Page 11 - Book 8 Matty Hedgehog and the Paper Chase

Matty Hedgehog and the Paper Chase 9
This morning, Tilly drew back her kitchen curtains and glanced out of the window. ‘Oh no! Not more rain,’ she sighed, rinsing her mug in the sink.
After putting on her raincoat, she stepped outside and walked along a mud-pitted pathway to the gate. As she pushed the gate open, she heard the sound of raised voices coming from the direction of her son’s home. She hurried along the gravel path to his front door and was about to open it when he pulled the door and brushed past her, saying:
‘Perhaps you will do better than me, Mum. They are making a palaver over nothing.’
Every school-day, Tilly made sure her grandchildren ate their breakfast and dressed appropriately. Before they left, she made their packed lunches and when they came home, she was waiting for them. They were still arguing with each other as Tilly stepped inside and changed her muddy shoes for a pair of spotted slippers. She opened the kitchen door and said sharply:
‘That is quite enough.’
Their grandma removed her coat and hat, hung them on the back of the door and turned to face her grandchildren.
‘I could hear you shouting as I came through the gate. Goodness knows what the neighbours are thinking. I have never heard such a racket in all my life. Paris! Jessica! You should know better at your age. Now, sit down.’
Tilly sat at the head of the table, folded her arms and said: ‘I will not tolerate shouting. I want to know what has happened. I’ll begin with you, Paris,’ she said, raising her eyebrows and tilting her head, ‘before you leave for school.’