Read Online Kin by Lesley Crewe - Free Book Online Page B

didn’t appreciate it, but it was a happy day so she let it go.
    Out of the blue, Lila said, “Do you want to see my ballerina?”
    â€œSure,” said Annie.
    David looked confused. “A ballerina?”
    â€œYes, but you can never tell anyone where she lives. Do you promise?”
    They both promised.
    Lila led them through the woods, much farther than either of them had ever been. They skirted Long Pond, the body of water beside Long Beach. No one lived here, as it was too swampy, so there were no neighbours or houses nearby. Annie got nervous.
    â€œDo you know where you’re going?”
    â€œOf course. I’m a tree fairy, and tree fairies always know exactly where they are.”
    Annie glanced at David. He looked amused. “You’re a tree fairy?”
    Lila stopped and turned to face him. “I am a tree fairy, and if you don’t believe me, then I won’t show you the ballerina.”
    â€œDon’t get mad. I only asked a question.”
    â€œDo you believe me or not?”
    â€œOkay, okay. I believe you.”
    Only then did Lila turn around. “It’s not much farther.”
    It felt far to Annie, but she could still catch glimpses of the water through the trees, so she wasn’t completely lost. After stepping over dead trees and thick branches, Annie was about to say she couldn’t go any further when Lila stopped.
    â€œIt’s just ahead.”
    How could thick woods suddenly turn into a large clearing? There was this huge empty space in the middle of nowhere. The entire ground was covered with soft green moss and in the centre was a gigantic juniper tree. In fact, Annie soon realized it was three juniper trees all growing together as one, its wispy, unruly branches stretched out as if seeking the sunlight that filtered through the shadowed space. The upper branches looked like the swaying arms of a dancer and the full circle of sloping lower branches appeared to be a ballet skirt made of tulle. It was constantly moving in the wind.
    â€œIt does look like a ballet dancer! Do you see it, Davy?”
    David had to admit it was true.
    â€œBut this is the best part.” Lila and Freddy ran towards the tree, so the other two followed. Lila pointed at the base of the trees. “The roots have pulled away from the ground. There’s a safe cubby hole in the centre and when you’re in it, no one can find you.”
    â€œWow,” Annie said. “A secret hideaway.”
    David crawled in under the maze of roots and disappeared. Annie heard his muffled voice. “This is amazing.”
    â€œLet me see!” Annie wriggled her way into the dark. She couldn’t see Davy’s face, but she felt his body. He was lying on his side. It was surprisingly warm and the smell was earthy and old. “I love it in here. Can you get in too, Lila?”
    Lila appeared on all fours and blocked the light completely. There wasn’t enough room for her so she withdrew. The other two were silent, except for their breathing. The dog whimpered, wanting them to get out.
    â€œFreddy’s worried.”
    Annie and David crawled back out into the daylight and patted down their clothes, now covered in dirt and small shards of dead wood.
    â€œNo one else in the whole world knows about this,” Lila said. “It’s only for us. Agreed?”
    The other two nodded.
    â€œYou have to say it out loud.”
    David looked exasperated. “Do you want to shake on it? That’s better than saying it.”
    Lila nodded.
    David spat in his hand and held it out.
    â€œWhat are you doing?” Lila frowned.
    â€œThis is how you know that we won’t break our word. You have to spit in your hand and shake it with both of us.”
    â€œThat’s awful.”
    â€œNo it isn’t.” Annie spat in her hand.
    Reluctantly, Lila spat in her own hand too. They each shook hands with each other. Lila was about to rub her hand on her