rosay) Eau de parfum. She paid twenty five dollars for it. She opened the bottle and we all sniffed it. It smelled pretty. Dee and Charla wanted to buy something to wear, so we went up to the girls department and they looked around for what seemd to be ages. So did I and Chrissie. I didn't buy anything, neither did Chrissie, but we tried on a lot of dresses and skirts. There was a nice pants suit, with blouse and jacket that was priced at forty five dollars. I looked at the tag on the blouse and it was made of silk. I took it into the changing room and tried it on. The pants were Royal Navy blue, the blouse was just a shade lighter and the jacket was the same color as the pants. It fit very well, so I changed back into my regular clothes and took the suit to the checkout to put on lay away. Dee picked out nice white, floral dress for school. It was made of cotton and had short sleeves and came to just above her knees. It had a back zipper and it looked very nice on her. Charla bought a pull over V-neck shirt, with a red border enhancing the V-neck and a red border around the hem. The shirt itself was a light gray. Melanie bought a pair of earrings and necklace set that came close to her birthstone, which is peridot for August. We looked around the store some more looking at different things and just having fun. After we had looked through the radio department, we decided it was time to leave. We had almost two hours before we had to catch the bus, so we decided to get a little snack before we had to go home for supper. As I said in an earlier chapter, department stores didn't have a food court as we know them today, they actually had a restaurant where a waitress waited on you. After we each ordered a salad and glass of milk, we talked about our purchases and the fund we had. When our order arrived we ate slowly and then went to pay our bill. We left Marchand's after picking up our package from the cosmetics counter and headed for the bus station.

The trip home was uneventful and we arrived without incident. We all decided to stop at my house first, because they all wanted to show my mother what they had bought. We got to my house and I called to mom that we were home.

"In the kitchen, dear," she said as I hung up our coats. we walked in the kitchen and I hugged and kissed my mom.

"Mom, the girls want to show you what they bought," I said as I poured everyone an orange juice.

"Okay. Chrissie, what did you buy?"

"I bought some perfume. Here sniff." Mom sniffed the perfume.

"That's very pretty, Chrissie. Can I borrow some sometime?" We all giggled because mom was only joking, as she had her own perfume.

Dee and Charla showed her what they bought.

"I bought a nice dress, Mrs. Kingston," Dee said pulling the dress out of the bag and showing it to mom.

"This is very pretty too, Dee."

"I'm going to wear it to school on Monday."

"Well, I will be looking forward to seeing you in it."

"I bought a shirt with a V-neck and red trim," Charla said as she showed mom.

"Girls these are all very pretty. Melanie what did you buy?"

"I bought an earring and necklace set that closely matches my birthstone." Melanie showed mom the set and mom said that it was very pretty. After they showed my mom what they bought, they left to go home with Melanie walking Charla home.

I stayed in the kitchen and help mom prepare supper. I did the salad and put the milk in a pitcher and set it back inside the fridge. Then I went over and peeled and cut the carrots in little round pieces. We were having a beef roast, and we put everything in with meat to cook at the same time. After I peeled and cut the carrots I did the potatoes, slicing them into round slices after peeling them. Some people put onion in with their roasts, but mom and I didn't like onions, but I did chop a clove a garlic and sprinkle it on the meat. It would take about a half an hour for it to cook. Mom and I then went into the living room and watched a little television until the meal was ready.

"Allison, did you buy anything at Marchand's today?"

"Yes mom. I bought a pants suit with a blouse and jacket. I didn't have enough to buy it right away, so I put it on lay away."

"Okay darling. I just wanted to know. How much was the suit?"

"It was forty five dollars, mom, so I put twenty dollars on it until I can go and get it."

"That's fine. What does it look like?"

"Huh uh. I am making it a surprise."

"Oh? And why would you want to make it a surprise?"

"I want you to see it for the first time, when I wear it to something special. We're always going out somewhere and I thought I needed something special. So you'll just have to wait."

"I see. My little girl thinks like a big girl." We both giggled. Mom and I always got along and we joked and laughed and talked and did things together.

We went in to the living room and watched reruns of the Ed Sullivan Show again. I always got a real laugh out of that puppet he had on his show. The group that was on this show was the Dixie Cups and they sang Chapel of Love. That was such a beautiful song, and as they sang, I found myself dreaming that I was in a small chapel in a white wedding gown and getting married. After the show was over, I kissed and hugged mom good night and went to bed.

Morning comes way too fast. The sun was shining and it promised to be a good day. I got up and got my clothes out for church. I took out my powder blue dress, along with my lavender slip set, fished out a pair of lavender ankle socks and my black Mary Jane's. I went in to the bathroom and ran my bath putting in some lavender bubble bath and crystals. Since I had a little time, I just soaked in the floral scent. I moved down in the tub so it would cascade all over my body. I then washed and got out of the tub. I patted myself down until I was dry, wrapped the towel around me the way girls do, and went in to the bedroom. I put on my slip and panties and sat down to put on a little makeup. I wasn't allowed to wear eye makeup yet, but I was aloowed a little mascara. When I finished with that, I put on my robe and went to ask my mother if she would help me with my hair and she did. She set in a very nice style that covered my ears on both sides but just above where the earrings would be so they would show. The back was clipped by a violet butterfly and my bangs were perfect. I then put on my dress, socks and shoes and was ready for church.

To a child, church can be boring, but today the pastor talked about love and what it means in a Christian sense. I learned a lot about tolerance and acceptance according to the pastor's interpretation. After church, we went to have lunch as usual, and I asked mom what the pastor meant about love and tolerance and acceptance. She explained it very simply.

"In other words, dear, treat people the way you want them to treat you, no matter how they do treat you. Do you understand that?"

"Yes mom. Thanks."

When we got back home, I went up to my room and got the package that Mr. Marchand had give me the day before. He said there was something in there for each of us, so I called the gang and told them I was opening the box from Marchnad's. They all said they would be right over. Charla's mom would drive her over and then pick her back up. Melanie said she would be over in about a half an hour. Dee and Chrissie, of course, were over in a few minutes of being called since they lived right in the neighborhood. When Charla and Melanie arrived, I opened the box and we found very nice gifts. All of the gifts had our names on it and I handed them out. I got a nice very sleek pen and pencil set that had pink hearts on the barrels; Chrissie got a diary that had a raised likeness of Mickey Mouse; Dee's present was a pair of knee high socks that had an embroidered stem rose on them, with the stem going around the socks and ending in the rose just below the knee. They were very pretty. Melanie received a small, nine transistor radio and Charla got a lovely, leather purse. There was a note from Mr. Marchand in the box, so I read it to everyone.

"Ladies: I want you to know that I have been all over the world. I have seen children with their parents and by themselves. But you young ladies, being so young, are the best behaved group that I have ever seen. I have seen children your age in my store with their parents, throwing tantrums because they couldn't have something. I have also seen teenagers in my store, by themselves and being very rowdy and boisterous. I am very pleased to know all of you. I hope you enjoy your gifts. They are my way of showing my appreciation for your respect. I hope that you continue to shop here, as I have told my staff to treat the girl squad like they would any adult. You each have a maturity beyond your years. Best of luck to all of you. Mr. D. Marchand, owner."

There were tears from all of us when I finished. The owner of a large department store thought that we were mature and well behaved. Well, we were, but still, it was nice for him to do this for us and say those things in the note.

"Well girls, it seems that you are well thought of at his store. That is a very good thing."

"Thanks mom," I said. "I never knew he felt that way. I know he smiled and talked to us when we went there, but I didn't think he would do anything like this."

"I know dear. Sometimes young people are so noisy and don't care who they disturb, but I can see that I have a wonderful daughter, and she has very wonderful friends."

"Thanks mom."

Charla's mom came and got her and offered Melanie a ride home.

"What's going on here," she said as she saw us wiping tears from our eyes.

"Please read this note from Mr. Marchand," I said handing her the note.

"Well, I said it once, and I'll say it again. Charla is lucky to have such good friends that are well thought of. Mr. Marchand does not give young people your age compliments, easily. You have had to earn this by just being yourselves. I am so proud of all of you and that Charla is so well thought of when she is with you."

We all said thank you together. After a few more words were exchanged, she left with Charla and Melanie. After they all left, mom and I watched t.v. and talked about things that were mostly unimportant. You know, how was school and what else did we look at in the store. Before long, it was time for bed. I kissed and hugged mom good night, and went to bed.

With sun shining, and a sparrow sitting on my windowsill, singing away, I got up. I looked at the sparrow and smiled. If this bird was happy, it was going to be a good day. I got out my clothes for school and went in to run my bath. I put in some magnolia and jojoba bath foam and set in to let it flow all over my body. After a few minutes, I washed and rinsed, and then patted myself dry. I went in the bedroom and put on a white pair of panties, put on my tan jeans and a pullover V-neck shirt. I then put on a pair of regular socks, and my tan Mary Jane T-bars. Checking myself in the mirror I saw my hair was still looking good from the day before, so I went down to breakfast. I had a piece of peanut butter and jelly toast, a bowl of oatmeal, milk and orange juice. I cleared my dishes from the table, rinsed them and put them in the sink. I then went to the front hall closet and got my coat and boots. Oh yes, it snowed last night, and we had a considerable amount on the ground. We were going to have fun walking to school.

I opened the door to leave when I saw Dee and Chrissie coming up the walk.

"I Dee, Hi Chrissie. I see we have a little snow today."

"A little snow? You are kidding, right Allison?"

"I agree with Dee, this isn't a little snow, this is a mountain of snow."

"I was just trying to make it sound less than what it is. Are we ready?"

We all left for school and we talked on the way about the presents we all got from Marchand's.

"I think the next time we go into the city to shop, we bring Mr. Marchand a present from us. Bought in his store, of course." Chrissie declared as we walked.

"I think that's a good idea," I said. "That way we can thank him for what he has done for us."

"I think it's a good idea too," Dee responded.

As we discussed this, we were at school. Everybody we saw said hello and wished us a good day and we returned the greeting. Miss Spencer was in the classroom as we walked in.

"Good morning Allison, Chrissie, Dee. Did you have a wonderful weekend?"

"Yes, Miss Spencer. We went to the city and shopped at Marchand's and Mr. Marchand gave us each a present," I said in response.

"Well, that is very good children. Mr. Marchand seems to be a very nice man. And, Allison, thank you for showing me that store. I will be shopping there all the time now."

"You're welcome, Miss Spencer. I have two outfits on lay away there, and I will have to pick them up soon. Maybe we can all go and make it a day along with my mother. We can take both cars."

"Why Allison, that is a wonderful idea. I would like that very much. Now the bell is about to ring, so take your seats ladies. Today is going to be all work." We groaned and sat down as Miss Spencer just smiled.

The morning wasn't so bad. We did spelling and reading, a little history about the first Christmas, and Miss Spencer asked the class what Christmas meant to them. A lot of the kids said it meant presents, a nice dinner and listening to nice Christmas carols. Then she asked me what Christmas meant.

"Miss Spencer, Christmas means that I get presents, just like little baby Jesus did when he was born. It means helping to celebrate that birth by not only receiving presents, but giving them too. It means like the others said, listening to Christmas carols, and singing them, enjoying a nice dinner with my family and friends and going to Christmas services. It means watching nice Christmas movies on t.v. and just enjoying the day."

"Thank you Allison, that was very nice. Yes, Christmas means what all of you said. We only have two more weeks before Christmas break. So we are going to have a party on the last day of school and I would like you all to bring something. We are going to have present sharing also, like we have had in the past. You will pick names, and whoever's name you have, you will bring a present for that person. Okay Children, it's lunchtime. See you after recess."

We all went to lunch and it was all right, as school lunches go. After we ate we went onto the playground for recess. Whenever there is someone different in the school, there is always someone who wants to make trouble. There was a new boy in the school, who had just moved here. He was in the fifth grade and thought, just like Charla used to, that he was very tough. As he walked up to the group, he started right away.

"I hear there are boys in this school that want to be girls. I don't like sissies."

We stood up at that and faced him. "What's your name?" I asked.

"Nunya, that's my name. Are you the mouth for the this group of..."

He didn't have time to finish as Miss Spencer was right behind him.

"What's your problem young man?"

He turned and looked at Miss Spencer and if it could, his mouth would have hit the ground. We all just stood there looking at him with our arms across our chests.

"Well? I asked you a question. I heard what you said to these girls and you owe them an apology."

"No. I will not apologize. Boys should be boys and not want to be girls. My father said so."

"Very well. Come with me."

He refused to move. Miss Spencer told us to go about our business and to get Mr. Sanford, the gym teacher. We saw Mr. Sanford in the hall and told him he was needed on the playground by Miss Spencer. He went out immediately and we followed.

"What's up, Miss Spencer?" He asked.

"This boy was picking on the girl squad and calling them nasty names."

"Inside young man, now."

"I am not going."

"Yes you will." Mr. Sanford said grabbing him by his coat.

When we got by Mrs. Blanchard's office, we were told to sit on the bench and wait. The boy was taken into the office by Mr. Sanford and we were called in one by one. We told Mrs. Blanchard what had happened and that before it got out of hand, Miss Spencer put a stop to it. We also told her that when Miss Spencer told him to go with her he refused as he did with Mr. Sanford.

"What seems to be your problem, Mark? Don't you like it here?"

"When my father gets here, you're all in trouble."

"I see. Well! I think you need an attitude adjustment, young man. Maybe a week's suspension, or how about a week of banging erasers. Something needs to be done with you. The reason we accepted you in this school is because you live in town. Now, I want to know what you said to these girls."

"I didn't say nuthin, and my dad is going to make sure you don't ever lecture me again."

"Oh, is that so? Well I have news for you. Not only will you be lectured again, but if you pull anything again like you did today, you will be expelled. WE are the only elementary school in town, and if you are expelled that means you will have to move again. We are not going to put up with children like you who think they are tough."

"Yeah, I'm tough. What about it. My father says that this town sucks anyway."

"Well your father has ben called to take you home. After I talk with him, we will see exactly how it is that you behave."

Mark Winslow was from the wrong side of the tracks. He wore dirty jeans with holes in them at the knees. His shirt looked like it was too big on him and his shoes had scuff marks, as though he had been kicking stones and cans and such. He had dirty sandy blond hair and carried himself as though he were the toughest person in the world. They had moved here after the death of his mother due to pneumonia. I kind of wondered if this tough 'act' was a form of self denial about his mother. I would try and find out. Charla came up to me and we talked about Mark for a while.

"Allison, what do you think that kid's problem is anyways?"

"You know, I was just thinking about that. Mrs. Blanchard told us that his mother died of pneumonia. I think this tough 'act' he is putting on is a sort of self denial. Mybe even his father is in self denial. Who knows? All I know is that if he keeps it up he won't be in this school long."

"Yeah, true. I wonder though. He's from a larger city and I guess that is the way they are there. I mean, we go into the city to shop at Marchand's and have something to eat, but we don't live there. So there is no telling what people in the city think like or do."

"You may be right. I mean people should treat people like they want to be treated."

"For sure," was all she said. Well, the day was over as far as school was concerned so we all walked home. Melanie and Charla left us at Charla's corner and the three of us walked home.

"Allison? Did Mrs. Blanchard tell you about Mark's mother?" Chrissie asked.

"Yes she did. Why?"

"Well I was just thinking that maybe he is acting tough because he doesn't want to deal with it."

"Maybe so. I think you may be right. Charla and I were talking about that same thing just before school let out.

"Well I think we need to talk to him and find out what it is that is really bothering him." Dee added.

We went to our respective houses and when I got in the door, mom called to me that she was in the kitchen. I went in the kitchen and poured myself a glass of chocolate milk and sat down.

"Miss spencer called me today and said you girls had an altercation with a new boy at school today. Was it anything serious?"

"No mom, just the usual 'I'm tough and you're not act,'" I said.

"Oh one of those types. Well is there anything that you know about this boy?"

"I know his mother died of pneumonia a short while ago, and his father works down at the tannery. Other than that I don't know much. His name is Mark Winslow and he dresses as though he found his clothes in the garbage."

"Well I am sorry about his mother, but that is no excuse to carry on and make trouble for others. Anyway, Miss Spencer said that his father told him in front of her and Mrs. Blanchard that he owes you all an apology and he will have to erase blackboards and clean erasers after school for a week."

"Ok, well, anyway, it was a good thing that Miss Spencer was there or he would have gotten beat up by us. We weren't just going to sit there and let him make threats and call us names. But it was handled and we didn't get in any trouble."

"Well, young lady, you just see that you don't either. I have a respected daughter and she needs to know when not to let anger take the place of good jugement."

"Oh I won't hit anyone, but I will give them a good tongue lashing, as you always say."

"That's my girl." and we both giggled.

the night went by pretty quick as the others came over and we talked while we played monopoly. When they left we hugged and said see ya at school. I kissed and hugged mom good night and went to bed. Morning just comes to fast. I got up and did what I usually do in the morning and put on my clothes and went down to breakfast. I had an orange juice and a jelly bagel and went out to meet the girls.

We walked to school without talking and when we got there, Mark was waiting on the playground. As he walked up to us, we looked at each other in surprise.

"Your name is Allison. Right?"

"Yes Mark, my name is Allison. I am very glad to meet you."

"I want to apologize for yesterday. Sometimes I just get so mad, I take it out on others."

"Well Mark, I can't speak for the rest, but I accept your apology. If you ever want to talk, get things out in the open, anyone of us or all of us are ready to listen." Everyone said they accepted his apology and we walked to the school building together. I saw Miss spencer as we got near the door and she just winked. That meant everything was all right.

"Look Mark," Dee said as we went into the school. "I know you're having a hard time right now, and if you want us to leave you alone for a while, or whatever, we will. We won't intrude."

"Thanks. Listen I really am sorry. I would like to be friends."

"That's good Mark. But you better get to class or you'll be late." we giggled and he laughed and off he went. I said in Charla's case and I will say it again. This boy is having a hard time and trying to act tough. But I will be his friend.