Holli Vebb - Misty The Abandoned Kitten

For Tabitha

For more information about Holly Webb visit: www.holly-webb.com

CONTENTS

Title Page

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

About the Author

Other titles by Holly Webb:

Copyright

Chapter One

Amy yawned and rolled over to go back to sleep. But then she stopped halfway and bounced up in bed. It was her birthday! Was it too early to go and wake up Mum and Dad? Amy grabbed her watch off the bedside table. Half-past six. Surely that was late enough, on a birthday?

Shivering slightly in the chill morning, she threw on her dressing gown, and hurried along the landing to her parents room.

Oh! Amy Happy Birthday Her dad yawned hugely. Is it as early as it feels?

Its already half-past six, Amy replied. Cant we get up? Please, Mum?

Her mum was already starting to climb out of bed. Youd better go and get dressed.

OK! Amy grinned. She dashed back to her room and started to put on her school uniform, sighing a little. It was so unfair to have to go to school on her birthday. Still, as she was up early, at least Mum might let her open some of her presents

Amy ran down the stairs eagerly and burst into the kitchen.

Oh, wow! she said, as she sat down at the table in front of a pile of birthday presents. She smiled as she saw that her mum had draped fairy lights round the window. That looks fab!

Well, since youve got to go to school, I thought Id try and make breakfast special. Amys mum put a chocolate croissant in front of her.

Just then, Dad came into the kitchen. I hope theres one for me too, he said, giving Amy a hug. Happy Birthday!

Go on, open your presents, her mum said, smiling.

Amy reached out for the nearest parcel, which was enticingly squashy. Oh, its lovely. Grans so clever! she said, as she tore off the paper and shook out a purple hoodie top, with a pink satin cat stitched on to the back, and glittery stars all around.

Her mum smiled. I told her anything with a cat on it.

When Amy had finally unwrapped all her presents, her dad shook his head. Do you know, anyone would think you liked cats! he remarked, staring at the cat T-shirt, cat lunch box, kitten pencil case, and the gorgeous toy Persian cat on Amys lap. Her mum and dad knew how much she loved cats. But they just didnt think she was old enough to have one as a pet, however much she begged.

Come on, we need to get to school, Mum pointed out. Ive arranged for you to go for tea at Lilys today, Amy.

Amy looked up in surprise. It was the first shed heard about this.

Her dad winked. I need a bit of extra time to sort out your surprise present from us. Didnt you notice we havent given you anything yet? Itll be waiting for you when you get home.

Oh! Amy beamed at him. That sounded really exciting

Do you think the surprise could be a kitten? Amy asked Lily, for about the fifteenth time that day. The girls had finished their tea and had gone up to Lilys room to chat.

Her best friend sighed. I still dont know! Did it sound like theyd changed their minds the last time you asked?

Amy shook her head. Mum said I wasnt old enough to look after a pet properly. I told her you do!

Lily smiled and stroked Stella, her big tabby cat, who was curled up on the duvet between them. I was lucky. Mum loves cats. I didnt have to beg!

Dad could have needed the time to go and fetch a kitten. Amy was thinking aloud. I cant think of anything else it would be. Oh, I just dont know! She leaned down so she was nose to nose with Stella, who stared back at her sleepily. I wish you could tell me. Am I getting a kitten at last?

Stella yawned, showing all her teeth.

Hmmm. Im not sure what that means. Amy sighed. Oh! Is that the doorbell? she exclaimed, scrambling to her feet.

Lily frowned. Its rude to be so happy about going home! She laughed at Amys suddenly worried face. Im only teasing! Go! Go on! Ive got all my fingers crossed for you! Call and tell me if it is a kitten!

A few streets away, a little black kitten was sitting in a cardboard carrier, mewing sadly. She didnt like it in here, and things didnt smell right. She wanted to go back to her lovely home.

Sshh, sshh, Jet. There was a scuffling noise at the top of the box, and the kitten looked up nervously. Lets get you out, little one.

The kitten pressed herself into the corner as the dark box opened up. Then she gave a squeak of relief. There was her owner!

Mrs Jones reached in and gently lifted out the little cat. She lowered herself down into an armchair and the kitten curled up on her lap.

Can we play with Jet, Gran? Two children had followed Mrs Jones into the room. Please! the little girl squealed.

Millie, calm down! Mrs Jones said firmly. Youll scare her.

The kitten looked up at the children, both reaching out for her, and squirmed into Mrs Joness cardigan.

I just want to stroke her, the little boy begged.

Im sorry, Dan. I know you both want to say hello, but shes only just arrived, and shes not really used to being with children. Shell soon settle in, Im sure, and then you can play with her all you want.

Dont bother Gran, you two. You know she needs to rest and get better. The childrens mother was standing in the doorway now. Do you want a cup of tea or anything, Mum?

No, no, Sarah, thank you. Im just going to sit here with Jet to keep me company.

OK. Come on, you two. Dont forget to shut the door you know we need to keep Jet in here for the next few days.

The children ran off after their mum, and the kitten relaxed. This place wasnt home, but at least Mrs Jones was here.

Oh dear, its a big change, isnt it? The old lady tickled her under the chin. Still, Sarahs right. Im better off here where she can keep an eye on me.

But Jet wasnt listening. Shed tensed up again, the fur on her tiny black tail bristling. Millie and Dan hadnt shut the door properly after all, and there was another cat here. A big Siamese staring at her with round blue eyes. She mewed anxiously. Did this house already belong to another cat?

Mrs Jones looked over at the cat. Oh, theres Charlie. Dont worry, Jet. Hes friendly; Sarah told me hed be no trouble. No trouble at all.

Come out into the garden! Amys dad held open the back door, an excited expression on his face.

The present is outside? Amy asked doubtfully. Why would a kitten be outside? She stepped out, and looked round at her parents, who were beaming at her.

Look at the tree! Dad pointed up at the big chestnut tree at the end of the garden.

Oh! A tree house! Amy said, sounding rather surprised.

Dont you like it? Her dads voice was suddenly anxious.

Yes, I do, I love it. Amy hugged him. It was true she had always wanted a little private hideaway of her own. It was just that it wasnt a kitten

Why dont you go and explore? said Mum.

Amy ran down the garden and climbed the wooden ladder that her dad had fastened on to the tree trunk.

The tree house smelled lovely, of new wood. Amy looked round it delightedly. There was a big purple beanbag to sit on, and on a tiny wooden table by the square window was a birthday cake, with pink icing.

Amy leaned out of the door, and smiled down at her parents. Its a brilliant present. Thank you!

Well cut the cake in about half an hour, OK? said Mum, smiling.

Amy sat down on the beanbag, and sighed. She loved the tree house but at the same time, she was secretly a little disappointed. I should have known it wouldnt be a kitten, she whispered to herself. It was just that I was really hoping

Chapter Two

On Saturday it was Amys birthday party. She and Lily and a couple of other friends from school were going to the cinema, and then to her favourite caf for tea. She was really looking forward to it but every so often something would remind her about kittens and shed feel sad again.