Watery Graves by Kelli Bradicich Read Free Book Online Page A

teased.
    “Not helping Matilda,” Cassidy said.
    “I don’t like what I’m hearing about that poor girl,” Mrs Bexley argued. “No one has stepped up to take responsibility. Nobody knows what has really gone on. I’m sure I wouldn’t want anything like that happening on my doorstep.”
    “Exactly. What if nothing’s happened? She’s not talking,” Cassidy argued.
    “I think that’s the point Cassidy. Julie Green is not only not talking about that night, she’s not talking, period,” Libby argued.
    “Go Libby ,” Matilda grinned.
    “Shut up both of you,” Cassidy snapped.
    Mrs Bexley placed the first round of sandwiches beside Emmy. “I’ll make you another round love,” she whispered.
    Emmy grinned. Mrs Bexley knew the way to her heart. “Are you sure I shouldn’t go?”
    Mrs Bexley shook her head. “They’ll get past this soon.”
    The instant Emmy bit into the sandwich she was happy with her choice.
    “You have to admit Julie’s been weird lately. Everyone’s raving about it on Facebook,” Libby said, laying out three Queens. “She hangs out at the river on her own. She doesn’t speak to anyone at school. Just stares into space most of the time. I’ve seen her do it.”
    “That doesn’t mean anything, Libby.” Cassidy shot her sister a look that suggested she not say another word. In silent communication, the Bexley girls glared at each other.
    Caught up in the dramatics, Emmy didn’t notice that Libby had picked up a card and thrown another out. She gripped her cards, so tight she accidentally creased the Ace and King of spades.
    Libby nudged her. “Your turn, Em.”
    “I’m having a party Mum,” Cassidy said, “and Matilda wants one too even though she’s not doing much to help right now. You’re way outvoted.”
    Matilda leant forward and waved a hand in the air, sarcastically getting her sister’s attention. “Cassidy, I’m not getting all shitty about something that’s going to blow over. It’s not a big deal. Let the people gossip, they get it out of their system and life goes on. We’re having an eighteenth. Send out the invites.”
    Mrs Bexley shook her head at Libby and Emmy . “Can you girls believe what I’m up against?”
    But Cassidy wasn’t finished . “I’d be fighting this with us Lib. If we don’t have a party when we’re eighteen, you don’t either.”
    “I’m not saying you aren’t having some kind of celebration,” Mrs Bexley said. “I am saying that you will be choosing your friends carefully. Only girls from your immediate group. There’s a limit of five each.”
    “And only girls?” asked Cassidy. “Not happening, Mum.”
    “Can I invite a friend?” Libby asked.
    “If it’s a girl,” Matilda laughed.
    “Mum .”
    Mrs Bexley served up another round of sandwiches to Emmy.
    Matilda leaned over a dish at the side of the couch to sharpen her pencil. “Let it go Cass.”
    A breeze made the curtains dance. High raked ceilings gave a sense of space and freedom, yet it was a safe place. Even when they were caught up in an argument.
    Cassidy flicked the stereo off and lunged towards the TV remote. “Don’t talk to me. I need space.”
    Emmy found it hard to concentrate on the game with the TV on. Her attention was constantly drawn to it. Shampoo commercials were just as interesting as the cartoons. Libby picked up a card and laid her hand down scoring for the first time and ending the game in one move.
    Everything at the Bexleys ’ had warmth to it. The girls were always comfortable doing their own thing together. Even when there was an argument they all stayed in the same room.
    Libby tapped her pencil against her teeth, “Your score is 79. I’m 60. You want another hand?”
    Emmy looked at her watch. “Yep. But I’ve got to keep an eye on the time. I told Kristian I’d be an hour.”

Chapter Eight
     
    “When I woke up this morning I thought Maya was standing over me. She was wearing a beautiful white dress and she glowed.”