Ask Eva Read Online Free Page B

on the spot like a mad thing. On her side of the court, Aretta stood up straight and tall. She looked calm and confident.
    ‘OMG,’ I whispered to Ella. ‘Maybe she can do this.’
    ‘Really?’ asked Ella. ‘You really think she can beat Andy? I know she’s already won five matches … but Andy?’
    I smiled and squeezed her hand. ‘Let’s just hope.’
    I wasn’t feeling so hopeful when Andy won the first ten points. In between jumping up and down, and doing stupid practice swings, he was grinning like his face was going to explode.
    ‘Come on, Aretta!’ I called. ‘Don’t let us down.’
    And then it was like Aretta turned into a different person. She raced around the court, and no matter where Andy hit the shuttle, she was there, ready to hit it back. It was like she knew where he was going to hit it before he even swung his racquet.
    Andy won a few more points, but basically the game was over. When Mr Holland called the final score 21-14 to Aretta, most of the class screamed and ran onto the court.
    ‘You genius!’ I shouted in Aretta’s ear. ‘You absolute genius! Why didn’t you tell us you were so good?’
    ‘I didn’t know it was such a big deal,’ she said, looking a bit embarrassed. ‘Badminton is only my second favourite sport.’
    ‘So what’s––?’ I began, but I couldn’t finish as more people came over to hug Aretta.
    I turned and saw Andy slipping away towards the boys’ changing room.
    ‘Do you feel sorry for him?’ asked Ella.
    ‘Nearly,’ I said. ‘But not quite.’

    When Aretta finally got into the changing room, she sat next to Ella and me.
    ‘We’re going to stop for hot chocolates before going home,’ I said, when we were nearly dressed. ‘There’s a really cool place just down the road from here. The hot chocolate is totally yummy, and you can have all the marshmallows you like. Do you want to come with us?’
    ‘I can’t,’ said Aretta. ‘Thanks anyway.’
    Suddenly I felt stupid. I looked at Aretta’s shabby uniform and old-fashioned shoes and realized that she probably couldn’t afford to pay for a hot chocolate.
    ‘Our treat,’ I said quickly.
    ‘To welcome you to our school,’ said Ella, smiling.
    I hoped that smile meant she could pay forhalf of Aretta’s hot chocolate, as I knew for sure that I only had 2.50 in my pocket – and some of that was supposed to be for a new maths copy.
    ‘That’s very nice of you,’ said Aretta. ‘But I’m busy. I’ve got a ballet class in a few minutes. Thanks for asking though. See you on Monday.’
    And then she grabbed her bag and was gone.
    ‘Busy girl,’ said Ella.
    ‘Have you seen the way she’s dressed?’ I said. ‘I’m not being mean or anything, but her uniform’s ancient, and her schoolbag is falling apart. If she can’t afford to get proper school stuff, where’s she getting the money for piano and ballet lessons?’
    ‘We’ve seen how good she is at badminton. Maybe she’s amazingly talented at ballet and piano too, and she’s getting some kind of scholarship for gifted kids?’
    ‘Possibly, but I don’t think that’s it. Trust me, Ella, there’s something weird going on with that girl, and I’m going to find out what it is.’

Chapter Seven
    M ost Friday nights I sleep over at Ella’s place – it’s a tradition we’ve had since we made friends. Her parents were just going out when I got there.
    ‘Why does Alyson have to babysit?’ Ella was saying. ‘Why can’t you trust me and Eva to stay here on our own? In some countries, I’d be working for a living by now – or I could be married.’
    Ella’s dad used to be my teacher, and it took me ages to get used to seeing her arguing with him. By now I’d had plenty of practice, though; Ella had the exact same argument withher mum and dad every single Friday night. I knew most of the lines off by heart.
    ‘We know you’re not a baby,’ said her mum.
    ‘And it would be nice if you did get a job,’ said her dad. ‘We