Page 57 of The New Girl

‘Well, Clara insisted. I was happy to wait,’ Denise said.

‘Is he going to be OK?’ Clara asked. ‘Safa will be here any minute now.’

‘Mr Karim very tired. But he wake up for Safa.’ Rima smiled. ‘Love make you strong. Mr Karim strong for Safa. You see.’

She was right, Ruby thought: love did make you strong, and brave and fearless.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Ruby and Safa

The girls all stood in the kitchen, holding hands, watching the clock tick.

‘My stomach is doing backflips,’ Clara said.

Denise was jigging about, unable to stay still.

Ruby was trying not to throw up.

Dad popped his head around the kitchen door. ‘I think I see her coming up the road.’

Clara squeezed Denise’s hand tightly.

‘Ouch!’ said Denise.

‘Sorry, I’m so nervous I think I might pass out.’

‘Me too,’ Denise said. ‘I couldn’t even eat lunch. Imagine, me not eating. But I’m definitely having some of that chocolate cake your mum made.’

How could Denise think about food? Ruby was afraid to open her mouth. She felt so many emotions, she was afraid that if she spoke she’d end up crying. So she clamped her mouth shut and said nothing.

Mum was chatting to Annabelle and feeding Robbie Smarties to keep him quiet.

Orla came over and poked Ruby in the back. ‘Are you ready?’

Ruby turned to her sister and nodded.

‘Nervous?’

‘Very.’

‘It’ll be fine. Chill. You’re a bit of a legend, Ruby.’

Ruby stared at her sister. ‘What?’

Orla popped a Smartie into her mouth. ‘I know I don’t say it much, but what you’ve done is pretty amazing. I’m proud of you, sis.’

‘Thanks!’ Ruby was shocked. It was probably the nicest thing Orla had ever said to her.

Orla walked over to the cake, picked a chocolate finger off the side and stuffed it into her mouth.

‘Do you think Safa will be happy?’ Clara asked.

‘I hope so,’ Ruby said.

‘Of course she will,’ Denise said.

The doorbell rang. Everyone froze.

---