Read Online Darkness Falls by Mia James - Free Book Online

amazing kiss as the snowflakes drifted down.
    April shut her eyes and took a deep breath.
    ‘April?’ asked her mother. ‘Are you okay?’ She was grateful that Silvia was dropping her off in the car. The nights were short and dark and the Osbournes’ drive was long and creepy; she wouldn’t have wanted to walk along it alone.
    ‘Yes, it’s just … there are so many bad memories here. I was almost killed here. It’s great that my friends want to help me get over it. But I still … I’m afraid to go back in there.’
    Silvia reached over and squeezed her hand. ‘It’s only natural you’re feeling apprehensive, darling, but honestly, I think you’re going to have a great time. If you’re not, or if you feel sick or ill or anything else, just give me a call and I’ll be straight over, okay?’
    ‘Thanks, Mum. You can be human sometimes after all.’
    ‘I’ll take that as a compliment,’ said Silvia with a wry smile, opening the door. ‘You have a fabulous time. And no kissing!’
    ‘Mum … !’
    ‘Okay, okay, I’m going …’
     
    They were all waiting for her in the dining room.
    ‘HAP-PY BIRTH-DAY!’ they shouted, sending party poppers and streamers into the air. All of the Faces, and all of their louche floppy-haired boyfriends, were standing onchairs, cheering and clapping. April didn’t know when she had felt more embarrassed.
    ‘Thanks everyone,’ she said lamely as the girls ran up squealing to give her hugs.
    ‘You look amazing,’ said Chessy without, for once, a shred of irony. Good old Mum strikes again .
    The house had been given over to the Valentine’s Day theme, with hundreds of heart-shaped balloons suspended from the ceiling, huge vases of red roses and strings of fairy lights hanging in twinkling garlands over the windows. In one corner, there was a big silver banner reading ‘Happy Birthday, April’, covered in tacky glitter and streamers. Th at will be Caro’s contribution , thought April with a small smile. I bet she enjoyed undermining Davina’s careful interior design .
    ‘Thanks so much for doing this for me,’ said April, nodding towards the banner as Davina came over to air-kiss her.
    ‘Don’t thank me,’ said Davina, ‘Thank Caro, this is all her idea. I just provided the space. Although I bet Daddy could have pulled a few strings to get us a room at the Savoy for you.’
    ‘Well, it’s lovely anyway.’
    ‘Can I get you a drink?’ said Caro with a little too much enthusiasm. ‘We have cherryade or cream soda. Or I could mix the two for a cocktail.’
    ‘No martinis?’ asked Ling.
    ‘Not on a school night,’ said Layla.
    April looked at her with surprise. She hadn’t expected to see Layla at the party, especially not after she’d given the impression that she was terrified of the Faces. Th e Faces, or someone else . But Layla seemed to be back to her usual sarcastic self. April made a mental note to try and get Layla on her own and ask about her strange performance earlier in the day.
    ‘I don’t think it’d be a good idea for me to drink anything anyway,’ said April. ‘I’m still taking about six different types of pills.’
    ‘Ah yes, we mustn’t forget poor April’s condition, must we?’ said Layla with barely concealed sarcasm. ‘The poor lamb must be suffering.’
    Davina shot an angry look at her, but April tried to step in.
    ‘Oh don’t worry, I’m feeling fine,’ she said, hastily changing the subject. ‘Just a bit hungry.’
    ‘Well I can help you with that,’ said Caro, leading April over to the dining table, which was spread with paper plates holding sandwiches, crisps, chocolate fingers and sausages on sticks. Davina looked as if she was going to faint.
    ‘I did offer to fix Caro up with Mummy’s caterers – they do some wonderful canapés and finger food – but Caro – um – Caro wanted to go with her theme.’
    ‘It’s ironic!’ said Caro proudly.
    ‘It’s revolting,’ said Layla under her breath, taking