cheerleader

Della's friend from down the street was over playing the other day. They are sweet little friends. Angelina is a few years older and they balance each other nicely. They were playing dress up. Max and Lew were reading or playing quietly. I was writing. Our house is small so we all know what everyone is saying most of the time.

Della was wearing a cheerleader outfit. Angelina was in a flowing gown. They were admiring themselves in the mirror.

'Actually', said Angelina, 'You can't be a cheerleader, because cheerleaders don't have freckles.'

........................................AND A HUSH FELL OVER THE CROWD..............................................

My back stiffened. Sharp breath intake. Pause and think. There are several ways that this could go and maybe I should just.....

Max was already up and on it. He marched his freckled face right down the hall and laid it out.

'Angelina' he said, 'Anyone can be a cheerleader. It has nothing to do with freckles or how you look and Della can be anything she wants to be.'

I was too busy high fiving an invisible friend to hear the response.

And then a shout came from the living room. It was Lew. With his two cents.

"Yeah. Some of the best cheerleaders in the world have freckles."

Big Brothers ROCK!

And they kept on playing and all was well.