The Rose Queen by Katie Flynn

Author:Katie Flynn [Flynn, Katie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781529156249
Publisher: Cornerstone

July 1940

It had been several weeks since that first meeting in Sefton Park and the four friends now met on a regular basis.

‘I always thought I was going to be like one of those birds in the aviary,’ said Izzy, indicating the large building that housed the feathered creatures.

‘You still are, in a way,’ said Poppy.

‘Ye-es,’ Izzy began slowly, ‘only it’s different now, because I have the two of you, and Jez, and believe me, that’s given me more freedom than I’ve ever had.’

The sun beat down on the three girls as they made their way to the lake, and Cadi couldn’t help but notice that Izzy was wearing a cardigan. ‘Aren’t you hot?’ Seeing the hunted look shrouding Izzy’s face, she sighed breathily. ‘Oh, Izzy, please tell me he’s not been at it again?’

Izzy gave a small nod. ‘I can’t remember a week going by without my dad giving me a clout for one reason or another.’

Cadi linked arms with Izzy. ‘This is getting silly. You shouldn’t have to live like this, not now you’ve got us. You’ve really got to get away from him, Izzy.’

Izzy heaved a sigh. ‘I know, but I’m still not ready.’

‘What on earth are you waiting for?’ said Cadi, adding desperately, ‘Another scar like that one?’

‘No,’ said Izzy. She covered the scar with her hand. ‘That was a mistake – he didn’t mean to go that far.’

‘Tosh!’ snapped Cadi. ‘You don’t give someone a scar like that by accident. I bet he never even apologised.’

Izzy eyed her friends imploringly. ‘Can’t we change the subject? I hate talking about my dad.’

Cadi tutted beneath her breath. ‘I don’t mean to upset you, Izzy, but we can’t help worrying about you, and what Eric’ll do next.’

‘I know and I’m grateful for your concern, truly I am, but this is something I’m going to have to deal with in my own time, and I can’t say when that will be.’

Cadi wanted to continue, and make her friend see sense, but she knew that to do so would only make Izzy retreat further into her shell.

Squinting into the distance, Poppy grinned. The perfect change of subject was heading their way. ‘Here comes Jez.’ She wagged a reproving finger at Cadi. ‘You’re always talking about your independence, yet you and Jez might as well be joined at the hip.’

‘It’s not the same as being in a proper relationship, though. If we were, I’d feel obliged to ask him places, and we’d get bogged down in relationship etiquette. As it is, I don’t have to worry about Jez getting the wrong idea if I speak to another feller, and vice versa.’ She smiled with smug confidence. ‘It’s much better this way.’

‘Only neither of you do that anyway,’ Poppy pointed out, ‘but I suppose if it makes you feel better …’

‘It does,’ said Cadi. ‘Right now, I’m happy being friends.’

Jez called over to the girls as he approached. ‘Afternoon, ladies. How’s tricks?’

‘Same old,’ said Cadi. ‘You?’

Beaming fit to burst, Jez ran his fingers through his hair.

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