Read Online The Girl from Hard Times Hill by Emma Barnes - Free Book Online

time. Then I sat down and read her the story.
    She wasn’t that bad, really, Shirley. I’d felt different about her, since she’d almost been crushed under Tom’s wheels.
    Reading to her reminded me of the book I’d brought back from school. It would be something to read on the train.
    I went into the living room to find it, and there was Mum, sitting on the sofa with my book open on her lap.
Five Children and It
by E. Nesbit, borrowed from the school library. Mum looked up at me guiltily. ‘Oh Megan,’ she said, ‘I do hope you don’t mind. Do you know, I read this when I was your age? And I absolutely loved it!’
    â€˜Oh.’ I was very taken aback.
    â€˜I knocked over your bag, and this fell out, and I picked it up and just read the first page – and somehow it sucked me in. Goodness, but it’s been lovely. A whole twenty minutes to myself, reading a book!’
    There was something different about Mum at that moment. She looked – well, happier than usual. And younger too, and less harassed. Maybe it was because she didn’t have Barbara glued to one hand and Shirley to the other.
    â€˜Why don’t you keep on reading?’
    â€˜I can’t. There’s so much to do. Barbara’s sleeping, but she’ll wake up soon.’ Mum looked tired again, and older. ‘But look at you, in your smart uniform,’ she said suddenly. ‘Come and tell me about your day.’
    â€˜No, you sit there, and I’ll get you a cup of tea.’ I might almost have giggled, I sounded so like Nana – but I was too sad. I knew now I couldn’t run back to Llanelli. It wouldn’t be fair. I’d just have to stay here, and make the best of things…including school.
    By the time Dad got back, Mum and I had got the flat a bit straighter. Most of the dry nappies had been folded and put away, and the washing-up was done and the counters wiped. I’d even persuaded Shirley to pick up her toys. Still, I knew I’d have to start on my homework soon, and I had no idea what we were going to have for supper.
    Dad came in carrying a loaf of bread under one arm and a newspaper-wrapped parcel under the other. The smell gave it away.
    â€˜Fish and chips!’
    â€˜That’s right – to celebrate the end of your first week! Doesn’t she look grown-up in her uniform, Gwen?’ Dad grinned at me. ‘Well, Megan, how was it? You haven’t told us much so far. Did you enjoy it? Could you keep up? I’m sure you knocked the socks off them!’
    He looked at me eagerly. He’d been working hard at his new job, and we’d hardly had a chance before to talk.
    I smiled as brightly as I could and said, ‘It was just fine.’

    A few days later, when I got onto the bus to school, I saw the same dark-haired girl sitting next to the window, with her eyes glued to a book. Actually she’d been there before, but I’d always walked past. This time, I stopped next to her.
    I took a deep breath. ‘Can I sit next to you?’
    She looked up, nodded silently, then returned to her book. I sat down and looked sideways at her. Dark hair, long face, dark eyes.
    â€˜I think we’re in the same year.’
    She nodded. I struggled for more to say. ‘Are you Jewish?’
    She turned and stared at me, astonished. From the expression on her face, I realized how nosy it sounded. And I remembered that Pam had once told me that some people didn’t like Jews. Maybe this girl thought I felt the same.
    â€˜I’m sorry,’ I gabbled. ‘I suppose it’s none of my business. It’s just – the thing is, you remind me of someone, a friend of mine, and I couldn’t think why. I just wondered if it was because you were both Jewish.’
    â€˜What’s she called?’
    â€˜It’s a he, and you won’t know him. He doesn’t live in Cardiff. His name’s Davy Levenson.’
    A slow