Cool Bananas by Margaret Clark Read Free Book Online

machine. She knew Tania had grasped the idea but wasn’t sure whether Sophie would remember what to do fifteen minutes later.
    ‘Take a break,’ said Kay, noticing Flick’s white, strained face.
    Flick looked across at Liz. She would’ve liked a quick word, but Liz had her head down in the ice-creamery, busily scooping out a large serving of boysenberry to pile on a wafer.
    ‘Go.’ Kay gently steered her towards the door.
    Outside, the sun’s rays were searing hot as Flick strolled across the road and down the track that led to the beach. She was always fascinated by the sea and the beach, and never ceased to marvel at the changes she saw every day. Sometimes an easterly wind would bring in piles of thick kelp that would litter the beach like a herd of snoozing seals. Then the westerly would blow in and the kelp would be washed away with the tide, leaving the sand hard and smooth.
    Right now the sand was dotted with bodies sunbathing, kids playing, colourful beach umbrellas, abandoned surfboards and families having fun. Asmall bank of white fluffy clouds hung low on the horizon, looking like someone had flung heaps of shaving cream at the otherwise clear blue sky. Today the sea was turquoise, but in the afternoon it could look ultramarine blue, emerald green or even grey if the clouds came rolling in.
    Taking off her shoes, Flick decided to go for a walk round the point. She didn’t fancy getting caught up in the crowd scene: she needed to be alone to sort out her thoughts and feelings.
    She strode along the hard-packed sand, smiling and waving at the people she knew, but obviously wanting to be on her own. But of course, Boofa didn’t know that.
    Boofa was a big black dog that belonged to Brett, a permanent resident and mad-keen surfer. Being slightly crazy and exuberant with the joy of youth, Boofa was supposed to be locked up during the summer season because he liked to tear round and be everyone’s friend. And a lot of people didn’t appreciate getting leapt on and licked by a damp and sandy black dog.
    Boofa was a brilliant escape artist, however, and once free he would head straight for the camping ground, where there was food and kids. Boofa loved to play ball with anyone who was willing and heapsof kids usually were keen to oblige. When he’d finished visiting the tents, helping himself to food and playing ball, he would run down to the beach to see if he could spot Brett cracking a few waves. The dog catcher had picked him up a few times when people had complained and Brett had to pay the fines.
    ‘Oh no,’ said Flick, as Boofa bounded up. ‘You’re not supposed to be on the beach. You’ll get dog-napped by the ranger again if you’re not careful.’
    Boofa wagged his feathery black tail and looked at her with his long pink tongue hanging out.
    ‘Okay, you can come with me for a walk, but then I’m dropping you back at your place. And no arguments.’
    Boofa seemed pleased by this suggestion. He was tired and full of food and he wanted to go home and sleep it off, but of course he couldn’t lose face by going back of his own accord.
    So the big dog loped alongside Flick as she broke into a jog. She was physically, mentally and emotionally tired so it seemed stupid exerting herself even more, but maybe the jog would unscramble her confused brain.
    They crossed the creek and headed towards the smooth flat rocks. Rounding the point she saw a few kids fiddling about in the shallow rock pools whiletheir parents fished off the rocks or read magazines. Boofa raced across to one boy who was squatting by a pool and nearly knocked him into it.
    ‘Boofa!’ yelled Flick. ‘Come back here.’
    The boy wasn’t frightened by the big dog. He gave Boofa a pat, and smiled at Flick.
    ‘Should you be here on your own?’ asked Flick, remembering that an arm had been washed up on the other point, and who knew what sort of weirdos could be lurking. In fact, without Boofa with her, she wouldn’t have come this