Wendy Takes A Stand

By Christy Wilburn Nobella Webb

Wendy is determined to stand her ground and not let Darsha, the most popular girl in school, intimidate her as the fireworks between them continue to fly. She has discovered to her amazement that Russell Rogers has stopped throwing snowballs at her and is starting to “woo her with his ways!” Brent Reynolds, her first love, has moved

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stratton Press
• Release date: Oct 4, 2018
• ISBN: 9781643452289

Christy Wilburn Nobella Webb

Christy Webb has been an avid reader all her life. She especially enjoys a fun romance with unexpected plot twists. Ever since she was a little girl, teachers and friends have begged her to share her funny life experiences by turning them into delightful and memorable fictional stories. She lives in Utah with her loving husband, who is the perfect role model for all of her heroes!

Book preview

Prologue

Wendy sighed with relief when she finished her Saturday work and headed for the field across the street from her home to think about all the things that had taken place over the last school year. Taking a seat on her favorite large rock, she immediately felt a feeling of déjà vu. It seemed like just yesterday when she was here imagining herself as the most popular girl in her school when suddenly, Russell Rogers and his friends rudely interrupted her daydream by zooming by on their bicycles. Russell had called her a Freckle Puss, dredging up the name she hated from her grade school days. He had always delighted in teasing her, whether it was by pulling her strawberry-blonde hair or tormenting her with snowballs. She couldn’t say exactly when it happened or why, but it seemed like overnight his feelings for her had suddenly changed. He had surprised her by giving her a box of Red Hots at a Friday night movie with a note telling her how red hot she was and how he hoped she would forgive him for being a jerk while growing up. His new pet name for her now was Red, which was definitely an improvement over Freckle Puss.

She remembered the spring dance and how Russell had saved her new dress from being ruined by Darsha’s fit of jealousy because she had danced with Kim Taylor, the boy Darsha liked. She thought about when she danced with Russell and what a fantastic dancer he was for being such a bully.

As she continued to think about her first year of junior high school, she remembered how amazed she was to discover that she had a talent for dancing and playing volleyball. While working hard to develop her talents, she had made new friends and found out that she could be popular in her own way.

Her biggest dilemma now was boys! When she started junior high school, she could care less about boys; now her mind seemed to think about three boys constantly. She often thought about Brent Reynolds, whose mother had remarried, causing him to move away to Idaho. They both discovered they had a crush on each other from sixth grade, and it was much easier to admit it when one of them was moving away. She would never forget their special walk home from school where they exchanged going away gifts. She had given him a blue-and-white rabbit’s foot, and he had given her a miniature carved wooden elephant and had signed it Love, Brent. She opened the box often to gaze at the little elephant and wondered where he was and what he was doing. She had made a promise to him that day to never forget him, and true to her word, she still thought about him.

Then there was Kim Taylor, the cutest and probably one of the most popular boys in school. Darsha Beagan had claimed him as hers; however, Kim seemed to be the only one who didn’t know that. The feud with Darsha started last year when her PE class met with the boys’ PE class and they learned how to dance. Kim had chosen Darsha to be his dance partner, and Wendy had paired up with a boy named Wade. She and Wade had caught on to the dance steps immediately and were soon asked to give a demonstration in front of the class. Apparently her moves had made quite an impression on Kim because several days later, he chose her to be his dance partner instead of Darsha. That’s when the trouble with Darsha began, which also brings up her third dilemma, Russell Rogers.

Russell had always been a bully and a bother to Wendy while growing up. She remembered telling her mother on several occasions just how annoying he could be. Her mother frustrated her even more by making crazy statements like, That’s because he likes you, dear, which just made matters worse. Then there was the Friday night movie where he had given her the box of Red Hots and asked her to forgive him for being a jerk. The first person she wanted to talk to when she got home was her mother. She remembered she began their discussion with, Why am I having all these feelings when I hate Russell? Her mother smiled and simply reminded her of all their talks over the years, telling her that she had always thought that Russell liked her. Now that he was older and maturing, he would begin showing his interest for her in much more pleasant ways. Wendy remembered having to stop her mother before she got sick. She wished it could be as simple as taking two aspirin and all these mixed-up feelings would just disappear! Deciding a good night’s rest was the best medicine she could take, she quickly tried putting thoughts of him out of her mind; the sooner, the better. Unfortunately it hadn’t worked yet!

Shifting her position on the rock, she shivered when she remembered how angry Darsha had become when she saw Kim dancing with her at the spring dance. Darsha had followed her to the refreshment table and was going to deliberately dump punch on her new dress. She could still picture Darsha picking up the punch ladle to do so when Russell had come out of nowhere and pretended to trip, dumping the ladle full of punch all over Darsha instead! She would never forget the look on Darsha’s face when she realized the punch had spilled all over her dress instead of hers. She thought about how she had immediately turned on Russell and threatened him with his life. Russell had secretly winked at her and then followed Darsha out of the gymnasium, apologizing profusely; however, Darsha wasn’t having any of it; in fact, she glared at her suspiciously before leaving the area. She realized now that Russell had been watching the situation with Darsha closely and had come to her rescue. She then remembered dancing one of the last dances with him and was surprised at how much fun he was to dance with. Before leaving her, he had whispered that this was only the beginning of all the nice things he had planned for her.

Being a teenager and growing up sure could be confusing at times! One minute she hated boys, and the next minute she couldn’t stop thinking about them. Leaning forward on the rock, she gazed into the creek bed and watched the air bubbles as they meandered on their way down the stream, bumping into everything in their path. She felt a kinship with the bubbles because she seemed to be bumping into a lot of craziness herself. Nothing made sense, and she found herself out of control, bumping along an unknown path too. She started to focus on her reflection in the water while wondering what was in store for her this upcoming year in junior high school. The only positive thing she could see at the moment was she was finally changing from the ugly duckling she used to be to a somewhat more attractive young woman who would hopefully turn into a beautiful swan over time!

Chapter 1

It was a warm July day, and Wendy was enjoying her summer vacation. Removing her sandals, she began dipping her feet into the cool, refreshing creek water. Sitting on her beloved rock in her favorite retreat area of the field, she swished her feet back and forth through the delightful water while a breeze lightly blew her long, slightly curled strawberry-blonde hair. Reminiscing over the events of the past school year, she marveled at how much her life had changed in just a year and wondered what changes the upcoming year would bring. While gazing deeply into the water, she jumped when she suddenly noticed another face behind hers reflecting in the water.

Hello, Red! Where have you been hiding all summer? I was hoping I would get lucky and find you here! Russell blurted out.

Don’t you know you shouldn’t sneak up on someone like that? Wendy scolded. I could have sprayed you with a can of Mace or even had a heart attack!

That’s what I love about you, Red. You’re feisty and have the liveliest imagination of anyone I know. How come I haven’t seen you at the Friday night movies?

I knew you’d be looking for me so I couldn’t give you that satisfaction, she said with her most beguiling smile. I’m kidding, Russell. You know I have to get even for all the mean things you did to me while we were growing up. If you must know, I’ve been babysitting every Friday night so I can earn enough money to buy some new school clothes.

I guess clothes are pretty important to girls. Me, I could care less, Russell replied.

Yes, and it certainly shows, Wendy added quickly.

You’re not going to give me a break today, are you? Do you really hate me that much Red? Russell asked earnestly.

I don’t hate you, Russell. I’m actually not sure how I feel about you. If you had asked me last year how I felt about you, I could have definitely told you it was hate. Now that we’re both getting older, my feelings are starting to change when it comes to boys…do you know what I mean?

Yeah, I do. I thought I would always want to throw a snowball at you or pull your hair. Now I have these weird emotions every time I even look at you! Russell confessed.

Well, do us both a favor and quit looking at me, Wendy hurriedly replied.

I wish I could. My life would be a lot easier.

I think we should talk about something else. What have you been doing all summer? she asked, hoping to change the subject.

I’ve been earning money too. My uncle has an auto repair and tire shop, and I have been working there a couple of days a week. I’m getting pretty good at changing tires. He’s teaching me how to change the oil and how to check out things under the hood. Someday when you get your first car, if it ever breaks down, you’ll know who to call, he said proudly.

I’ll keep that in mind, and when I buy my first cell phone and car, I’ll put you on my speed dial.

That works for me, Russell replied back with a smile.

They sat in silence, both staring ahead at the water. Russell, I want to thank you for what you did at the spring dance. I’m sorry I haven’t thanked you sooner.

Someone needed to knock Darsha off of her pedestal, and I was more than happy to oblige. I also meant what I said after we danced.

Remind me what you said, Wendy encouraged.

I’m pretty sure you remember, but I’m more than happy to remind you again. Protecting you from Darsha is only the beginning of my plan to keep on amazing you with my caring ways. Wait and see, he stated while winking at her.

We’re still pretty young for all that stuff, she quickly reminded him.

That’s what makes it so fun! I have plenty of time to ‘woo you with my ways!’

Woo me with your ways? She snickered. You’re making me laugh with your ways!

Sounds like my plan is already working!

Wendy checked her watch and noticed it was time for her to get going. I hate to break up this party, but it’s time for me to head home.

Are you going to go to the church picnic in a few weeks? Russell asked. I hear the women are going to make picnic lunches that will be auctioned off and the guy that purchases it will get to have a picnic with the girl who made it.

I don’t think you’d want to eat anything I made, Russell.

I think I could manage to choke down whatever you made, he said, grinning.

Well, now that you mention it, I do have a great recipe for some humble pie. Still interested?

Red, see what I mean by your feisty ways? Do your best. If you make it, I’ll grin and eat it.

Where’s my tape recorder when I need it? Wendy said, laughing. She finished putting on her sandals and began walking with Russell through the field. After a few minutes, they reached the spot where he had parked his bike.

It was good to see you today, Red. I’ve missed you. He quickly climbed on his bike, winked at her, and then waved as he took off.

Wendy watched as he rode away and realized she had a lot to think about on her way home. When she had gone to her favorite retreat today, the last thing she had anticipated was a visit from Russell Rogers. She secretly admitted to herself that she had enjoyed their bantering back and forth, and it might be fun to see how he would woo her with his ways!

She walked into the kitchen just in time for her mother to enlist her help in the dinner preparations. Go wash your hands, Wendy, and then come and help me with dinner.

When she returned, she washed the table and helped by getting the plates out of the cupboard and placing them around the table. The tacos smell good, Mom. Can I help you grate the cheese? Being careful not to get caught, she snuck a few chunks of cheese into her mouth in between grating it.

You’re worse than a mouse. Her mother laughed. Save some cheese for the tacos!

I swear you have eyes in the back of your head, Mom. Wendy sighed. How do you do that?

Someday when you’re a mother, I’ll share all of my secrets. If I tell you now, you’ll get away with murder!

The kitchen was filled with tantalizing smells, which drew the rest of the family members in, wanting to know how soon dinner would be ready. Everyone, wash your hands. Dinner will be served in one minute, Mother announced.

When the family prayer ended, everyone began passing the food, and soon the sound of crunching tacos could be heard throughout the room. "There’s going to be a great western on TV tonight—Desperado, Dad announced excitedly. Hurry and finish your dinner so I can hand out allowances and start popping the popcorn."

While everyone scrambled to finish eating and begin the cleanup of the supper dishes, he started the popcorn while handing out the allowances. This had become their Saturday night tradition. It wasn’t long before everyone was settled into the family room with a bowl of popcorn, enjoying the movie. Wendy especially loved the movie’s music and knew she would be humming the Desperado tune in her head for a long time afterward. Bedtime arrived shortly after the movie ended, and Sunday morning would be there soon as well, but before turning out the lights for sleep, she had to take a few minutes to read a chapter in her new Nancy Drew mystery.

Sunday mornings were always a mad dash to sneak in a shower, eat breakfast, and get to church on time. They took their seats just in time for the opening announcements, and Wendy listened intently for more details on the upcoming church picnic. Soon the specifics about the picnic were announced, ending with a challenge for ladies of all ages to make their best picnic lunch to be shared with the guy who purchased it. Thinking about her discussion of humble pie the day before with Russell brought a smile to her face while her mind raced with ideas of what kind of picnic lunch she would make.

The Sunday message was on service, and it was difficult for Wendy to pay attention with her mind constantly thinking about her picnic menu. Her thoughts were interrupted when a signup sheet was passed her way with the hope that she would participate with her family the third Saturday in August. When they gathered for dinner that night, her parents talked about which neighbors could use some help.

The Browns are getting older and are having a hard time getting around. I think we should put them down on our list as a family we could help, Dad suggested.

Our new neighbors are a young couple who recently got married and would like to know how to grow a vegetable garden. I think I’d like to help them, her mother added. Her mother had the greenest thumb around when it came to gardening, so it was agreed that they would add them to their list as well. Everyone, keep your eyes open for any other families that could use our help, Dad said as they finished dinner.

Sunday night was the time they set aside to go and visit their grandma Collings, who was just as excited to see them. She was standing at the door waving to them when they pulled into her driveway. Waiting on her kitchen table was a freshly baked cake, hot out of the oven, with her famous orange frosting drizzled over the top. This was Wendy’s favorite treat, and she wished she could have the whole cake to herself.

Who’s ready to play a game of Yahtzee? Grandma asked eagerly. Grandma loved to play Yahtzee, probably because she had a knack for always winning. Once the game was finished, Wendy jumped up to follow Grandma out to the kitchen, where the cake was going to be sliced. She happily helped serve, and Grandma always rewarded her with an extra slice of cake or frosting left on the serving utensil. Too soon it was time to go back home; however, she was relieved to know that she was on her summer vacation and didn’t have to worry about getting up early for school the next day.

Chapter 2

Wendy awoke to her alarm going off and couldn’t remember what day it was or what she was supposed to be doing. As her mind frantically scanned her brain for an answer, she relaxed when she remembered it was still summertime and today was Monday. She had talked her sister, Millie, into signing up for a self-defense class with her for six weeks, and the classes were held on Mondays and Thursdays. Climbing out of bed, she stretched and then went upstairs for breakfast where she found Millie sitting at the table eating cereal.

Hi, Millie, would you pass me the cereal?

Their mother entered the room and greeted the two sleepyheads. I was beginning to wonder if you two were going to get up today, she teased them cheerfully. You better hurry and eat your breakfast so you don’t miss your bus.

I don’t want to go to class anymore, Millie announced.

"I thought you