Von Gobstopper's Arcade by Alexandra Adornetto Read Free Book Online Page A

books and be the cause of envy for students all over the globe. And if that was a little far-fetched, perhaps the fact that someone with an international profile had acknowledged their efforts would help dispel the suspicion that had followed Milli and Ernest of late. Milli inhaled deeply in an attempt to curb her excitement before she reached home but it would not be tamed. It bubbled inside her so fervently that she literally squirmed and wriggled her way through the front gate.
    Milli’s elder sister, Dorkus, was sitting in a cane chair on the front porch. It had taken months of coaxing by Rosie to get Dorkus to have an outdoor experience; however, persistence had paid off, even though Dorkus still refused to venture beyond the porch steps in case the house should float away and leave her behind while her back was turned. If anyone ever did suggest she move beyond the porch, Dorkus would launch into a hyena howl and cling obstinately to the veranda posts, causing even Stench to slink away in fear.
    Milli’s return from school was the highlight of Dorkus’s day. During the hours that Milli was at school, Dorkus filled the time with reading, needlework, shelling peas and other sedentary activities. Occasionally, she watched the people in their street coming and going. She had an eye for detail and could tell you who had left their house at exactly what time and what they were wearing. Milli could imagine her sister running her own business one day: Dorkus Investigations — No Stone Left Unturned. Once she could be enticed to leave the house, that is.
    As was their usual routine, Dorkus followed Milli indoors to exchange the news of the day.
    ‘Mrs Nutcup went shopping with her wicker basket and came home with nothing but plums,’ Dorkus informed Milli.
    ‘Perhaps she’s making jam,’ Milli replied, feigning interest.
    She dropped her satchel and rummaged quickly through the kitchen cupboards in search of a snack. Once she’d decided on some Wopple Juice and a plate of Nitty-Gritty Biscuits, she charged into the living room with Dorkus at her heels. Her parents were both there, headstogether over the local paper and sharing a private joke.
    ‘You both knew about this all the time!’ Milli blurted. ‘You knew and didn’t say a word!’ It wasn’t a reprimand because at the same time she threw herself at her parents, hugging them so tightly that they struggled for breath.
    ‘Well, we didn’t want to spoil the surprise,’ said Rosie.
    ‘Your name’s in the paper,’ Milli told her. ‘The headmaster read it out at assembly and everyone knew that my mother was involved. I was really proud. Do you need help with anything? I could help with dinner if you like.’
    ‘Let’s just say this cancels any planned trips to find the Fountain of Youth?’ Rosie said with a wry smile.
    ‘Deal,’ agreed Milli.
    Milli telephoned Ernest immediately after supper. The Perriclof family had recently installed a new Bakelite telephone as a concession to the advance of technology, but Milli rarely called as she knew the ringing unsettledMrs Perriclof’s nerves. One of Ernest’s siblings answered, using his best phone manner.
    ‘Hello, Barabbas Perriclof speaking.’
    ‘Hello, Bas,’ Milli said. ‘Is Ernest there, please?’
    ‘This is Ernest,’ Bas replied in a high-pitched squeal.
    ‘Quit fooling around and put your brother on. Tell him it’s Milli.’
    ‘Milli who?’ Bas asked cheekily. ‘I’m sure Ernest doesn’t know a Milli. You don’t by any chance mean Millipop, do you?’
    ‘I’m not going to ask you again,’ Milli threatened. She could hear peals of laughter in the background and other little voices whispering together.
    ‘Pop goes the weasel!’ they shrieked before someone wrangled the phone from them.
    Ernest apologised on behalf of his siblings and explained that they were probably hyper from eating too much roasted chickpea gelati. Milli wanted him to find Bas and spank him with a hairbrush but