Page 104 - Mobile Magic

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Abigail and Ashley had both really dressed up to come to the mall. They’d done the full-makeup and designer-label pose. Claire wore an old, fluffy cardigan with cords and sandals; she never seemed to notice how she looked. Saffron felt the daggiest of them all because she had on ripped jeans that smelt of horse and muddy gumboots.
They were allowed to borrow one of the takeaway tables and some chairs. They carried them from the food court to the entrance of the mall, knocking their shins on the way and almost running over a twin-pram with two grotty, screaming toddlers. Saffron wished she had a card table - it would look more official than cast-iron lace.
As she struggled with masking tape and posters, the others sat lazing with their food and drink. She started to feel really grouchy, but every time she almost lost her cool with her friends she made herself think about Mobo and Magic. She just had to have support, she couldn’t do it on her own.
‘Hi girls! Having a picnic?’ asked a neighbour from her street. Saffron explained what they were doing and got the first signature of the night. They hung the banners they had painted at school, removed the cups and food containers from the table and spread out the photos and petitions. At last it looked like they meant business.
Some people walked straight past, deliberately not even looking at them. Others stopped, chatted and were happy to sign their names.