Grass by Cathy MacPhail

Author:Cathy MacPhail
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

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25

That Saturday night just got better. Veronika didn’t leave my side. We danced. Well, she danced – I jiggled about. We went back to the buffet table together and this time I didn’t choke. We danced again. We sat at the side and talked. She told me about her dad and her mum – and her little sister, who sounded just as daft as my wee brother. We laughed together.

I had this strange feeling that there were going to be lots of other days for me to find out more about Veronika and her family. Glancing around I could see other people thought that too. Aidan couldn’t stop glaring daggers at me. Shannon was watching too. As if she was amazed and annoyed at the same time.

Her mate fancied me. ME! Who knew?

And Sean all the time walking about with a big grin on his face as if it was all down to him.

I was just as amazed. Amazed that Veronika seemed to prefer me to big Aidan.

‘So your dad’s a dentist,’ I said. I think it was about the fourth time I’d asked her the same thing.

‘Yes, and I am so happy because now he can stay here. In this country. Now he has a permanent work permit.

‘Oh, that’s good,’ I said. ‘Maybe I could make an appointment with him – to get a check-up.’

I could hardly believe I’d said that. Suggesting I go to the dentist. What was happening to me!

‘I’ll see what I can do,’ Veronika said. ‘But I’ve heard them say he’s more of a butcher than a dentist.’

The shock must have shown on my face and she started to laugh. ‘It’s a joke. Shannon said it first and it was so funny. You don’t think it’s funny?’

‘It’s not that.’ I glanced across at the miserable Shannon. ‘I’m just amazed that Shannon’s got a sense of humour.’ I looked back at Veronika. ‘How did you and Shannon ever become friends?’

‘My first day at school. You probably don’t remember.’ She blushed, but I did remember. Remember how she’d blushed the same way, standing in front of the class as Mrs McIndoo introduced her.

‘Shannon spoke to me right away. I thought she was going to pick a fight, she looks so scary. But she was so nice. Made me feel at home. She’s my best friend now.’

Veronika turned her dazzling smile on Shannon. Even then Shannon didn’t smile back. But to my horror she started swaggering towards us.

‘Are you having a good time, Shannon?’ Veronika called out to her.

‘How can I be having a good time when you’ve bagged the best-looking boy at the party?’ Then she stuck her two fingers down her throat as if she was making herself sick. ‘– I don’t think.’

Veronika giggled. Moved a little closer to me. That was all. As if she really did believe I was the best looking boy at the party and she really had bagged me.

‘Want to go to the lavvy?’ Shannon asked.

‘You must be doing wonders for Veronika’s English,’ I said.

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