A New Beginning Read Free

front of Storm before she suddenly remembered that he was invisible. Then, realizing how strange that must look, she began bending and stretching her arms. “Whew! Whew!” she puffed for added emphasis. “Just doing some exercise. I’m trying to get in shape. I was about to come and tell you that I’m going out for a jog around the field!”

    Her dad raised his eyebrows as Lily did a jumping jack. “Well, I guess that’s a good idea. Maybe I’ll come with you. I could use some exercise, too.”
    â€œNo!” Lily said hastily. “Someone . . . um . . . from school might see me. I’ll look like a real baby if I’m trailing around after you.”
    â€œExcuse me for trying to cramp your style,” her dad joked. “What’s brought this new fitness fad on?”
    â€œI want to be ready for when I get my own pony! It’s going to be hard work looking after it,” Lily replied.
    Her dad rolled his eyes. “I should have known what was at the bottom of this! Do you ever think of anything else beside ponies?”
    â€œNope! Well, actually, yes! But you wouldn’t believe me if I told you!” Lily said, glancing at Storm who was waiting by the front door. She jogged toward him before her dad could ask anymore awkward questions. “See you later!”

Chapter FOUR
    As Lily put her school books into her bag on Monday morning, Storm sat watching her.
    She smiled at him. “I love having you living here with me, but I have to go out for a few hours. Try not to get bored and chew my rug or anything, or Mom will freak!”
    â€œI will not do anything like that,” Storm yapped indignantly.
    â€œSorry. Sometimes I forget you’re not an ordinary puppy,” Lily said, bending down to pet his silky ears. “It’s a shame there was only time for a quick walk around the field before breakfast. I’ll take you out for a really long walk when I get back from school. Promise.”

    Storm looked up at her curiously. “What is school?”
    â€œIt’s a place where kids go to learn. Teachers tell us stuff and give us homework to do and we do projects and all kinds of things,” Lily explained.
    â€œSchool sounds interesting. I will come with you,” Storm decided.
    Lily grinned. “I wish you could, but pets aren’t allowed . . .” She paused as she had a second thought. “Hey! Maybe you can come if you stay invisible! But you’d have to be really quiet and stay close to me. Mr. Poke, our class teacher, is very strict.”
    Storm’s face brightened and his little sandy tail started wagging with excitement. “I will make sure that no one will know I’m there—except you, Lily!”
    â€œCool! Let’s go!” Lily put her backpack on the floor and opened it up. “It might be best if you got inside. I have to cross some busy roads.”
    Storm jumped into her bag and settled next to her books and gym clothes. Lily put on her bag, said good-bye to her parents, and headed out of the front door.
    â€œWe’ll probably meet Freema and Katy, my friends from class, on the way. I can’t wait to see their faces when I tell them about you!” she said to Storm.
    There was a scuffling noise from her bag. Storm popped his head out, his big dewy eyes looking into Lily’s. “You cannot tell anyone my secret. Promise me, Lily,” he woofed seriously.
    Lily was disappointed. She had always wanted a pet to tell her friends about, especially a pony, but she had been really excited at the thought that she might be able to share her amazing magic puppy friend. She’d do anything if it would help keep Storm safe, though. “Okay, I promise. Cross my heart and hope to die,” she said.
    Storm nodded, satisfied.
    As Lily and Storm reached the school gate, they saw Freema and Katy. There was another girl with them whom Lily hadn’t seen before.
    â€œHi,