Out of Bounds by Beverley Naidoo Read Free Book Online Page B

never seen her look so pale as she pulled me to where we Standard Threes lined up. The chattering and screaming had stopped, but a few girls were actually crying. Our teachers looked as worried as mother hens trying to settle us.
    Our principal explained that if we were sensible, we would come to no harm. If our parents came to get us early, we would be allowed to leave. No one should go home alone.
    “How will you get home?” Caroline whispered urgently on our way back to class.
    “Walk.” I was sure Mommy wouldn’t panic like the other parents. Our house wasn’t far and since Standard One I had been walking home by myself.
    Caroline looked horrified.
    “You can’t—and you won’t be allowed! It’s too dangerous! I’ll ask my mom if you can come with us.”
    I didn’t argue. We might be allowed to spend the afternoon together and that would be fun once Caroline had calmed down.
    Caroline’s mom was one of the first to arrive. She was out of breath and tottered on her high heels from running. Her face was flushed, and her voice was higher and faster. She had heard the news on the radio and wanted Lily safely at home. When Lily asked if I could come too, I thought her mom looked strangely at me for a second before nodding. She made that tight little smile of hers in my direction and turned to our teacher.
    “Well, you spoil them, and this is what they do!” Her voice arched upward like her eyebrows as if to carry a special meaning.
    Straight away I knew that by “them” and “they” she meant Africans. Not only that, but she was alsotalking about my parents and their politics. I should have told her and Caroline, “No, thank you,” there and then. I should have said that I didn’t want their lift. But I didn’t.
    When we were in the car, I asked Caroline’s mom if she could drop me at home.
    “Who’s at your house? Is your mother there?”
    “Janey’s there. Mommy will be home later. It’s fine.”
    “Look, I’m not saying your girl can’t be trusted, but today’s not a normal day. I’d never forgive myself if something happened to you! You’d better come home with us.” She gave a loud sigh.
    “You’ll be safer with us and we get to play!” Caroline was bouncing back to her old self.
    Why didn’t I tell them that Janey had looked after me since I was a baby? Why didn’t I tell them that she was one of the safest people I knew? Instead I let Caroline tell me about her new game collection.
    Caroline’s mom rang Janey to tell her I was with them. I could hear her from the dining room.
    “When will your Madam be back? You must tell her to ring me as soon as she comes in. Do you understand?” I’d never heard Mommy talk toJaney like that. The voice was sharp. Frightening. I felt shivery inside. I suddenly didn’t feel like finishing my chocolate cake and pushed it away.
    “Are you feeling sick?” Caroline asked. “I feel sick too! I was scared at school, weren’t you?”
    When I didn’t reply, Caroline clapped her hands around her face.
    “Oh no! Do you think the natives are still coming?”
    I shook my head. I just felt miserable and wanted to be in my own home. Janey would find a way of making me feel better.
    “What’ll we do if they come here? You won’t be able to go home, will you? We’ll have to ask my mom if you can stay the night!” Caroline’s face switched like a lightbulb—one second scared, the next excited.
    She took out her new box of games.
    “What shall we start with?”
    I let her choose. I couldn’t concentrate and let her Ludo counters gobble mine up. Then in draughts all her counters became kings and wiped me off the board. We ended by arguing.
    “You’re not playing properly, Lily! It’s no fun if you don’t try.”
    “I don’t feel well. I want to go home.”
    “You’re mad! You heard what my mom said! The natives are dangerous! How come you don’t know?”
    I kept quiet. Was she holding something back? Something she thought about my