Secrets at Silver Spires by Ann Bryant Read Free Book Online

right.” She was smiling away and now, once again, there was no way I could smile back. I was feeling too horrified. However was I going to be able to convince people I didn’t have a problem when I had to go to the Learning Support department for reading help twice a week? And now I was going to have less time for my precious art project too. I could have cried. What a hopeless mess.
    At morning break I didn’t say anything to the others and I tried to act completely normally. I obviously wasn’t making a very good job of it though, because Grace asked me three times if I was sure I was okay, and Mia asked me once too. In the end I said I was going to do a bit more wire plaiting and I escaped to Hazeldean and rushed up to the dorm, but I had to turn round and come back almost immediately because morning break is so short.
    At lunchtime, when Grace started heading towards the table where Naomi and Katy and the other two were sitting, I panicked a bit because Isis and Sophie were also at that table. I really wanted to grab Grace and say, “Don’t let’s sit there today,” but Katy was frantically beckoning us over, so there was no way I could say that. I followed Grace extra slowly to give myself time to think what I might say if Isis or Sophie asked how I’d got on with Miss Cardwell. And something told me they would ask.
    â€œHey, Jess,” said Katy in an urgent whisper the moment I sat down. “I was wondering, how are you actually going to get your figures to stand up?”
    She was leaning forwards so I leaned forward too, feeling happy that Katy was so into my art project. “I’ve been wondering about that too. I might have to dig them into the ground… And also, I was thinking, I must get hold of more bubble wrap—”
    â€œWicked! More delicious popping for me!” said Georgie loudly.
    Katy and I grinned at each other, and then I started tucking into my cottage pie, but I’d hardly swallowed a mouthful when Isis’s voice came over loud and clear. “Hey, Jessica, what did you have to do at Learning Support?”
    I glanced up quickly and saw that both Isis and Sophie were staring at me, waiting for my answer. Then I glanced at Grace and saw a questioning look in her eyes.
    Georgie was the first of my friends to speak, though. “Learning Support? Why did you have to go to Learning Support, Jess?”
    â€œOh that! It turned out to be a mistake.” I gabbled the words at top speed because then my cheeks wouldn’t have chance to turn pink. “I was feeling ill when we had that reading test, you see, so I couldn’t concentrate properly. I had to go to Miss Cardwell just to check I didn’t really have any reading problems. And I don’t.” I grabbed the jug of water and started pouring some into my glass a bit shakily, hoping like mad that I’d been convincing. I didn’t dare look at Grace or the others, but I had the feeling that there were lots of pairs of eyes on me at that moment, and I knew it was really important to stay calm. “Anyone got any ideas where I can get hold of more bubble wrap?”
    â€œI…I guess if we ask round other boarding houses?” There was suddenly something awkward hovering between Grace and me. Her eyes seemed too dark, or was it her face that seemed too pale? Or maybe I was imagining those things.
    â€œWhat about asking at reception?” said Naomi. “That’s where parcels and things get delivered, isn’t it. They might say they can save you the bubble wrap whenever they get some.”
    I nodded hard, feeling relieved that Sophie and Isis seemed to have gone into their own little conversation now, and also feeling grateful to Naomi for coming up with such a brilliant idea. “I’ll go along there straight after lunch. Thanks for thinking of that, Naomi.”
    I thought the worst had passed but I was wrong. I was just eating my apple tart