“I am not in the mood for any more new friends,” said Dolores as Lark led the way up the hill to her new house.

“Especially when they cause your old friends to treat you shabbily.”

When they arrived, Granny Webb handed Lark’s mother the pot of soup. “Welcome to the neighborhood,” she said.

Lark’s mother started telling Granny all about the move. She seemed really happy to have a new friend.

Lark led Dolores and Andy downstairs to the basement.

“You know, I did have plans of my own this afternoon,” said Dolores.

“I don’t need to be following you around. I am sure there are lots of people who would like to be my friend.”

“Dolores, you’ve got it all wrong,” said Andy.

Dolores’s voice just got louder. “People who wouldn’t desert me on the playground. People who would be my reading buddy. People who would like to build a snow fort with me.”

Lark brought them to a large box.

“Oooh,” said Dolores, reaching in. “Puppies!”

“Which one is mine?” asked Andy.

Lark pointed to the one trying to climb the sides of the box. Every time he stretched, he flipped over. “That one,” she said, laughing.

“Yours?” asked Dolores.

“Yup,” said Andy, picking up the pup and holding him to his cheek. “Granny said I could have one.”

“You lucky duck!” said Dolores, patting the puppy in Andy’s arms. “What kind of dog is he?”

“He’s a Lab,” said Lark.

“A Lab?” said Dolores. “L-A-B? Oh!” Now her face was the color of Razzle Dazzle Rose.

“Granny Webb was right,” said Dolores. “You do have a new best friend, Andy.”

Lark sighed. “I miss my best friends,” she said.

“But you have us!” said Dolores, putting her arm around Lark. “Andy and I will be your new best friends.”

“And Lucky Duck, too!” said Andy, holding up his puppy.

“You can’t call a dog a duck,” said Dolores.

“I can if I want to,” said Andy. “Right, Lucky Duck?” He gave his dog a big squeeze. Lucky Duck licked Andy’s face.

“Andy Shane’s in love,” said Dolores.

But this time, no one seemed to mind.