The Power of Poppy Pendle by Natasha Lowe Read Free Book Online Page B

Ruthersfield. You’ve done everything for Poppy, Edith.”
    “We have.” Mrs. Pendle nodded, dabbing her eyes with a tissue. “And Ruthersfield’s not cheap, let me tell you! I’m not complaining, mind you, but I do wonder sometimes if Poppy really appreciates what we’re giving up for her.”
    “Yes, and I’ve never heard you complain once,” Maxine remarked.
    “Well, you want what’s best for your child, don’t you, and that Charlie—” Mrs. Pendle inhaled, gripping the edge of the table so tightly her knuckles turned white. “I’m sure she’s the one who’s been putting ideas into Poppy’s head, turning her against her magic.” She leaned forward. “I don’t mean to sound hard-hearted, Maxine, but Poppy is not to see that girl again.”
    “Oh, I couldn’t agree more. She’ll thank you in the long run,” Maxine murmured.
    “And all this nonsense with cooking,” Mrs. Pendle said, watching Maxine help herself to one of Poppy’s dream bars. “I can’t take it anymore. It has to stop.”
    “Mmmmmmm,” Maxine moaned, chewing slowly on the dream bar. It was one of Poppy’s own creations. “These are sensational, though. You can’t deny she cooks like an angel.”
    Picking up the plate of chocolate marshmallow fingers, Mrs. Pendle walked over to the sink and dumped the whole lot in. Then she turned the water on full blast and shoved the rest of the dream bars down the trash disposal.

    When Mr. Pendle got home from work that evening, Mrs. Pendle met him at the door, sniffing tearfully. He took off his shoes and put on his slippers while his wife told him exactly what to say. “You must be firm with her, Roger. For her own good. I’ve tried to explain things to Poppy, but she needs to hear it from her father.”
    “Right.”
    “She has to understand we know what’s best for her.”
    “Okay.” Roger Pendle looked a little puzzled.
    “Tell her we won’t put up with any more of this nonsense. Make it clear she can have Ruthersfield girls over whenever she wants, but not that Charlie person from the elementary school, and no more baking.”
    “Well, now, that’s a bit harsh, isn’t it?” Mr. Pendle blew his nose.
    “But it’s so disruptive to her studies.”
    “Not even the odd cookie or something? After she’s done her homework?”
    “She’s a witch, Roger. That’s what she needs to be concentrating on now. Unfortunately, it’s never just the odd cookie with Poppy.”
    “Yes, you’re right,” Mr. Pendle agreed. “We must be firm.” And squaring his shoulders, he marched upstairs to talk to Poppy.

    “Well, how did she take it?” Mrs. Pendle asked over dinner that evening. Poppy had refused to leave her room and join them.
    “Oh, she understands,” Mr. Pendle said, forking up shepherd’s pie and trying hard not to taste what he was swallowing. It was Super Savers’s own brand and had the smell and texture of canned dog food. “She’s a bit upset, of course,” he added, stirring his dinner around. “But not as angry as I was expecting. I have to say I’m rather proud of myself. Yes.” He straightened his tie and smiled across at his wife. “I believe she took it very well, Edith.”
    Upstairs in her room, Poppy threw some clothes into a pillowcase along with her favorite cookbooks and basketball. A deep sadness swelled inside her. She couldn’t stay here anymore, not after the awful conversations with her parents. Besides never seeing Charlie again, her father had told Poppy in the nicest possible way that she wasn’t going to be allowed to do any more cooking, either. “And I love to bake,” Poppy whispered. “I just love it.” The thought of never making another cupcake again was too much for her. Wiping away the last of her tears, Poppy ripped out a blank page of her spell journal and scrawled across it in purple ink.
    Dear Mum and Dad,
    I have run away from Potts Bottom. Please don’t try to find me, because I’m not coming home. Ever. I don’t want