In this popular book for teens we read that Clara Drummond lived a happy, normal life. Until Aunt Flora moved in along with Clara's cousin, Fauna. Together, they would turn Clara's previously peaceful world into something quite different.
Excerpt:
In the beginning Clara Drummond lived a happy, normal life. She lived on a quiet street in a cozy and quiet house. But one day, her mother disappeared, leaving only Clara and her father. That’s when Aunt Flora moved in.
With Aunt Flora came Clara’s cousin, Fauna. Aunt Flora was about fifty years old, pale of skin and quite round. The short skirts and tight blouses she wore did nothing to help her look smaller, only bigger. Her daughter, Fauna, was a mirror image.
“We need to help Aunt Flora now,” said Clara's father as he hugged her. “She’s hit a bit of a rough patch in her life.”
But Aunt Flora seemed to have plans of her own. “The girl needs a mother, Johnny” Aunt Flora said to her father, who only nodded in agreement. “You’ll thank me for this later.”
There was much talking, and smiling, and promising that first night of Auntie’s arrival. The next day as Clara’s father went off to work he kissed his daughter and said, “Please be nice to your Aunt, honey. And be a help to her by just doing whatever she asks.”
Clara looked at him through groggy just waking up eyes.
“Okay, Dad.”
Her father turned back to her as he reached her bedroom door. “There may be some small changes honey. But I know you’ll take them like my little angel.”
Clara nodded sleepily and settled back down to sleep.
In dreamland Clara was chasing a wild iguana as it ran into the rocky places, occasionally turning its head back to smile at her it seemed. This was odd behavior indeed, but then it was a dream. Any number of strange things can happen in dreamland. And sometimes scary nightmarish things can happen. But the dream Clara was now embarked upon was simply an odd and curious game of chase. The nightmare would not begin until she woke up.
“WAKE UP TIME,” called Aunt Flora’s booming voice. Clara popped out of bed like bread from a toaster, hurriedly got
dressed and raced out of her room. As she reached the top of the spiral staircase, she saw Aunt Flora pacing around downstairs in the front hallway. No sooner had Clara arrived at the bottom step than she was she given her orders.
“Ah…There you are Clara Le Sleepy. This morning we’re discussing room assignments.”
“Oh, good” said Clara, “well I think---”
“Thinking’s already done, Miss Sassy.”
Clara’s face became a question mark. “But you said we’re discussing the---”
“Discussion over. Decision made.”
“The first thing to change is that your cousin Fauna will room in your bedroom. She has so many allergies, the poor dear,” said Aunt Flora. “It wouldn’t be right to ask her to sleep elsewhere.”
Clara’s eyes lit up. “Wow! That’s great. Then we can share---” “Things OTHER than the bedroom, darling” said Aunt Flora,
pointing her finger at Clara, using a stern tone of voice that made it sound like she was accusing her of something.
“You’re rooming in the basement. Too grimy and dirty for Fauna; you understand. Your bed has already been placed there.”
Clara was confused. “Well, yeah, but---”
“Time is of the essence, of the essence” said Aunt Flora in sharp tones. “Now, be a dear, and GET PACKING!!”
