Nadine and Dora think they are much better than Ellen. They ignore her because they think she's "stingy." For Christmas Ellen wants to give them wonderful gifts but can't afford to buy them. So he decides to paint them a picture of two cats. When her aunt asks her what she wants for Christmas, she simply asks for a package of art paper. She secretly hopes that her aunt and cousin will surprise her more. She also hopes that her aunt will really appreciate the drawing. On Christmas morning Ellen was disappointed when she received only the white paper package. Later that night she heard her aunt tell her daughter that even though the painting is silly and cheap-looking, they must pretend to like it. She was devastated because earlier that morning her aunt had pretended to really like her. Ellen felt humiliated and was very angry with her aunt. She locked herself in her room. When her aunt came to her room to beat her, Ellen told her that if she tries to touch her she will kill her. Ellen packed her bags and walked across town to the "foster lady's" house. He hopes to welcome her. Ellen also wears her best dress so she can give Lady Foster a good first.