Olivia's First Term by Lyn Gardner

Author:Lyn Gardner [Lyn Gardner]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780857630360
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Published: 2011-03-24T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty

Georgia trailed her fingers in the pool and tuned back in to what the other girls were saying.

“We’re going to Egypt for Christmas,” said Aeysha.

“Oh, I’ve been there,” said Katie. “It was boring. Just sand and history. It’s the pits.”

“I think the pyramids are interesting—” started Georgia, seeing Aeysha’s face drop, but Katie talked over her.

“We’re going to Dubai,” said Katie. “It’s going to be awesome. My dad’s got business there. It’s supposed to be fantastic. The height of luxury. It’s got the tallest building in the world. Totally.” She turned to Georgia. “So what thrilling things have you got planned, little Miss Georgia Jones?”

The tone was sweet but Georgia knew the question was treacherous. She squirmed. She wouldn’t be going anywhere. The best she could hope for was that her mum might manage a few days off work and that they would go to some museums together. Her favourite was the V&A because sometimes there were exhibitions of costumes and intricate miniature designs for stage sets. Georgia enjoyed these days out with her mum, riding on the top deck of the bus together and eating her mum’s special cheese and Marmite doorstep sandwiches and home-made brownies. They laughed a lot together, and it always reminded Georgia of a time when her mother hadn’t looked so tired and worried.

She opened her mouth to say, “Nothing much,” but then she glimpsed a strange expression on Katie’s face. It was almost triumphant, as if she was really enjoying making Georgia feel small, and poor, and bad about herself. Suddenly Georgia found herself saying, “Actually, my mum’s taking me to New York. We’re flying first class and staying in a five-star hotel.”

“Wicked!” said Aeysha. “You are lucky. That easily tops Egypt and Dubai.”

Georgia felt a feeling of warmth seep through her. It was nice being the interesting and glamorous one for a change, the centre of attention, not just someone always on the edge of things.

“Yes, that’s the best,” agreed the others enviously; all except Katie, who looked at Georgia through narrowed eyes. “I thought your mum didn’t have any money,” she said.

“Wherever did you get that idea, Katie?” said Georgia. “She’s loaded. We just don’t like to talk about. My mum thinks it’s vulgar to talk about money and splash out on big houses and cars.”

It was the most effective piece of acting that Georgia had done in her entire life. She was saved from further explanation by Katie’s dad announcing that the barbecue was ready and inviting everyone to load their plates with chicken and burgers, and help themselves to baked potatoes, corn on the cob and bowls of coleslaw. Georgia made sure she sat as far away from Katie as possible, but every time she looked up she saw Katie staring at her, smiling her dangerous, cat-like smile, and she felt worried.

Georgia knew she ought to confess that of course she wasn’t going to New York, explain that she had only been joking and that she and her mum

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