Savannah Rose

By Sandra Robey

Young Savannah Rose is unfortunately already familiar with the pain of rejection. Chubby and orphaned, Savannah knows she is lucky to have found a home with her Aunt Millie, yet she must endure relentless teasing by her classmates. Deep inside, Savannah knows she is special, and she is determined to find a way to show them all.

One summer evening while trying to catch fireflies, Savannah wanders into the dark garden where she suddenly hears a mysterious voice coming from a glowing pumpkin. The pumpkin turns out to really be Perihelion, a gifted fairy; unfortunately, Perihelion is the victim of a ghastly prank by a jealous and evil gnome who has transformed her into a pumpkin. Terrified she will be made into pumpkin pie if she is not set free, Perihelion begs Savannah to help her. After Savannah untangles the fairy from the vine, a magical mist swirls around her as she transports Savannah to a kingdom on the other side of the moon where Savannah is about to learn more about herself than she ever imagined.

In this fantasy tale, a young girl embarks on an adventure with a lively fairy and soon discovers that it is not how she looks on the outside but who she is on the inside that truly matters.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Jan 12, 2012
• ISBN: 9781466909649

Sandra Robey

Sandra Robey is a native of the Washington, DC, area. She worked for the federal government for over thirty years. She currently lives in Annandale, Virginia.

Book preview

SAVANNAH

Savannah Rose sat on her bed, watching clouds float across the pale moon as a tiny tear trickled down her soft, chubby cheek. Tomorrow was Becky Berkley’s birthday, and she was sadly pondering why she hadn’t been invited to Becky’s birthday party. Last Saturday she had watched Becky hand-deliver invitations to everyone on the block, skipping right over Savannah’s house.

Becky was the most popular girl in school and lived in the biggest house on the street. She had curly blonde hair, big blue eyes, and was always dressed in the prettiest clothes. All the grown-ups said, Becky Berkley is just a little doll. Savannah was sure Polly Brooks had gotten an invitation, even though Polly was scrawny with freckles and black, horn-rimmed glasses, because her father owned the bank. Savannah wanted to be beautiful or rich. Life was so unfair.

Savannah watched the moon float gracefully in and out of the clouds as she wondered what mysteries lay beyond the moon and stars. Mrs. Weathers, her fifth grade teacher, had told the class that one day a man would walk on the moon. Was it a foreign land, or did it just mirror Earth? Was there a girl on the other side of the moon who was just like herself, only happier? Perhaps it was like the faraway places she had read about in books. Were there people there who went about their daily lives not caring if you were rich or beautiful?

Tears started to form in both eyes. A spider was silently spinning a web in the corner of the window, paying no attention to Savannah’s sadness. She knew why she hadn’t been invited to Becky’s party—she was chubby. As if being chubby was contagious and one would become larger simply by being nice to Savannah. The children at school called her fatty and drew pictures of her as a round ball with stick hands and legs and placed them on her desk. Did they have any idea how that made her feel? Did they know she would disappear into the cloakroom to hide and cry her tears into her coat? Did they even care?

Savannah’s teacher, Mrs. Johnson, discovered her one day and scolded her for being much too sensitive. Mrs. Johnson had even written a note home to Savannah’s Aunt Millie, declaring that Savannah was disrupting the class with her constant tears and that her melancholy must stop.

Why were things so unfair? Savannah got better grades than Becky, and she was nicer than Polly. Why didn’t the children gather around her and want to be her friends? Savannah wanted so desperately to be part of the group that she made herself sick with jealousy.

Maybe no one wanted to be her friend because she didn’t have a mother or father. Savannah remembered the cruel day Wayne Henshaw had announced to the class that her parents had run away after seeing how fat she was. Savannah had been so humiliated and overwhelmed by the thought that she had cried for weeks. It really wasn’t fair; she didn’t even remember her parents. She wanted to punch Wayne in the nose.

On Valentine’s Day this year, everyone made a shoebox to hold valentine cards from classmates. A prize would be awarded for the best decorated box. With her Aunt Millie’s help, Savannah covered her box with red crepe paper, cut different-sized white hearts out of construction paper, and glued them on one by one. Aunt Millie made a red ruffle from crepe paper for the lid, creating the illusion of a fancy hat. Savannah filled out her valentines, one for each member of her class. She was thrilled when she won the prize for the best decorated box and received a little blue ribbon for her efforts, but she could barely conceal her disappointment when she opened her box to find only four valentines. One from her teacher, one from Myra Higgins, who wore boys’ sneakers to school; one from Charles Wiggins, who continually picked his nose; and one was from Helen Dodd, who was kind to everyone. Savannah was crushed. It didn’t matter that she had won the contest. Nobody liked her. Once again she sought out the dark refuge of the cloakroom.

Later that afternoon, the class had pretty valentine cupcakes and punch. Mrs. Johnson sang, and children got up and made a circle around the room, holding hands. Savannah was not allowed to join. Mrs. Johnson told Savannah to sit down; she was too clumsy and might tip over a desk or fall on another student. It was embarrassing to be singled out and not allowed to participate. Her classmates looked at her and snickered. She sat alone at her desk, watching everyone enjoy the festivities, desperately wanting to be part of it all. Why had she been excluded from the fun because she was bigger than the other children? It was dreadful that school would be starting soon, and once again she would have to tolerate the ridicule of her classmates.

Worst of all, last Sunday, when she and Aunt Millie and Cousin Timmy attended church they met Mrs. Grover, who commented to the congregation, My, how Savannah has grown, as everyone stared at Savannah. Would the humiliation ever end?

Savannah got into bed and let out a long sigh. She grabbed her teddy bear and cuddled him close. Teddy knew all her secrets and was the recipient of her tears. Savannah knew inside that she was special, and one day she would show them all. She would try to put the dismal thought of school starting in a couple of weeks out of her mind and think of something pleasant.

Up until now, it had been a lovely, carefree summer. She had gone on picnics, painted and colored in her coloring book, and held tea parties with her dolls. For two weeks, she, Aunt Millie and Timmy went to the ocean, where she found beautiful seashells and built sandcastles in the warm sun. Savannah loved watching the waves roll into the beach, bringing treasures of seashells and sand crabs. It was a peaceful time; she wished she could spend the rest of her life there. No one called her Fatty or reminded her she didn’t have a mother and father.

But summer vacation was drawing to a close. In two weeks, school would start, and once again she would have to face her classmates. It would be especially difficult this year because everyone would know she hadn’t been invited to Becky Berkley’s birthday party. The children would laugh and whisper to each other when she sat down at her desk. Becky would be sorry she didn’t invite her, Savannah thought, as she had planned on buying Becky some beautiful ribbons for her golden curls.

Savannah looked around her room at the faces of her dolls in the fading moonlight. They offered no comfort, with their silent, beautiful eyes and curly hair. They were perfect too. Each sat there in her quiet beauty, unable tell Savannah why she had not been invited to Becky Berkley’s party or why no one liked her. Only her teddy bear, which was tattered and worn from her tears, seemed to understand her sadness.

The moon disappeared around the corner of the house, and Savannah grew tired. She lay back on her pillow. The spider had finished her web and was comfortably resting in the corner. Savannah’s cat Jane had already curled up in a ball and fallen asleep. Savannah brightened at the thought that maybe she could develop a disease and never have to go to school again, or maybe she could run away and join the circus. She could bring the elephants water and feed the animals. Or maybe she could travel to a faraway place where no one could find her. That will never happen, she thought, deflated.

One good thing was her visit to Nana’s tomorrow. Nana seemed to understand her more than anyone. Although Aunt Millie was good to her, she seemed distant and cold, especially after Uncle Bill died. Savannah closed her eyes and drifted into a cloudy world of sleep and troubled dreams.

NANA

The hot August sun woke Savannah from a deep sleep. Jane was mewing for fresh water and food. Savannah arose from her bed and made her way to the kitchen.

Oh, I thought you were going to sleep all day, lazy bones, said Aunt Millie. Hurry and get dressed. Remember, we’re going to see Nana today.

Savannah lived with her Aunt Millie and Cousin Timmy. Aunt Millie, her mother’s sister, and Uncle Bill had taken Savannah in after her parents died. Savannah couldn’t remember what her parents looked like or how old she was when they died; she could only remember being with Aunt Millie and Uncle Bill. Uncle Bill was fun. He used to bring her books about foreign places, and she particularly liked the ones about the Egyptian pyramids. He even taught her how to ride a bicycle. But Uncle Bill had died fighting overseas in the war before Timmy was born, and Aunt Millie had lost her zest for living. Sometimes during the evening, right before sunset, she would sit on the porch and stare off into the twilight as if she expected Uncle Bill to come up the driveway. Savannah knew instinctively that Aunt Millie was say or do to make things different. somewhere dark and gloomy at those times, and there was nothing she could Savannah was excited about going to Nana’s. Nana always hugged her tightly and showered her with kisses. Nana smelled of nutmeg and cinnamon and always had cookies and tea. Nana’s house had a feeling of warmth and love. It made Savannah feel safe and peaceful inside. Nana also had a parrot named Henry who squawked out his unhappiness at the arrival of an unexpected guest. He could only be quieted by Nana placing a tablecloth over his oval cage.

Nana was fascinating and seemed to know things about Savannah even before she did. Nana was extremely smart and always said things like, A stitch in time saves nine, Pretty is as pretty does, and A penny saved is a penny earned." Nana was the wisest person Savannah knew and always knew the right thing to say. Today was going to be a great day. Savannah would wear her red gingham dress with her black Mary Jane shoes and red ribbons in her dark curly hair.

Come on, Savannah. We’re going to miss our train, Aunt Millie called.

After a thirty-minute journey by train, they arrived at Nana’s station. There was much hustle and bustle as passengers ran to catch their train or look for their baggage. Savannah happened to notice a strange man with piercing eyes leaning against the wall of the train depot. He was dressed like an old sailor with a white hat, a blue coat, and dirty white pants, and he was staring at her. His skin was worn by the sun, and he had a scruffy white beard. He clenched a pipe in his small mouth and smoke circled his head like a wreath. Why was he staring at her? It made Savannah feel uncomfortable. Aunt Millie had always told her never to speak to strangers. What could he possibly want?

Savannah’s thoughts were interrupted by the beeping of a horn. It was Nana in her Hudson Commodore. There you are, my dears! Come give Nana a big kiss, Nana said flinging open the doors to the car. After hugs and kisses and a whiff of cinnamon and nutmeg, they were on their way. Nana lived a short distance from the train station.

Tall oaks surrounded Nana’s cheerful yellow house. On the porch hung baskets of flowers, and the yard was decorated with little birdhouses. Inside was the parlor, which had an overstuffed printed sofa, lots of little tables with lacy things, and many photographs in different sizes and shapes. A large basket of yarn sat by a rocking chair. Nana made many things with her needles and yarn, like a warm stocking hat for Timmy, a bright red muffler scarf for Savannah, and a pair of gloves for Aunt Millie.

Savannah was looking at all the photographs on Nana’s old piano, in their odd-shaped frames when Nana came up behind her, picked up one of the frames, and said, It’s the only picture I have of your mother and father, Priscilla and Weldon. The woman in the photograph had long, honey—blonde hair and warm eyes. The man had dark hair and looked quite distinguished with his little mustache. They were clearly posing for a photographer, their faces revealing nothing of their natures. Savannah thought her parents were no more than strangers she might see on the train. There they were together, locked in a moment of time she could not reach. Savannah searched their faces, trying to feel something or remember, but she couldn’t. She briefly wondered what her life would be like now if her parents were alive.

They loved you very much, Nana said. Her face had become sad, and her eyes were misty. Nana hugged Savannah then reached into her apron pocket and produced a gold, heart-shaped locket, which she clasped around Savannah’s neck. The locket was old and the intricate designs emblazoned on the front needed polishing.

This was your mother’s, and now I’m giving it to you. Nana opened the locket, which contained a miniature photo of a chubby little babe. The back of the heart was engraved with a small W. P. Weldon and Pricilla, Savannah thought. Savannah felt this must be a serious moment. It was as if she had crossed over a sacred milestone to another level of her life. It was a solemn occasion, and she instinctively knew she was too young to fully understand. Nana smiled and kissed her forehead. The heavy moment was gone as quickly as it had occurred, and unspoken words hung in the air as Nana disappeared into the sewing room, dabbing her eyes.

Nana made all Savannah’s clothes for school, and although they weren’t as nice as the other girls’ dresses, Nana made them as best as she could. Savannah wondered excitedly what Nana had made for her this time. But first the foursome, as usual, had tea and cookies on the front porch. Nana asked about her summer, played with Timmy for a while, and chatted with Aunt Millie. Nana tousled Timmy’s blonde hair and remarked how much he looked like his father. After a bit, Savannah was asked to take Timmy out in the yard and play with him while Aunt Millie and Nana talked privately. Savannah could tell it was unpleasant. Aunt Millie had a sad and gloomy expression on her face.

Timmy fell and hurt his knee in the yard, and it started to bleed. Aunt Millie became upset and brought Timmy into the house to wash his wound and put a bandage on it. This gave Savannah a chance to talk with Nana about not being invited to Becky’s birthday party.

Nana simply said, It’s all right. Sometimes we must look for the good in people. I’m sure Becky didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. Sometimes people don’t think how their actions make others feel. We can’t control the hearts and minds of others, only our own. Savannah, always remember: people only have the power over us that we give them. You must not take everything so seriously.

But, Nana, they laugh at me and call me names. I know you say ‘sticks and stones will break your bones, but names will never hurt you,’ but that’s not true. They do hurt.

As I’ve told you before, we are all pieces of thread woven into God’s tapestry. God has given each one of us a special gift, and sometimes we must search our whole lives until we find it. The Good Book says, ‘For man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.’ But, Nana, it makes me feel so sad. No one likes me," Savannah said defensively.

I don’t believe that to be true, dear. You must believe in yourself, Savannah. You have good instincts, a gentle heart, and a giving nature. Although you are a little feisty sometimes, Nana chided and pinched her granddaughter’s cheek. I sometimes think you are twelve going on forty. You are blessed, did you know that? You have dimples. When you were born, two angels kissed you on either side of your mouth and made those tiny indentations. Savannah had never thought about how she had gotten her dimples.

Nana laughed. Don’t worry honey. Things will work out. Nana hugged Savannah, kissed her forehead, and then disappeared into the house to check on Millie and Timmy.

Nana returned with a box that contained three lovely dresses she had worked all summer to complete. One was made of cotton with small brown and orange checks and a big white collar. Nana said it reminded her of fall leaves and going back to school. One was a red corduroy jumper with a white cotton blouse and a tiny lace collar. The last one was sky-blue taffeta with flounces and bows. It was made for a princess. Savannah was always excited about the clothes Nana made for her, but this time she could not contain her joy. Nana disappeared into the house again and brought out an old pickle jar, in which she had patiently poked holes in the lid. Nana knew Savannah like to catch fireflies. Nana reminded Savannah to release the fireflies before going in at night or they would die. Savannah could barely contain her joy. Unfortunately, if they were to make it home before dark, Aunt Millie said they would have to leave. Savannah wished she could stay with Nana all the time; she felt peaceful being near her.

After kisses and hugs and promises to return soon, Savannah, Aunt Millie, and Timmy made their way to the train depot. The train station was empty now except for the porter. Savannah imagined the passengers she had seen earlier were safely en route to their destinations while new arrivals were sitting in a cozy parlor with loved ones.

The journey home was uneventful. Aunt Millie seemed preoccupied; Timmy fell fast asleep, and Savannah stared out the window at the scenery rushing by. She clutched the box of dresses and the brown bag Nana had given her with the pickle jar inside. Savannah knew each time she wore one of the new dresses, she would think of Nana.

When they arrived home, Jane the fluffy gray cat was sitting in the window, silently waiting for their return. After dinner, Aunt Millie announced they would go on a picnic tomorrow, so tonight they would be making brownies for the special event. Savannah loved picnics, and it would be the last one of the summer. Making brownies was one of her favorite things to do because Aunt Millie always let her lick the spoon.

While in the process of gathering the eggs, cocoa, sugar, and butter, Savannah spied a group of fireflies in the backyard. This would be a perfect time to make use of that new pickle jar. She took off her shoes and charged out the door to the backyard in the dusky August evening. And the adventure began.

MAGIC PUMPKIN

It was dark outside as the gold August moon floated in a sea of white clouds. The chilly dew on the grass promised an early autumn. Savannah loved the feel of the dew between her toes as she darted here and there on the lawn trying to capture the mystical, blinking bugs. She was fascinated by their mystical flickering and pondered why some flashed green and others glowed with the warmth of a yellow candle. While Aunt Millie gave Timmy a bath, Savannah would see how many fireflies she could catch.

As soon as she had set about her task, Aunt Millie called, Savannah, it’s getting dark! Time to come in.

Please, just one more minute, Savannah begged. She had spied one of the biggest, most magnificent fireflies she had ever seen. It floated across the moonlit lawn, fluttering here and there, cleverly evading her attempts at capture. Jane sat by the kitchen door watching her every move. With one graceful swoop, the glorious firefly glided into the pumpkin patch behind the weeping willow tree, just avoiding Savannah’s quick hands. The firefly was trying to conceal itself on a pumpkin leaf, but the soft glow of moonlight revealed its presence.

The moonlight filtered through the willow branches, causing strange shapes to appear on the grass. Savannah was not frightened. She knew the willow tree very well; her Uncle Bill had put a swing in the tree when she was five, and she had spent lots of time swinging to and fro, trying to touch the sky. But her favorite tree was the mimosa. Its friendly, spaced branches were easy to climb, and the small pink flowers tickled her nose with an extraordinary fragrance. She thought of Uncle Bill solemnly and wondered if he were making swings for the angels.

The pumpkin patch was huge. Some pumpkins were green; others had turned a beautiful bright orange hiding under long, graceful vines. It would be difficult to catch that huge firefly without disturbing the pumpkins, but try she must. Savannah quietly crept into the garden, her eyes never leaving the firefly.

Hey, hey! Watch where you’re stepping! an irritated voice said in the darkness.

Savannah froze in her tracks. One of the orange pumpkins was speaking. It glowed mysteriously.

I’m so sorry, Savannah apologized, looking down. Her bare foot was stepping on a vine that ran directly to the iridescent pumpkin. She carefully backed out of the garden and ran around to the other side of the willow tree. Her heart was beating so fast; after all, she had never seen a talking pumpkin before. She peeked around the tree. The pumpkin had large eyes, a small nose and a wide toothy grin. And when it spoke, its mouth didn’t move. How curious. But strangely, Savannah was unafraid.

Who are you and what are you doing in my pumpkin patch? Savannah demanded.

My name is Perihelion, which means solar halo. My friends call me Peri for short. I am a Sithich fairy and the most gifted fairy in my kingdom. Alas, some evil gnome played a ghastly prank on me. Obviously, he was jealous of my magic and turned me into a horrid pumpkin, banishing me to this loathsome pumpkin patch. It’s so humiliating. Tears had started to flow from the triangular eyes. Could you please help me? the pumpkin begged. Then before Savannah could say anything, the eerie pumpkin continued. Alas, my tale is a sad one. You see, I lost a bet with the wicked Eligious, the most powerful gnome in Omagha. He has made a fool of me and one day when I return I will repay him twice over for his unkindness. If I cannot free myself from these wretched vines, my fate is clear. I will be put on the cart with all the other lowly pumpkins from this patch and sold at All Hallows Eve… and later I will be made into pumpkin pie. Woe is me. Sniff, sniff.

Maybe I can help, Savannah offered, feeling sorry for the pumpkin’s dilemma. Where is your home?

Quite a distance away, on the other side of the moon, Peri cleverly replied. If only I could get free from these hideous vines, sweet child, I could use my fairy magic and fly home. It’s quite clear you are an intelligent child. Surely you could free me from my unwanted bonds.

Savannah was excited. She always wondered what was on the other side of the moon. It must be filled with fairies and magic. It was true the pumpkin was snarled in the large leaves and rambling vines which was quite a dilemma. Maybe I could get my Aunt Millie to help.

Oh no, dear. Please don’t bother your aunt. I’m sure she’s busy, Peri said slyly.

Savannah had forgotten about catching fireflies. There was something clearly remarkable about this pumpkin with its strange glow and its ability to talk. If the problem could be solved by simply removing the tangled vines, she could do that.

Savannah, come in right now! demanded Aunt Millie.

I have to let my fireflies go first, Aunt Millie! Savannah yelled. She unscrewed the lid of her jar, and the grateful fireflies flew out one by one.

Savannah gingerly pulled away the tangled pumpkin vines as Peri smiled and glowed brighter.

Are you a princess? Peri inquired. You have such a good heart, and you are such a brave girl.

I don’t think so, although my Nana calls me a princess sometimes, Savannah replied. But I’m just Savannah.

Are you almost done, dear? Please hurry, Peri said impatiently. I would like to start my journey before the moon pales at the eastern horizon. You see, I cannot find the moon during the day, and it marks my way home. Savannah had almost finished removing the vines when the pumpkin started to cry again. I can’t tell you how grateful I am for your kindness. Even though I’ll soon be free of these vines, I’ll still be trapped in a pumpkin’s shell, and everyone at home will laugh at me.

Savannah nodded. She knew what it was like to be the subject of everyone’s jokes. The gnome’s magic is much stronger than mine, the pumpkin went on. Could you please help me become a magnificent fairy again by coming with me? Peri asked.

Savannah wasn’t sure she could help Peri. What could she do? It made her angry that a kindly fairy had been trapped inside a pumpkin shell and would be picked on by other fairies when she got home. Anyway, Savannah had always wanted to see what was on the other side of the moon. Will we be back before the picnic tomorrow? Savannah asked.

Yes, of course, Peri assured her.

Wait, Peri! I must tell my Aunt Millie so she won’t be worried. Peri ignored Savannah as a mist of magic swirled about in the pumpkin patch. A long vine attached itself to Savannah’s wrist, and both began to rise through the summer air high above the willow tree. As she slowly rose into the silvery darkness, Savannah could see Jane still sitting the by the door