Page 93 - My Home on the Earth

‘No. She adores Steve and they chat forever. I call them my old codgers. They always manage to get into deep and meaningful conversations when the table wants setting or the dishwasher is crying out to be loaded. Crafty pair!’ Emily paused. ‘School seems fine but she never talks to me about her lessons, friends or homework. Cara is a godsend and a great motivator, same as her mum. They used to go shopping together on Saturday morning; it was the highlight of the week for Elise. Now it’s tailed off and Cara seems to have lost interest. I think she’s found a boyfriend.’
‘Could be. In the car, she often mentions a lad called Simon, but I haven’t seen him at school. Elise reckons he fancies her.’
‘Ah! That might explain the dark lip gloss,’ laughed Emily.
Alice finished her coffee and felt relieved the boy wasn’t a concern to Emily. Well, not yet.
****
‘Cara Maitland. What do you have on your lips?’
demanded Miss Kilroy, strutting across the hall.
Cara turned back to see her tutor grimacing and her
friend Olivia whispered: ‘Careful, she’s in a foul mood.’ ‘Miss, my lips are cracked and sometimes bleed. My
GP suggested I use the liquid and Mum gets it on prescription,’ lied Cara with a sweet smile.
‘Oh, I see,’ Miss Kilroy said with a sour expression. ‘Very well. Try not to make a habit of using it too often.’
‘The old crow. Why does she pick on me? All the girls
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