Page 28 of Clara's Secret Garden
‘Oh. What a shame.’ I turn away to the sink, pouring myselfa glass of water and thinking. I can clearly remember being so resistant toDad’s idea. But then I went to dance classes and I loved them.’
‘You know what?’ I turn with a smile. ‘Youcould cometo dance classes with me. If you’d like?’
Immediately, she shakes her head.
‘The classes I used to go to were great fun. The teacher waslovely. And if you wanted to, you could just sit and watch.’ I shrug. ‘We couldboth just sit and watch.’
‘Just watch?’ She stares at me, her brow furrowing, and Ican tell she’s thinking about it.
I nod. ‘I’ve been wanting to take dance classes again myself,but I didn’t want to go on my own. If you’re there as well, I’d feel muchbetter.’
She stares at me doubtfully. ‘The teacher might make medance.’
‘No way. You wouldn’t have to dance unless you wanted to,Elsie.’
But she shakes her head more firmly this time. ‘Can I readagain?’
‘Of course.’
As she runs off to the living room, I call after her, ‘Ifyou change your mind about the dancing, Elsie, just let me know.’
But there’s no reply.
*****
A while later, as I’m picking raspberries from the bushy canesranged along the fence, Rory finishes up in the front garden, puts his gear inthe boot of his car and collects Elsie.
‘There’s something I need to do before I get this one home.’He smiles at his sister as he wipes the back of his hand across his sweatybrow. ‘But if you need any more help, just let me know, okay?’
My heart sinks.
I knew this would happen, of course. But I’ve so enjoyedhaving his company.
What if it’s an age before I see Rory again?
I shake my head. ‘You’ve already done quite enough. Youdon’t know how grateful I am.’
‘Hey, I’ve enjoyed it.’ His smile is warm. ‘It’s been greatcatching up again.’
‘It has.’ I swallow. ‘Listen, I’ve got so much produce topick. Why don’t you take some?’ I glance around the garden, which is looking somuch neater now. ‘There’s courgettes and peas and salad. Far too much for us touse. And raspberries.’ I hand out the bowl and he nods, taking a handful andthrowing them into his mouth.
‘Delicious.’
‘Well, take some home. I’ll go and get you a container.’
‘Better not. I need to get going.’ He shrugs. ‘But maybeanother time? You supply the raspberries and I’ll bring the cream?’
‘Great idea.’ I smile happily at them as they walk away.‘Any time you like. And remember what I said, Elsie. We could just go and watch.’
They both turn and wave, and Rory loops his arm aroundElsie’s shoulders as they disappear through the gate.
I’m so relieved I’m going to see him again, once I hear thecar drive off, I do a happy quickstep around the newly-shorn front lawn. Smiling,I flop down onto the grass and lie back with my hands behind my head, gazing upat the blue expanse of sky.
The raspberries are plentiful at the moment.
But if we run out before Rory comes back, I could always buya few punnets at the supermarket and pass them off as Gran’s...
*****
