Southern Belle's Special Gift by Marsha Hubler Page A

ever feel like you need God to help you? And don’t you ever feel sorry for all the rotten things you’ve done? God’s ready to forgive and forget.”
    Tanya stared at the foal and ran her fingers through its fuzzy mane. “Well, once in a while I feel bad about something I’ve done, but then I block it out of my mind.”
    â€œYou can’t block it out forever,” Skye said. Then her own conscience took her back to Tanya’s bedroom. “Speaking of rotten things, I have to tell you something.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œWell—and I’m super sorry about this—but the other night when I went to get your dictionary, your diary and some papers fell on the floor—and—well—I accidentally on purpose looked at them. I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean it.”
    Tanya’s face melted into a nasty scowl. “And what exactly did you see?” she barked.
    â€œOnly that your aunt and gram blame you for your mom’s death. And I saw those really neat pictures you drew—and some cool poetry about your mother. But I’m really sorry.”
    Tanya’s eyes threw pitchforks at Skye. “Hey, you had no business looking at that stuff. Doesn’t a person have any privacy around here?”
    Skye felt her face flush with embarrassment. “Tanya, I told you it was, sort of, an accident. I don’t go around snooping in other kids’ rooms. You did give me permission to go in there.”
    â€œYeah, to get a dictionary, not to read about my whole life,” Tanya sassed. “I’m going to tell Mr. and Mrs. Chambers. And I hope you get grounded for life!”
    â€œI already did tell Mom everything,” Skye confessed. “And I am grounded, but not for life. I got two weeksstarting tomorrow. So you’ll be on your own down here for a while with the filly.”
    â€œThat should teach you a good lesson,” Tanya said, her tone softening. Deep in thought, she settled back against the wall. “Well, I guess it wasn’t such a major crime after all. Just so you didn’t read my diary from cover to cover. That would have made me furious.”
    â€œAnd it won’t ever happen again. I promise,” Skye said, glancing at her watch. “Hey, lunch should be ready soon,” she said, glad to change the subject. “Are you gonna come out with us, or should I—”
    The foal let out a soft nicker, and the girls froze in their spots.
    Slowly, the foal raised its head and placed it back down. Then in a jerking motion, she struggled to get up. She tried several times and finally managed to sit with her four legs folded underneath, her eyes wide with wonder.
    Tanya scrambled to her knees and whispered, “I think she wants to stand.”
    Skye crawled on her hands and knees to the filly. “Let’s help her. Now take it easy. She looks a little scared. You wrap your arms around her neck, and I’ll slip my arms around her belly. If she makes the least little effort, just urge her up.”
    â€œOkay,” Tanya said, her eyes glued to the foal.
    The tiny horse let out a louder nicker. With all the strength she could muster, she stretched her front legs out and pushed upward with her wobbly back legs. The girls placed their arms around her, gently urging the foal upward. The filly braced itself on all fours, wobbling like her legs were made of paper. The girls held on, and in a few moments, the foal stood with her legs planted firmly in the straw. She let out a loud baby-horse whinny, and the girls joined in a celebration of smiles and giggles, their eyes filled with wonder!
    â€œShe’s up!” Skye said. “Tanya, she’s up! She’s gonna make it! Aw! Sweet!”
    Then it happened again. With her arms still draped around the foal, Tanya started to cry.
    Skye quickly stood. “Tanya, what’s wrong now? Are you okay?”
    Tanya released the foal and slumped back