Copyright 2000 --  Robert Baer Jr

All of the characters and/or background in this story are the sole
property of Robert Baer Jr.

Wayside Charlie -- "Making a New Friend"

It was a quiet Saturday morning in the city, and Wayside Charlie, Juanita
Bunny and Jimmy Fox are out and about on their way to the park to play.

"Looks like it's going to be a beautiful day!" Charlie shouts with a
smile,"I can't wait to get to the park!"

"Maybe we can play some basketball," Juanita added,"I'd really like that!"

"That's because you're so good at it!"  Jimmy added,"I still can't believe
how well you make all of those three point shots!"

"It takes practice, Jimmy!"  Juanita said with a smile,"lots and lots of
practice."

"I hope we will see some robins in the park," Charlie said, holding his
sketchpad under his arm,"if one of those birds would just sit still for a
few minutes, I could have a wonderful drawing!"

"Nobody sits still in the park, Charlie!"  Jimmy chuckled,"there's too
much going action going on!   Like remember last summer when ...."

"Wait you guys, look over there!"  Charlie interrupted as he pointed to a
green park bench about fifty yards away.  Sitting on the bench was a young
female bear in a pink dress.  She had her hands over her face and was
crying.

"That girl over there seems very sad," Charlie said to the others,"maybe
we should go over to her and see if we can help."

"Er....I don't know, Charlie,"  Jimmy stuttered,"she might want to be
alone.  Us going over there could make things worse."

"But Jimmy, just look at her!"  Juanita whispered sadly,"she seems like
she doesn't have a friend in the world."

"I see your point Juanita,"  Jimmy nodded as he spoke.

"So, it's decided gang, let's go over and talk to her!"  Charlie said as
he walked towards the park bench.  Juanita and Jimmy followed him as he
stood over the sad young bear.

"Excuse me, miss," Charlie said softly,"is there anything my friends and I
can do to help you?"

The girl looked up at Charlie and said,"I'm not really sure if anyone can
help me.  My family just moved here and I don't know anybody, that's why
I'm so sad!"

"Well, we can help you with that problem!" Charlie said with a smile,"my
name is Charlie, and these are my friends Juanita and Jimmy!"  Charlie
reached out his hand to shake, the young bear looked up and him, smiled
and shook his hand.

"My name is Sasha," she said as she wiped the tears from her eyes,"you are
very kind, Charlie!"

"Wanna come along with us?" Charlie suggested,"my friends and I are
heading for the park!"

"Really?"  Sasha said with a huge grin,"you really want me to come with
you and your friends?"

"Sure!"  Charlie said with a nod.

"Pleased to meet you, Sasha!"  Juanita said as she shook Sasha's hand.

"Of course we do, it'll be fun!"  Jimmy said with a smile.

"That's great!" Sasha exclaimed,"I see you have a sketchpad Charlie, do
you draw?"

"It's one of my hobbies,"  Charlie said with a grin.

"C'mon!" Jimmy said with excitement,"I want to go play some basketball!"

So Charlie, Juanita and Jimmy went to the park with Sasha.  They all had a
great time together.  Not only did they make a new friend, but Charlie and
his pals also learned a valuable lesson about what it really means to
reach out to someone who is hurting.  Just 'being there' or having a kind
word to say can make all the difference in the world.