BABY DOLL

This is a short children's story about helping others, working for what you want and people with big hearts.

She wrapped the tattered coat tighter around her small frame, shielding herself against the blustery, winter wind.

"I know Mama would like that necklace with the angel on it," Billi Mae said aloud as she peered in through the window. "It's so pretty." She pulled a handful of coins from the coat pocket and counted carefully -- 98 cents.

Slipping into the warm shop, she clapped her numb hands together and eyed the toys and trinkets with awe. As she walked towards the window to get a closer look at the necklace something interrupted her vision.

The most beautiful thing ever! She was the tiniest of creatures. A delicate nose; the pinkest lips and the biggest, bluest eyes with the longest, darkest lashes. She was wearing a white, silk dress and a pale, blue ribbon in her blonde hair.

"Oh, my!" she gasped.

"May I help you?" a sweeping shop owner, slightly grey at the temples offered.

"Ummm, yes, please," she hated to tear herself away from the baby doll. She showed the shop owner, Mr. Russell, her sparse coins and explained her dilemma. Mama would be in the hospital on Christmas Day having surgery and she needed a present. The necklace cost $10.00 more than she had.

Mr. Russell looked down at the broom in his chubby hand and smiled broadly. "I'll make an even exchange with you. If you come in and sweep up for me after school the next few days, I'll give you the necklace for your Mama."

Billi Mae beamed with excitement. She could actually earn the gift and feel proud about it.

Over the next few days Billi Mae helped with sweeping, straightening toy boxes and greeting customers. She enjoyed the work -- it was fun! And, besides, she got to see that wonderful baby doll too! That was the best part!

Mr. Russell took Billi Mae under his wing and enjoyed her bubbly, young spirit. She was like the daughter he had never had.

Christmas Eve soon came and as the last customer left the shop, Mr. Russell took the angel necklace from the window, wrapped it in tissue and handed it to Billi Mae with love.

"I do hope your mother likes it," he said with tears in his eyes. He would surely miss his little helper.

"Thanks, Mr. Russell. I won't forget this," she felt tears welling up inside her as well.

She went to retrieve her coat from the stock room and found a large package laying beside it. The box was wrapped in bright, green paper and adorned with a huge, red bow. A small card was scribbled with the words, "A gift for you, Billi Mae."

She looked around the room in confusion. Ripping off the wrappings she discovered the treasured baby doll. Tears fell from disbelieving eyes.

"Awww, you don't like her?" Mr. Russell said from behind.

Billi Mae jumped up and hugged the gentleman with all her might. "I love her!" she giggled.

Having no children of his own you may wonder why Michael Russell would want to own a toy store/gift shop???

For the fringe benefits, of course!

Author's Note

Please give an overall review on this short children's story. Thank you!

Reviews

[Robert Parlange]

Good story. I like how you put humanity into your stories. Something lacking in the world these days.
I didn't have a favorite doll when I was growing up, but I did have a sock monkey. I miss that sock monkey.

[MelissaAndres]

Thanks again, Robert! That is funny that you mentioned your sock monkey. I took had a sock monkey when I was growing up. I named him "Chi Chi". Several years ago, I decided to make a bunch of sock monkeys and handed them out to the kids in the family for Christmas. It was so fun to see them smile! :)