Georgia Wish.

                                                         Chapter 1.

 Georgia Wish came from a poor family. She didn’t have any brothers or sisters neither friends to play with. So instead she spend most of her time helping her parents, Lora and Jason Wish, in the farm, but at night she would lay in her bed looking out the windows at the stars. Georgia would then imagine herself jumping from one cloud to another, touching the stars as the moon lightened her way. Unlike most children, who hated going to bed, the little girl almost looked forward to it. Because that was when she felt safe and happy, covered by her warm blanket and with imagination by her side.

 But one autumn day her parents passed away from a horrible sickness when the girl was just ten. Nobody wanted poor Georgia. Not the neighbors, not her uncle or aunty, not the schoolteacher, not the parson. Nobody except the baker. And even then only so that she would help him in the bakery.

“My son goes to a very good school. His grades are high and he should have a very fine job in the future. Baking is not for him” The baker’s wife, Ms Odell used to say.  Her son indeed was very good in school, but was a rude and spoiled boy, which the baker and his wife loved very much.

 “This will be your room from now on,” Said the baker, opening the door to her room and letting the girl pass.

 The room was in the attic and there wasn’t much in it. A narrow bed, a small table, a dusty chair and a tiny window beside the bed. But even if this room was smaller then the one in the farm house, it was much warmer. And that was enough to make the little girl happy.

 What’s more, she made friends. There were two mice living in the wall of her room. One was the mother, Mary and the other was her son, Patrick. They helped her making the dough when nobody was around by giving her the ingredients. But one day the baker’s son saw the mice in the kitchen.

 “There are mice in the kitchen, mother!” He said. Ms Odell was very angry when she saw them.

“My goodness! There shall be no rats in my kitchen!” She screamed and started throwing pots, knives, spoons and pans at the mice.

 Georgia was afraid her little friends might get hurt. So she whispered to them: “Pretend that you are dead.” The mice did as they were told.

 “I think they are dead, mother,” Said her son looking at down at them. “You must have hit them.”

 Ms. Odell stopped throwing and looked down. Indeed they appeared to be dead.

 “Well I am very good at aiming, aren’t I?” She said proudly and the boy nodded. “Get rid of them, Doris dear.” But her son was too lazy to do that.

 “But I am very tired. Why won’t Georgia do it?” He asked.

“You are right. Georgia! Get rid of them and clean up this kitchen, now,” She said in a hard voice and left the dirty kitchen with her son.

 “Mary, Patrick, are ye’ all right?” Georgia asked them.

“Yes, we are fine, Georgia,” said Mary.

“That was a clever trick,” smiled Patrick.

“We should be careful from now on,” warned Georgia. “I ‘d love to hear another one of your stories, Mary. But I must clean up tis’ messy kitchen.”

“Why won’t we help you? It will be much faster and I always had fun helping you out,” suggested Patrick.

 “That woul’ be great! Thank you so much,” Georgia smiled. Together they started cleaning the room and after some time it was spotless and clean then ever before.

                                                            Chapter 2.

On one sunny day when the baker asked Georgia to deliver some muffins to a sick lady that lived near by.

“She is very sick and must stay in bed. And since I’m very busy you must deliver it your self,” said the baker.

 It was a very beautiful day. The streets were not as busy as before, the birds sang lovely after the morning rain and Georgia was glad that she was asked to make the delivery. The house were the lady lived wasn’t big, but it was cozy and had a small garden.

 The girl knocked on the door.

“Come in,” came a feint reply. Georgia entered the door and found herself standing in small living room. There was an old lady sitting in a rocking chair. The girl stepped closer and said: “Hello, I was supposed to deliver this bread for you.”

“Yes, thank you very much,” Smiled the old women, taking the muffins from the basket. “They smell wonderful! I made some tea to go along with the muffins; would you like to accompany me?”

“That would great,” The girl smiled.

“But the baker will get angry with me if I’ll be late,” She added solemnly.

“Nonsense, it won’t take long. Only a few minutes,” the women smiled. “What is your name, girl? You can call me Ms Abby”

 “It’s Georgia.”

“What a rare name!”

“My parents wanted to have a boy and name him George, but instead got a girl. So mother decided to name me Georgia,” she said pouring the tea in the tiny cups.

  They had a wonderful talk and Georgia wished it would last forever, since she started living with the baker there was little time to talk to anyone except her mice friends.

“You seem like a nice girl, Georgia. I have to tickets to the ballet; my friend that wanted to come won’t make it. So maybe you can come with me tomorrow?” asked Ms Abby.

“That would be wonderful! I’ve never been to the ballet before. But I don’t think the baker will allow me,” Said the girl.

“Well why don’t you ask him?” Said Ms Abby, she didn’t know how strict the man was. “I will be waiting you near the theater at seven thirty; if you won’t make it it’s all right.”

 Georgia thanked the old women and said goodbye.

                                                               Chapter 3.

 Later that evening she told about Ms Abby’s invite to her mice friends.

“That would be awesome!” Said Patrick. “I always loved dancing and the music will be beautiful. Please tell me how it went when you come back.”

“But what are you going to tell the baker?” Asked Mary.

“I already asked him an’ he said no.” Georgia slumped. “Tomorrow is Saturday and he’ll be having a lot of customers and’ll need my help.”

  Mary was thoughtful for a minute and then said:

“Do you really want to go?”

“More than anytin’!” The girl sighed.

“Well I think I know a way to solve your problem.” She said mysteriously.

                                                                   ***

The next morning Georgia woke up feeling happy. She wasn’t sure whether the plan might work, but she knew it was worth a try.

 Like predicted, there were a lot of customers on that day and the little girl got so carried away helping, that she almost forgot about the ballet. When the day was over the baker told her to clean the kitchen, scrub the floors, wash the dishes and the aprons.

“Mary, Patrick! No one is here.” Called the girl.

 Out they came from the small hole in the floor, followed by a dozen little mice.

“Come on, Georgia. Go and get clean, we will take care of the chores.” Said Patrick.

The girl quickly went to her room and took off her dirty dress. The water was nice and cool against her skin, it washed away all of the dirt and grime she got from the whole hot day of working. Mean while the mice cleaned the dishes, washed the aprons and scrubbed the floors. It wasn’t that hard since there were many of them wanting to help the little girl. When Georgia came down they were just finishing there work.

 “I’m ready.” She said. “Did anyone see ye?”

“No, nobody came by.” Said Patrick. “You must hurry now or you’ll be late.”

 Georgia did as she was tolled and ran out of the house now clean in her simple blue dress given by her mother.

                                                             Chapter 4.

Georgia came just in time.

“I was beginning to wonder that you’ll never come.” said Ms Abby greeting her.

“I wouldn’t miss it in a life time! Thanks again for invitin’ me.” smiled the girl. She was so happy that she was finally going to see the ballet. They entered the building and took there seats. Everything looked so beautiful, the huge chandeliers, people dressed in nice clouds and the seats in deep red velvet.

 The curtains opened and the ballerinas began to dance. Georgia was awed by there graceful  movement’s and the sparkling costumes. And the longer she watched them the more she imagined herself dancing like a beautiful dancer. She wished that someday she would be like one of them. The girl felt even a bit sad when the show was over, so she did her best clapping louder then the others.

“Did you like the ballet?” asked Ms Abby when they walked out.

“Oh ‘tis was wonderful!” exclaimed Georgia Wish. “They’ wer’ so graceful. I wish I was like one of ‘em when I’m older.”

“Well if you try hard enough I have no doubt you will.” smiled the old woman.

 Later that night when everyone as asleep the girl dreamed that she was dancing in a beautiful white dress and people were throwing roses at her feet and begging for an encore.

                                                                ***

 When the girl woke up she was feeling happy. Last night was so beautiful and magic that the ballerinas were now dancing around her head in circles.

“Georgia! Get down here and help me in the kitchen.” Shouted Ms Odell.

“Coming!” said Georgia. She quickly got dressed and went downstairs. All day everyone made her do very hard work. But despite that Georgia Wish had a smile on her face. She was going to become a beautiful ballerina someday and she knew it. But she also knew it will be hard and will take a lot of effort. However that didn’t stop the young girl. Nothing would.

                                                            Chapter 5.

One day the bakers wife found Georgia dancing on her the tips of her toes in the kitchen when she should have been doing the dishes.

“What is ‘tis?” she asked fuming. “Ye’ ungrateful child! I warned ye’ that you’ll be punished if ye’ don’ do as ye’ told!”

“I’m so sorry.” Georgia looked down at the floor. “I promise it’ll never happen again.”

“An’ so ye’ should be! I don’ wanna’ hear any promises.” Said the angry woman and took her by the elbow. No matter how hard the girl struggled Ms Odell’s hold was strong. She took her into the basement  were they kept the flour and looked the door.

“This’ll teach ye’ a lesson!” she said and left.

It was ink dark in the basement and the girl was very frightened. But what really made her gasp and scream were the noises that came from all over. Sometimes a big fat rat would run over her feet, and sometimes a drop of water would drop on her head. Once she even fell into a huge sticky spider web. And at last at midnight  he baker finally released her. The poor girl was trembling with fear and was close to tears.

                                                                    ***

“But why were you dancing?” asked Patrick when he heard her story.

“I want’a be a ballerina.” Explained the girl; “I’ve to start practicing now if I want to be a great one someday.”

“But how could that be, Georgia? We all know that that’s impossible. And what if the baker and his family find out? They will through you on the street without a second thought.” said Mary.

“Oh, I’ll be very careful. Wha’ dya’ say? Will ye’ help me wit’ my wish?” she asked with hope in her eyes.

“I will definitely help, Georgia. I’m you’re friend after all.” Said Patrick.

The girl looked at Patrick’s mother.

“All right then.” Mary sighed; “I promise I’ll do everything that’s in me power. But be careful little girl, this journey is doing to take a lot of courage, will and heart. And don’t ever forget that.”

That night the girl dreamed again as if she was dancing on the stage in a white dress. But this time among the audience were her parents proud and happy for there daughter. The girl smiled in her sleep, this is something she really wished with all her hart to happen. She wanted to make her family proud.

                                                               Chapter 6.

Even though Georgia said to be careful the baker’s family still noticed the changes in the there young maid. She seemed more happy and joyful. Doris once found her humming beautifully a song while making the beds.

“She seems happy, mother.” He said one night; “I think she’s up to somtin’. Why would a maid be happy in her life?”

“I don’ know my son. But I will find out.” Said his mother.

 The girl even started talking differently, more politely and lady like.

“I have finished cleaning your room Ms Odell. Would you like me to make you a some tea now?” she asked.

“What’s with all ‘tis lady talk, eye?” The woman narrowed her eyes.

“I will talk the way I please.” Simply replied the girl smiling.

“Not in my house ye aren’t!” she said and twisted the girls ear making it red. But Georgia bit her lip not to scream. The woman can do whatever she wanted, she is going to grow up into a beautiful, graceful and polite young lady. She saw how modern people talked, so she listened and learned. And some angry woman isn’t going to stop her.

 A few days later Georgia was practicing her balance by putting two dishes on her head and trying to cross the room. But unfortunately the sound of suddenly barking dogs outside made her gasp and turn her head, allowing the dishes to drop and shatter with a loud noise.

“You nasty little brute!” Said the bakers wife coming into the room; “Ye ’ll pay for ‘tis!”

 She then made the girl lift her sleeves till her elbows and beat her hands with a whip till they were red and bloody.

“I warned you, Georgia.” Said Mary putting a wet cloth on her wounds; “This is why I was scared. The baker’s wife will find another harsher punishment for you next time.”

“She can do whatever she likes: twist my ears, put me in the basement or beat me. I’m not going to be a maid all my life. I want to be a ballerina! I want to be famous and that angry woman is an obstacle that’s worth getting trough. She can’t make me stop!” Declared the girl bravely.

                                                           Chapter 7.

It was a very cold winter when Georgia was washing the floor. Because the water was cold and Georgia spent most of her time cleaning, her hands became chapped, dry and red. She bared the pain for a few days at first, but once when it got even worse she couldn’t take it anymore. So when nobody was looking she silently crept into the kitchen. There on the table was a small chunk of butter.

“I don’t think they will mind. Besides, it’s been lying there for days and a ballerina can’t have such worn skin.” She told herself.

 Georgia took the butter and smeared it on her palms turning her skin from pale and chapped to glossy smooth. But right at that moment the bakers son, Doris came down.

“You thief! You are stealin’ our food!” He shouted.

 Because the boy was bigger and stronger, he easily took hold of Georgia’s wrist and brought her to his father.

“She was stealing the fresh bread you made, father.” He lied.

“No I didn’t.” Protested Georgia; “I just took a bit of butter because my hands were chapped and ugly.”

“She is lying, father!” protested Doris.

“Ah, I see my wife’s punishment didn’t get to ye’ head.” Said the baker. This time he made poor Georgia sleep in the basement for a week. Patrick and Mary stayed with her for all of the time so she wouldn’t get scared alone in the dark room.

                                                                   ***

Spring came as fast as winter went. Every day Georgia practiced on her dancing and was getting better and better. At night she would dance silently, pointing her toes and making graceful movements with her arms.

“You are so beautiful when you dance.” Admired Patrick.

 And indeed she was turning into a graceful and pretty young lady.

“Thank you, Patrick.” Smiled Georgia.

 “You have grown little girl. I’m sure you’ll become a wonderful ballerina someday.” Added Mary.

“I think our little maid wants to be a dancer someday.” Said the baker one night with a small smile.

“Nonsense! She is a filthy creature that works for us an’ notin’ more.” Said his wife.

But she was very wrong. Georgia wasn’t a little servant girl anymore, she was a beautiful dancer with a warm hart.

“When will ye’ ever learn that all ‘tis dancing will get ye’ inta more trouble!” Yelled Ms Odell when she discovered the girl dancing once again. But no punishment, however painful it may be ever stopped her. Of course her mice friends helped her with the wounds and that was enough for her.

“Oh thank you, thank you!” bowed Georgia after finishing her dance as the mice applaud.

“That was some great dancing! Will you dance for us next week?” asked Patrick.

“Of course my friends. And when I will be on a real stage you’ll be there too! We will travel all over the world together!” she smiled and hugged them.

                                                              Chapter 8.

It was autumn again and the days drew colder and rainier.

“Take this bred to the same old lady that you went last year. She can’t walk in whether like this.” Said the baker handing her a basket. Georgia was so happy to see her again! It’s been more then a year since they last met.

 As she knocked at the door the old woman answered it.

“Oh my! What a pleasant surprise to see you again. Come in, come in!” she said.

“How are you feeling?” Georgia asked when she stepped into then house.

“Oh, I’m feeling very well. It’s just the doctor forbid me to walk in such whether. Please have some tea with me I thought you’d come but I wasn’t sure.”

“Thank you.” Georgia said politely and sat on one of those comfy armchairs.

“Did you like the ballet that we want last time?” asked Ms Macy, already knowing the answer.

“Of course I did! I even had dreams about it.” She nodded.

“Well, I was wondering,” smiled the old lady; “There is an audition today at four o’clock for ballerinas. I would like to visit it with you, my friend is auditioning there. I thought maybe you would like to see her, she is very good.”

 Georgia didn’t even have a second thought. She agreed for the offer and ran home as fast as she could to tell her friends about the news.

                                                                   ***

“And how are you going to ask them to let you go now?” Asked Mary.

“This time it’s no at seven when the bakery closes down. This time it’s at four o’clock and you can’t just walk away.” Patrick said sadly.

“But if I will go there and maybe show the judges how I can dance, they will take me. And I can be a ballerina and were those beautiful dresses, and people will love and admirer me. I will have my own big and warm room, with a bed that has plenty of soft pillows, thousands of perfumes and make up. And travel the world!” She said excited.

“But what if they won’t take you? And the bakers family will surely find out and kick you out on the street. It will be ten times worse then before.” Mary insisted.

“But isn’t that all worth it?” Asked  Georgia Wish looking at her feet. “ This is a life time opportunity. I don’t want to scrub floors all my life. I am afraid I’ll just have to leave if my dreams are to come true.”

“Do what you’re heart tells you to.” Sighed Mary. “But just beware of how bad it can go wrong.”

 With that she left the room. But Patrick stayed and gave Georgia a warm smile.

“Everything is going to be alright. Don’t mind mum, adults seem to give up easily. But you have a big hart, Georgia. And everything you put hart to will come true. Just promise me that I’ll get first front tickets on you’re very first concert.”

                                                                  Chapter 9.

The same day when Georgia was washing the dish’s the baker asked:

“Go get me more flour from the basement.”

 The girl did as she was tolled, but on her way back to the kitchen she looked at the clock and dropped the bowl of flour. It was almost four o’clock!

“Georgia, what happened?” Asked Patrick coming from a hole in the floor followed by his mother.

“It’s almost time, Patrick! I can’t go by the front door, they will notice. And the back door creaks so loudly, I’ll be heard right away.”

But Mary was a wise and old mouse. She figured a plan long before that.

“Patrick and I will distract them while you sneak out the front door. Quickly now, Georgia!”

 The girl did as she was told. While the mice ran into the kitchen and started knocking down eggs, plates, spoons and other things that were on the tables.

“Again these mice in my kitchen!” Shouted Ms Doris. “I had enough!”

 She took a broom and began chasing them away, while the baker took a pan and there son took a big wooden spoon. All of them were running around the kitchen making a lot f noise, trying to hit the mice, sometimes even hitting each other, and creating more mess then ever before. Nobody even saw how Georgia silently crept out the front door and running as fast as she could to the theater.

                                                              ***

 She was a bit late when she arrived, the auditions already started.

 “I’m sorry I’m late,” the girl whispered to Ms Abby sitting next to her.

 “It’s alright my child, the most important thing is that you arrived safely.” She smiled. “You know, Georgia, I’ve seen you dance once in the garden when I was walking by. And I must say that you were very beautiful and graceful, just like a real ballerina. Has anybody thought you?”

“Oh, no. I practiced myself ever since you took me to the ballet.’ Georgia said shyly.

“Honestly, I think you it would be a good idea if you took part in the audition. What do you say?” She asked.

“But what if they will laugh at me and think I’m clumsy compared to those beautiful ladies?” She asked looking doubtful. All of a sudden, this didn’t seemed like a good idea.

“Well we will never know if you won’t audition.” Smiled Ms Abby.

 And so she did dance. The judges stood and clapped there hands till they got red. Georgia also kept her promise to Patrick. He and Mary were sitting in the front row on her very first performance and they traveled to many different counties performing. Georgia Wish got her wish. She was a great ballerina and got to live her dream simply because her hart was big and her will was even bigger.

To follow without halt, one aim; there is the secret of success. And success? What is it? I do not find it in the applause of the theatre. It lies rather in the satisfaction of accomplishment.
- Anna Pavlova

By Anastasia Saidova.