06-A LACE PAWKERCHIEF

A LACE PAWKERCHIEF Once again, I spent the night waiting for the telephone to ring. But the beautiful countess did NOT call. Then I had a horrible thought. What if she was allergic to roses? What if chocolate made her fur itch? My heart sank. I had to do something. I decided to go to her hotel. I was too embarrassed to wait in the lobby. So I hid behind the bushes. Suddenly, someone laid a paw on my shoulder. "Holey cheese!" I shrieked. But it was only my favorite nephew, Benjamin. "Uncle Geronimo! What are you doing here?" he squeaked.

Right then, I saw her come out. "Shhhh, little mousey," I murmured to Benjamin. I stood up, trying to look casual. The countess seemed to look right through me. Then she dropped something. It was a small lace pawkerchief. I ran to pick it up. "E-Excuse me, I'm the douse from the miner. I mean, mouse from the diner," I stammered. "I'm the one who sent you the red noses. I mean, roses. The

one who sent you the sandy. I mean, candy. It's me, Gilton, Geronimo Stilton!" I know I was making no sense. But I couldn't believe I was speaking with her again. After all, who knew? She could be my one true love. My best friend forever. Yes, she could be the future Mrs. Geronimo Stilton! The countess opened her eyes wide and gazed at me. "Oh!" she breathed.

I gave her the pawkerchief. Then I tried to bow. Big mistake. I tripped and tumbled back into a rosebush. When I managed to stand up, roses were sticking out of my nose. I staggered off into the road. That's when I heard the roar of an engine. I looked up just in time to see a huge cream cheese truck headed right for me! "Help!!" I shrieked. The truck STOPPED within inches of my snout. Seconds later, an expensive sports car screeched to a halt in front of the hotel. A polished-looking mouse leaped out. He ran up to the countess and kissed her paw. "My darling Stephanie!" he crooned. "They are all waiting for you at the ball!" Then the two of them disappeared into the night.