Chelsea

Everyone at one time or another has a favorite toy . A toy that they keep to themselves and are reluctant to share with friends. That toy means the world to its child, But what happens that child grows up and is no longer interested in that toy? This story is no such tale, Instead this story is one of an undying friendship between a girl and her cheetah.

Chelsea was loved from the moment she was given to her little girl, Emily. She remembered the sparkle that lit Emily's eyes. Chelsea remembered so well the look in Emily's eyes when she was handed to her. She recalled the first hug they shared. Emily was only seven when Chelsea came to join the family. Her sister Jamie had been working in a large department store when she first saw the little stuffed cheetah. Chelsea shared a shelf with a tiger named Tina who had become Chelsea's only friend. Chelsea didn't know it yet, but soon that friend would be gone, leaving her all alone in the world. It happened three days before Thanksgiving.

A small girl of only three entered the store and ran for the toys. She stopped at Chelsea and Tina's shelf. She looked between Chelsea and Tina both were so excited they were finally going to have a family for the Holidays Chelsea longed to watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade with a child of her very own. She hoped that she would even get to share her home with Tina. This did not happen for the little girl had made her choice. She grabbed Tina and took off toward her mother. "Goodbye Chelsea,"Tina called. "I hope you get a family for Christmas, I'll miss you." Chelsea cried herself to sleep that night. She dreamed of finally getting a child of her own for the holidays but was disappointed every time.

Then one day before Thanksgiving, a person entered the store that would change Chelsea's life forever. Her name was Jamie and she worked in a different department, but was on her break and decided to walk around the store to search for Christmas presents for her sister Emily. Chelsea had just about given up hope of finding her forever family, when Jamie walked up to her, surely this lady would notice that little Chelsea was all alone.

Jamie started her search with the second shelf away from Chelsea and Chelsea felt tears forming as Jamie picked up another animal. Finally Jamie came to her shelf, studying Chelsea closely she smiled and picked Chelsea up. "This is the one" Jamie said out loud. Chelsea's heart filled with joy.