If Only by Adele Broadbent

Author:Adele Broadbent
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: OneTree House Publishers
Published: 2020-05-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 25

Mum was waiting for me when I got in. No surprises there. Even though I tried to hide the buzz that filled every molecule, she looked at me sideways. ‘Have a nice time?’

‘Yes, thanks. Alex shouted me a taxi home.’

‘He seems a nice boy,’ she said, flicking off the TV.

Nice? You have no idea how nice. ‘Yes. He is. Night.’

Snuggled down under my blankets, I went over every minute of the evening in my mind. But the highlight that pushed everything sideways was that kiss. I knew I’d never forget it.

Just as I was dozing off, my phone buzzed on my bedside table. I snatched it up. Alex! I checked the time as I pushed the green icon. 12.40am. ‘Hello,’ I whispered.

‘I knew you’d still be awake,’ he said softly. ‘I had a great time tonight.’

‘Me too.’

‘I’ve been thinking about my promise to Grandma.’

‘Promise?’

‘Do you want to help me with her petition?’

‘Yes.’ What was he on about? ‘Yes, of course I do. I’ve got some ideas about an online petition,’ I began.

‘Meet me at the centre tomorrow night at midnight. I’ve got a plan to make Mr Wilkes sit up and take us seriously. And then we can try your way, too, if you like.’

‘What plan?’ I asked. ‘I can’t … How will I get −?’

‘One of my mates will pick you up on your corner just before midnight.’

‘I don’t know, Alex.’ There was silence on the other end.

‘Please, Kayla,’ he finally said. ‘This is really important, and it would mean so much more if you were there with me.’

‘What are we going to do?’ I whispered.

‘Do you trust me?’ he asked. His gentle voice melted any worries I had.

‘Yes.’

‘Promise?’

‘Promise,’ I whispered.

‘See you tomorrow night. I’d like to start where we left off.’

I’m sure I was still grinning as I finally drifted off to sleep.

One of my favourite things to do was lie in on a Sunday. I dozed in between Theo thumping down the hall and the sound of the washing machine in its 747 take-off spin-mode. The memory of my first real kiss mellowed any thoughts of roaring at my little brother for waking me up. Then I remembered Alex’s phone call.

My eyes sprang open. What was he going to do? I’d agreed to sneak out at midnight and get into a car with someone I didn’t even know. Was I nuts? If my parents found out, they’d kill me. Going to the R18 show and the party with Tam would be nothing compared to being caught sneaking out. Trying to return to the blissful state I woke in, I tried to summon the feelings of Alex’s lips on mine. It was hopeless. My reckless promise swamped it completely, and I threw off my covers. Time to get up.

After jibes from my family about being up so early, I nearly went back to bed to spite them – but I was too on edge.

‘Any plans for today?’ asked Mum as she helped Theo stack the dishwasher.

‘I’ve got work from 1 until 6,’ I said between mouthfuls of toast.

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