Read Online Dreamrider by Barry Jonsberg - Free Book Online Page B

yours.’
    She put the slightest stress on the word ‘friend’. I almost couldn’t bear it. Mary had waited so long for this. It was there in her eyes. Planning my social life. Sleepovers with Martin, going to watch footy with Martin, long phone calls with Martin, playing computer games with Martin. I felt weak before her naked hope.
    â€˜Said he’d met you at school and wanted to check if you were settling in. Isn’t that kind of him? Said he was worried you might find some of the kids unfriendly. He was so disappointed you weren’t here. Oh, and he left a message. He’ll probably see you on the bus tomorrow and he wanted to know what costume you’d be wearing to the Social on Friday – and if the two of you could go to the Social together.’
    I knew I was in trouble.
    â€˜What’s the Social, Michael?’ she said over the rim of her teacup.
    â€˜Oh, it’s like a school party,’ I said, trying to sound casual. It wouldn’t work. I knew Mary too well.
    â€˜Brilliant!’ she said. ‘For the whole school?’
    â€˜Just the Year 10s.’
    â€˜And what did Martin mean about a costume? Is it fancy dress?’
    â€˜Sort of. It’s got a theme.’
    Mary was getting more excited by the minute.
    â€˜I used to love fancy dress parties,’ she said. ‘What’s the theme?’
    â€˜Horror.’
    â€˜Well, we are going to have to get busy. It’s what, Tuesday now. If I’m going to make something we’ll have to decide tonight what you are going as. I could pick up material tomorrow.’
    â€˜Listen, Mary. I’m not sure I want to go.’
    She put her cup down and the saucer rattled. This could get unpleasant.
    â€˜What do you mean?’
    â€˜I’m not sure about it, that’s all.’
    She just frowned at me until I turned my head away. I felt her hand on my wrist, but kept my head down.
    â€˜Michael,’ she said. ‘We need to talk.’
    â€˜I know what you are going to say, Mary.’
    She snorted. ‘Good. It won’t come as any surprise to you then. Listen, Michael. If you’re determined not to go, I can’t force you, and neither can your dad. You’re too old for that now. But you owe me a hearing at least. Is that too much to ask?’
    How could I say ‘Yes’? It was impossible. Mary plucked nervously at her bottom lip, flipped open a packet of cigarettes and went to light one.
    â€˜Dad’ll go mad,’ I said. ‘You know he hates the smell.’
    And Dad would smell it, even hours later. He blamed me, never Mary, so I didn’t like it when she smoked in the house.
    â€˜Oh, just the one,’ she said. ‘I’ll open the backdoor and let some air in. He won’t smell it.’
    I didn’t say anything. She sat for a moment blowing out a determined stream of smoke.
    â€˜Michael,’ she said finally. ‘You’ve been to seven schools in four years. It’s no wonder you don’t make friends. Now, I know it’s not your fault. I know that every school you’ve been to has been a nightmare, that you’ve been bullied, emotionally and physically, at all of them. I can only begin to imagine what that must be like. And I worry about you, Michael. I worry about you so much.’
    Her eyes brimmed with tears. It wrenched something inside me. I covered her hand with mine. I could feel it trembling. Mary took another drag on the cigarette. Ash fell to the floor.
    â€˜This is a chance, Michael. That’s all. A chance for a little happiness. You’ve been invited to the Social by a boy from school. The first time I can remember anyone inviting you anywhere. Don’t blow it, Michael. Take a chance. Please. If not for your sake, then for mine.’
    And that’s how it was decided. A series of images flashed into my mind. The first time I saw Mary, standing on the doorstep, about two years after Mum