Читать книгу Boys on the Brain - Jean Ure, Stephen Lee, Jean Ure - Страница 14

Harry came round. As usual. He and Mum went up to the pub. Also as usual. Mum said, “You don’t mind, Cresta, do you?”

I said, “Why should I mind?”

“Well -” Mum looked at Harry. This sort of “Help me!” look. “It seems so awful! Me going out to enjoy myself while you just mope here with a book.”

“I’m perfectly happy,” I said.

“Yes, I know,” said Mum, “but—”

“You ought to get out more,” said Harry.

I said, “I do get out! I go to school every day. Or hadn’t you noticed?”

“There’s no need to be rude,” said Mum.

I wasn’t being rude. But I hate it when they start on at me like I’m some kind of freak! Is it truly so abnormal to want to get somewhere in life? You’d think with all the bad experience Mum has had she would be pleased I don’t gad about, as Nan would say.

Maybe she is scared that I am a lesbian, though what there is to be scared about I really don’t know. It is perfectly acceptable. But anyway, I’m not! If Carlito were to suddenly appear I would gad like crazy. I wouldn’t be able to stop myself! I would do all kinds of unspeakable things. I would snog, I would French kiss, I would probably even have under-age sex… Gulp! It is probably just as well that he is merely a figment of my imagination.

“So! You really don’t feel like joining us?” said Mum.

“Truly,” I said. “I have things to do.”

“Well, all right. We shan’t be late,” said Mum. “We’ll probably all come back here.”

“Yes, and this time,” said Harry, “the nasty old folk will behave themselves. No noise! That’s a promise!”

They’re back here, now. I’m in my room and they’re downstairs, and they are making a noise. It seems they can’t help it. They’re playing music VERY LOUD. But I don’t want to be laughed at again so I’ve just stuffed cotton wool in my ears and am doing my best to ignore it.

It is not easy.