The Chocolate Dog by Holly Webb Read Free Book Online

with.”
    Amy nodded. “I suppose.”
    â€œIt’s hard for Lara too,” Dad pointed out.
    Amy scrunched up her nose. She didn’t think so. It wasn’t the same.
    â€œAnd she was really upset that you said you hated her. She thinks you’re so big and clever, Amy. She just wants to be like you.”
    â€œBut I don’t want her to be like me! I’m me!” Amy said.
    â€œMmm. Anyway. She says she’s not sharing a room with you any more.”
    Amy frowned. “Where’s she going to go, then?”
    Dad sighed. “Wait and see.”
    Â 
    â€œHow long has she been under there for?” Amy whispered.
    â€œPretty much since you left,” Mum said quietly. She was still looking upset, and Amy felt really guilty.
    The kitchen table was covered in a spotted oilcloth, which made it easier for wiping things up. The cloth was quite long, so it hung down all around, like a tent.
    Amy crouched down in front of it. “Lara…”
    There was only silence in answer, but it was a listening sort of silence. Amy wondered whether to lift up the cloth. “Can I come in?”
    There was a pause as Lara considered her answer, and then she said, “No. This is my room now.”
    Amy felt surprisingly hurt. Usually Lara loved it if she joined in one of her games.
    Choc came over from his water bowl and stuck his head under the table, looking at Lara interestedly. Most of the time, under the table was his place, and he did well out of what the girls dropped – accidentally or on purpose. He was a very useful way to get rid of vegetables.
    He scooted in, wagging his tail happily, and Amy ducked under the cloth to watch him. Choc sat down next to Lara, and then eased his front paws down straight so that he was lying flat. Lara had the cushions off the sofa under the table with her, and it looked quite comfortable. She had some books, and a couple of dolls, and an apple, and her toy first-aid kit. She seemed prepared to live under the table for a while.

    â€œI’m going to unpack,” Amy said. She took a deep breath and then added, in her nicest voice, “Do you want to come and show me where things are in our room?”
    â€œIt isn’t all that big,” Lara said, rather coldly. “You’ll find everything.”
    â€œOh. All right.” Amy straightened up, feeling as though she’d done her best. Choc didn’t come with her. He was snoozing comfortably next to Lara instead, and Amy went upstairs feeling quite lonely.
    Once she’d put all her stuff away and changed out of her Brownie uniform, she sat down on her bed, looking around the room. She still didn’t like it. But maybe it wasn’t as bad as she’d thought. It was big enough that there was a definite Lara side and an Amy side. Their stuff wouldn’t have to be all mixed up.
    In fact, they could each have their own tiny little room… There was a thudding of paws on the stairs, and Choc nosed the door open. He nudged Amy with his nose as he padded past and then flumped down on her sleeping bag, which was still in a pile at the bottom of her bed.
    Amy pursed her lips thoughtfully, remembering her Brownie holiday and those damp tents out on the field, and thinking hard.
    Then she picked up the mermaid box as a peace offering, and went back downstairs.
    She lay down on the floor and pushed the box under the table with the end of a wooden spoon – so Lara couldn’t even say she’d put a finger into her room.
    â€œWhat’s that for?” Lara asked suspiciously. But Amy could see that she was itching to pick it up. Choc sniffed at it and Lara twitched, as though she was worried he might hurt the box.
    â€œIt’s for you. To say sorry for being mean. I thought you’d like it. It’s a mermaid. I made it. I was going to save it for your birthday, but…”
    â€œIt’s nice,” Lara admitted, touching the glittery paint