That night, Billie’s mum reads her a story in bed. It is about a mummy elephant and her baby. It is Billie’s favourite book.
Suddenly Billie’s mum stops reading. She gets a funny look on her face.
‘Oh!’ she says. ‘I think the baby is coming!’
She calls to Billie’s dad. Billie climbs out of bed and helps her mum downstairs. Billie’s dad rushes around f inding all the things they will need for hospital.
Suddenly Billie gets a funny feeling in her tummy. ‘Can I come with you?’ she says.
‘No, sweetheart,’ says her dad. ‘Remember, we said that you will stay at Jack’s house when the baby comes.’
‘How long will you be?’ asks Billie, feeling worried.
‘I don’t know, Billie,’ says her mum.
She squeezes Billie’s hand. ‘But just think – next time you see me, you will have a little baby brother or sister!’
But Billie has decided she doesn’t want a silly old baby anymore. She wants her mummy! Billie scrunches up her face and tries not to cry.
‘It’s all right, Billie,’ says her dad gently.
Jack’s mum comes over to pick up Billie. They watch Billie’s mum and dad drive off.
Billie’s mum blows a kiss but Billie looks down at the ground. She doesn’t want them to go without her.
Jack’s mum gives Billie a cuddle. ‘I’ve made a bed for you in Jack’s room,’ she says. They walk next door.
Jack is already asleep. His mum tucks Billie into the spare bed.
Jack’s room looks strange in the dark. Billie wishes she was back in her own bed.
Suddenly she sits up.
‘Mr Fred!’ she whispers. ‘I need Mr Fred!’
‘Oh dear. We’ll get him tomorrow,’ says Jack’s mum.
‘How about you sleep with one of Jack’s toys tonight?’
Jack’s mum gives Billie a big blue teddy bear. He is very soft and cuddly. But he’s not like Mr Fred.
Billie lies in the dark. Her tummy is curling up with worry.
She can’t remember where she put Mr Fred!
You remember where he is though, don’t you?
