Read Online Sea Horses by Louise Cooper - Free Book Online

thrashing around in bed. But the dream's gone now. You're awake and safe. Are you all right?’
    Tamzin nodded. She felt shocked and breathless.
    ‘Do you want to tell me about it?’ Nan asked.
    Tamzin hesitated, then shook her head. ‘N… no thanks, Nan. I'd rather not.’ She paused. ‘What time is it?’
    ‘Nearly two o'clock.’
    Nan was still fully dressed. ‘Hadn't you gone to bed?’ Tamzin asked.
    ‘No.’ Nan sighed. ‘I know it sounds silly, but I was trying to get that new horse painting right. I still can't make it work.’
    ‘Mrs Beck was talking about your horse paintings at school today,’ said Tamzin. ‘We're having a Christmas art and craft sale for charity, and she asked if I could do a picture.’
    ‘Did she?’
    ‘Yes. But I can't draw. So Mrs Beck said to ask, would you help?’
    Nan looked at her thoughtfully. ‘Can't you draw?’ she said. ‘Have you ever really tried?’
    Tamzin hadn't shown Nan the drawings she had tried to do of Moonlight. They weren't that bad… ‘I suppose I haven't,’ she admitted.
    ‘Well, then.’ Nan sat down on the bed. ‘You wouldn't like to use my new picture to start you off, would you?’ She gave a strange little laugh. ‘I'm not getting anywhere; it doesn't seem to like me. Maybe it'll like you better.’
    Tamzin's eyes widened. ‘I couldn't, Nan! Your pictures are brilliant – I'd spoil it! Anyway, it'd be cheating.’
    ‘No, it wouldn't. Mrs Beck did ask, after all. And you can tell her what you're doing.’
    ‘But it's yours .’ Tamzin couldn't explain, but the thought of painting on one of Nan's pictures, even if Nan encouraged it, felt all wrong and even a little bit frightening.
    Nan, though, was looking at her keenly. ‘Do you know,’ she said, ‘I don't think it is mine. It's just a feeling I've got, but… I think you're the one who should finish it.’
    ‘Wh-what do you mean?’ Tamzin asked.
    ‘Remember when you came home from riding and found me having trouble with the painting? I first had the feeling then. I told you, didn't I, how I started painting blue horses because I hoped they were a… a sort of protecting influence. Well, maybe they are, or could be. But I don't believe it works for me; not any more. I've had my time, Tamzin. Now I think it might be your turn.’
    Tamzin couldn't answer. She just stared, wide-eyed, and after a few seconds Nan smiled sadly. ‘It was just an idea,’ she said. ‘I'm Probably being silly. But think about it, and if you want to complete the picture…’ She stood up. ‘I suppose I ought to go to bed as it's so late. Will you be all right now, love?’
    ‘Yes,’ said Tamzin. ‘I'm fine. Honestly.’
    ‘Well, goodnight then.’ Nan kissed Tamzin's cheek and left the room.
    For a few minutes there were sounds from the bathroom, then came the click of Nan's bedroom door closing. Tamzin knew she should try to go back to sleep. But she was afraid of having another nightmare, and she was thinking about what Nan had said. Nan wanted her to take over the trouble-some picture. She truly believed it was the right thing to do. So why was Tamzin afraid to try?
    She couldn't answer the question – or perhaps she didn't want to. She turned over in bed, picked up a book, and tried to concentrate on reading.
    That week at school Tamzin was in a dilemma about Nan's picture. Mrs Beck had asked again if Nan might help and Tamzin had told a white lie, saying yes, well, maybe, and she would ask. By Thursday, though, she was still no nearer to making a decision.
    Thursday was a blustery day, and by the time Nan came to pick Tamzin up from school it was raining too.
    ‘Typical October weather!’ said Nan as Tamzin scrambled into the car out of the squally downpour. ‘Never mind, the forecast says it'll clear up tomorrow so it shouldn't spoil your weekend for riding. The sea's huge; I walked to the beach to look. Full moon tomorrow too. There'll be big spring tides.’
    Tamzin had learned about the