Leslie Plover

Chapter 1

It was a balmy summer. The tide was high, and the sun glowed over the golden beaches of the Jersey Shore. It was the season nine-year-old Liliana loved best because she and her parents always took a vacation to the beach for several days. Liliana loved the water. As soon as the roaring waves were in sight, she would break free from her parents' hands and run to the shore. She loved everything about the beach: her feet sinking into the sand, the silver-streaked shells waiting to be collected, and the joyful squeals of the families around her tossing beach balls or chasing frisbees.

The beach was always filled with surprises. It never failed that Liliana would discover something new. This time, she rushed to the spot on the shore where groups of birds had gathered. There were always birds on the beaches that her family visited. This year though, the beach at the Jersey Shore would offer Liliana a special treat that would change her life forever.

In the distance, she saw a beautiful bird hopping merrily along the shoreline. She immediately fell in love with it. It was different from any bird she had ever seen before. Its feathers were snowy white with streaks of silver, and its legs were a yellow more beautiful than all the yellows in Liliana's crayon box. It had a little black ring around its neck that looked like it was dressed in a formal tux and tie for an elegant evening. It also had a small, black spot on its belly.

Liliana pulled out her phone to take a photo of the bird so she could look it up later and find out what type of bird it was. After taking several shots of the remarkable bird, she put her phone away and walked closer to see if she could play with the bird. She didn't want to scare it away, so she got as close as she could without startling the creature. The bird turned and noticed her. He immediately hopped up to her and rubbed his head on Liliana's little hand.

"I like you," Liliana whispered to the bird.

Startled by her voice, the bird flew away.

"Oh no! Don't go," Liliana said, but the bird kept flying farther and faster.

Liliana started to cry softly as she looked out at the water. She couldn't believe how much she loved this little bird already and was sad to see it go. But a moment later, as she wiped tears from her face, the bird reappeared at her feet and dropped a yellow rose from its beak.

Delighted, Liliana clapped and said, "Oh look, you're back! You like me too!"

The little, black-bellied bird looked up at Liliana and opened his beak as if it wanted to speak.

"I will call you Leslie," she said to the bird. She stayed with the bird for hours, stroking its soft feathers and walking happily on the beach. Liliana didn't know if Leslie was a male or female bird, but she didn't care; she liked the name either way.

After some time, Liliana heard her father's voice calling her name. She turned to her new friend. "It is time for lunch. I must go home now. Please come back tomorrow, and I will bring you something special."

As she stood to leave, Leslie flew away.