Launched! by J A Mawter

Author:J A Mawter [J.A.Mawter]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780730444060
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Chapter Thirteen

‘Bryce isn’t meeting us this afternoon,’ Clem announced to Tong as the kids met in The Van after school. ‘He’s been grounded.’

‘What grounded?’

‘Not allowed to go out. Mum and Dad sometimes do that to Darcy and me. It sucks, ‘cause being grounded also means they won’t let us watch TV.’

‘Any computer?’ asked Mio.

‘Nuh. And no phone.’

Mio wriggled in her seat. ‘That’s a bit harsh.’

‘Very.’

Tong frowned as he asked, ‘Why Bryce grounded?’

Darcy joined in, ‘Because he missed the hospital visit. Bryce’s dad was ropable and his step-mum screamed so loud she gave herself tummy pain. For the next half-hour it was touch and go whether she was in labour or not.’

‘Lucky she wasn’t,’ said Mio, then she sighed adding, ‘Poor Bryce.’

‘He’s not going to be happy when he finds out what he’s missing,’ said Clem, reaching into her school backpack. ‘It’s Darcy’s turn but I’m doing it for him. Gorp.’

The frown on Tong’s face deepened. ‘What gorp?’

Clem smiled then said, ‘Gorp can be whatever you want it to be. It’s a real mishmash.’ Taking out some disposable cups and plastic spoons she handed them around. Bella sniffed in the direction of each cup, her sensitive nose seeking a scent. Clem pulled out various vacuum-sealed bags and placed them on top of the TV. There were sultanas and sesame seeds and oatmeal and dried apricots. Next came sunflower seeds and peanuts.

‘Muesli,’ said Mio, disappointed.

‘Not muesli,’ replied Clem as pretzels, chocolate chips, cheese puffs and candy-coated balls of chocolate were added to the pile. Clem grinned as she announced, ‘Last, but not least, some mini marshmallows.’ She turned to Tong. ‘Tip a bit of whatever you like into your cup, mix it up, then gorp to your heart’s delight.’

Bella gave a high-pitched whimper of delight as food scattered all over the floor.

‘It’s surprising,’ said Darcy, shovelling cupfuls into his mouth, ‘how good this tastes.’ Gorp flew out as he talked, oatmeal flakes and sesame seeds twirling in the air like dandelion parachutes.

‘Darcy Jacobs! Eat with your mouth shut.’

‘Yes’m.’

The kids settled back, chewing so hard they got jaw-ache, unlike Bella whose eager tongue licked back and forth, never seeming to get tongue-ache.

‘Anything to drink?’ asked Darcy. ‘I’m thirsty.’

‘Forgot.’

Darcy opened his mouth, his tongue lolling to show his desperation for a drop of moisture.

‘You look like a cow,’ said Clem, then she started to moo, making Bella jump with fright.

Finally, they’d had their fill.

‘Lucky about key-ring,’ said Tong. ‘Make Bryce’s dad happy.’

‘Nothing makes Bryce’s dad happy,’ said Clem, resealing plastic bags and returning them to the backpack.

Darcy shook his head in wonder, saying, ‘Who’d’ve thought he’d get those keys back?’

‘Not me,’ said Mio. ‘He’s had great luck. I must ask him if he dreamt of the treasure ship.’

‘What treasure ship?’

‘In Japan, they have seven gods of luck who travel in the treasure ship. Hotei’s my favourite. Rub his belly and it brings you contentment and happiness.’ Mio smiled at the memory of the happy, jolly god. ‘When you dream of the treasure boat, good fortune comes your way.

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