Blood Sisters(44)

The music grew louder as we walked towards the Wrights’ house. The outside was studded with loads of little fairy lights and there were huge smart cars blocking the driveway. I began to feel sick. Too late, I wished I’d bothered to put on more make-up, or wear a nicer top. ‘We don’t have to stay long if we don’t want,’ said Robin as if he knew just what I was thinking.

Inside, there were waitresses with glasses on trays. Wow!

‘Champagne?’

‘No thanks,’ I said bashfully. ‘I don’t drink.’ I knew it made me uncool, but whenever I’d tried alcohol, it made me feel sick.

‘There’s some non-alcoholic drinks in the back, miss. Near the conservatory.’

Miss! Judging from Robin’s twitching lips, he thought that was funny too.

Together, Robin and I tried to wade through the mass of bodies. So many people. All ages too. There were quite a few from the sixth form but also loads of adults I’d never seen before. At one point I thought I recognized Crispin’s mother, whom I’d seen a couple of times on the street.

Robin said something to me but the music was so loud that I couldn’t hear. He moved closer. I could feel his mouth touching my ear. It felt weird. ‘Wait there. I’ll get some squash.’

‘Can’t I come too?’ I said, but he’d gone. Now I really wished I hadn’t come. I felt so stupid, standing there on my own. I tried to look casual but the more I did so, the more awkward I felt. Robin was taking ages. Hurry up, I said silently. My palms were sweating. I felt like an idiot.

For a second the music stopped. ‘Ali,’ said a voice. I jumped. Crispin was standing next to me. ‘Someone said you were here!’

I was so flummoxed I could barely reply. He spoke as though we knew each other well, even though we’d hardly exchanged a word either on the school bus or in class. That’s why I’d been so amazed to get an invitation. ‘You look great!’

Was he joking?

‘Come and dance!’

Cool Crispin Wright was actually asking me to dance? Kitty would go mad with jealousy if she knew!

‘I can’t. I’m waiting for Robin.’

‘Robin Hood?’

He grinned. To my shame, I gave a little laugh too, out of nervousness. Instantly, I felt ashamed at making fun of my friend.

‘He’s in the summer house at the bottom of the garden,’ shouted Crispin over the music. ‘Asked me to tell you he was there. Got something for you, apparently.’

Only Robin would retreat into a summer house – nursing my drink, no doubt – while a party was going on. I knew why, of course. He wanted some quiet time. In fact, he was probably already regretting joining a crowd he had always despised. I still didn’t really know why he’d come along.

Crispin’s hand brushed my own. Then I became aware of his fingers interlacing between mine. It felt warm. Exciting.

He was pulling me. Laughing as if we were both in on a joke. ‘This way!’





32


March 2017


Alison


I wake in the small hours of the morning, my head whirling. Clive’s hug had turned into a series of lovely long kisses that had made my entire body want to blend into his. The kind I’d dreamed of as a teenager until the party …

Then all of a sudden he’d stopped. ‘Alison, there’s nothing I’d like more than to ask if I can come back to your place. But some things are too precious to rush. Don’t you think?’

No, I’d wanted to say. Stay with me. Hadn’t he promised that he wouldn’t let anyone hurt me?

‘Ring me,’ he’d said. ‘Any time you feel worried about anything. See you soon.’

Then he’d kissed me one more time and escorted me back to my car.

When I get home, there’s a text.

Miss you already. I’ve got some work commitments but I’ll call as soon as I know when I’m free.



All of that day – and the next – I find myself occasionally smiling to myself. Somehow, knowing Lead Man is there for me makes me feel better. Perhaps everything will be OK after all. Maybe my fortunes are changing along with my sister’s. But right now I need to concentrate on my next class.

At the end, Stefan – my older student with the east European accent – stays behind.

‘I help you tidy?’ he asks, limping up.

Kindness can be the first step in grooming, Angela always said. Not that I should be following her advice any more.

‘Thank you but I’ll manage.’

He looks affronted. I glance down at the walking stick. What if he uses it on me? Why is it allowed in here when you can’t even bring an umbrella inside?

‘I want to ask you something.’ He puts his head to one side quizzically. ‘Why you do work in place like this?’

It’s not the first time I’ve been asked this. My answer is ready and pat. A little curt, too. ‘Because I love art and want to help others enjoy it.’

He purses his lips questioningly. ‘I see.’ Then his eyes harden. ‘Be careful. This place, she is not good. You watch yourself.’

His words send shivers through my blood. Does he know something? Is he trying to warn me?

I stare as he limps away. There’s just time in between workshops for me to nip out to the car and check my new phone. No missed calls.