Chapter 9

CHAPTER 9 Two months later, on a cool and clear October night, Abbi, Lydia, Daniel, and Barkley were on their way to Meadows' Meadows once again— this time, on a much happier mission. "Do you think a lot of people will show up?" Lydia asked. "Oh, I'm so nervous!" Abbi patted her friend's hand. "Don't worry. It's gonna be great." From the driver's seat, Uncle Walker said, "Everybody's been looking forward to this shindig. You kids really did something good here."

It had been Lydia's idea to try to help the farm. It had been Daniel's idea to throw a Halloween fundraiser. It had been Abbi's to stage another costume contest as the main event. The other alpaca farmers had heard about Ms. Margery's money troubles by then, and they were eager to help. Their enthusiasm for the plan was a huge relief. Abbi had been worried they might hold a grudge against Mr. Stevie or even Ms. Margery. But thankfully, everyone wanted what was best for the alpacas and for Meadows' Meadows. Abbi smiled widely as they got out of the car. The whole farm was decorated! Twinkly fairy lights were draped all around. Dozens of jack-o'-lanterns dotted the grounds. There were even rubber bats swooping down from the barn's eaves! A whole flock of them!

Barkley and Uncle Walker strolled toward the food trucks in the parking lot while Abbi, Daniel, and Lydia headed toward the house. "Over here, kids!" Ms. Margery called from near the field where the three friends had found the missing alpacas. Those alpacas were grazing again. But this time, they were all in costume!

"Cuuuute!" Lydia cried as she ran over to the fence. The closest alpaca—dressed as a pirate—sniffed Lydia's outstretched hand, looking for treats. Daniel followed his sister at a much more leisurely pace, but his smile was just as bright as hers. Mr. Stevie walked up beside Abbi. "Want to feed them?" he asked, holding out a basket of carrots chopped into bite-size pieces.

Abbi smiled and took a bag from the basket, then drove to the fence. People were wandering around and milling about. They all seemed to be enjoying the festivities. A few families were petting the sheep. Their wool had been dyed to make them look like other animals! There were zebra stripes, cheetah spots, and tiger stripes. Other people were bobbing for apples on the front porch. A few were taking pictures of the peacocks lounging like royalty near the main entrance. Mr. Stevie cleared his throat. "I just wanna thank you kids again for…well, for stopping me

back then. I messed up, and I'm truly sorry for bringing y'all into the whole mess." Ms. Margery linked arms with her son. "You sure did mess up," she said. "But you set things to rights. I think everyone sees you're trying to make amends." Abbi smiled at the warmth in Ms. Margery's voice. She reached into the basket of carrots and picked a perfectly round slice. She extended her hand toward the nearest alpaca. An astronaut alpaca! Lydia rushed over and grabbed the carrot out of her hand. "Don't be silly! Alpaca in Wonderland would never dream of eating a carrot." Abbi gasped at the creature wearing the space suit. "This is Alpaca in Wonder-land? I didn't recognize him!" Mr. Stevie laughed. "He couldn't repeat the same costume twice, could he? He's Alpaca in Aerospace tonight." The alpaca looked toward the sky, as if searching for his next destination among the