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neckline. Work it, baby!”
    We were both giggling the whole time.
    â€œIt’s fun with you here,” Anna said, posing in a plaid short skirt, fishnets and black zippered tank top. “I don’t want you to leave.”
    â€œMe neither,” I said. I never thought I’d say that, but the country was way better than I expected. Especially with Anna around.
    That night, after everyone was asleep, I crept out of the house with a flashlight in one hand and my drawing stuff in the other. I was itching to get back to my portrait of Frida. I had to make it the best drawing ever.
    As soon as I got out to the porch, a shudder went through me. It sure got dark in the country. I shone the flash-light on the barn. It was about fifty feet away.
    I took a deep breath and ran. The darkness pressed on my back in a terrifying way, like when someone chases you up the stairs. I slid the door open and leaped into the barn, sliding it closed behind me.
    Frida was lying on her side in her stall, awake and breathing heavily. Her big belly must have been a lot of work to haul around. It seemed to stick out even more than it had earlier that day. She glanced up at me.
    I tugged the cord to turn on the dangling light bulb beside the Frida Kahlo self-portrait on the wall. Then I pulled up a stool and got to work on my drawing. My hand started to move and sketch without me even having to think about it.
    After a while I set my sketchbook down and looked at what I’d done so far. I let out a little squeal of joy. I couldn’t believe how well it was turning out.
    I yawned. My eyes were starting to go blurry. I could work more on the portrait the next day.
    â€œGoodnight, Frida,” I said and snapped off the light.

Chapter Ten
    I had only been asleep a few minutes when a familiar voice called, “Maddie! Maddie!”
    My mother was shaking my shoulder to wake me up.
    â€œWhat’s going on?” I said, my voice louder than I expected.
    â€œShhh!” My mom looked around, nervous. “We’re leaving. Here’s something for you to wear.” She pressed a bundle of clothes into my arms.
    I was way too sleepy for all this. “What are you talking about?”
    As my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I saw that our bags were packed, next to the door.
    â€œWe’re leaving. Now. Before those farmers wake up. This experience is not at all what I expected. I’m sick of dealing with that stupid garlic, and you’re always off with Anna. Saying inappropriate things about me.” Her voice was hoarse, the way it got when she was angry.
    â€œI tried to tell you I was sorry!”
    â€œThis discussion is closed. I consulted the tarot, and I got the Queen of Wands. We’re doing the right thing by leaving.”
    This couldn’t really be happening. “Mom, we can’t leave! I’m drawing Anna’s cow for the art contest. I have to stay to finish it.”
    â€œWe’ll find some other farm with cows for you to draw.” She pulled on my arm to get me out of bed.
    I pushed her away. “Mom, you were the one who wanted to come here. I’m not leaving.” I crossed my arms and stayed in bed.
    My mom grabbed the bags and opened the door. I could see my sketchbook and pencils sticking out of my duffel bag.
    â€œI’m going to the car,” she said.
    I jumped up and followed her. I had to get my drawing stuff back. In the hallway we ran smack into Klaus.
    My mom and I gasped.
    â€œWere you woken by the hubbub?” Klaus said, grinning. “If you want to see a calf being born, now is the time. Anna and Ruth are out in the barn with the veterinarian.”
    I couldn’t believe it. I had just been out in the barn with Frida, and now she was giving birth.
    Klaus turned to go back outside, cup of coffee in hand.
    My mom whispered to me, “Now’s our chance, while they’re distracted. Let’s go.”
    â€œIf you think I’m leaving