Caramel Hearts Read Online Free Page B

too,” I say, the words sticky in my mouth. My shoulders feel lighter as the words come out. “But it was an accident.”
    â€œI know that. But that doesn’t excuse—” She pauses, gathering herself. “You’ve got to start pulling your weight, Liv. Taking control of your own life a bit more. I can’t always be here to pick up after you and wash your clothes. You’re old enough to do it yourself.”
    â€œFine,” I say. “Why didn’t you just say?”
    â€œI did,” she replies. “And I’m sick of repeating myself. Just do it, please.”
    As Hatty leaves, I spot the recipe book discarded on the floor, still open, and I blurt out, “What about the baking?”
    Suddenly, giving up doesn’t seem like an option. Why should I? The recipes are the only thing I’ve looked forward to in ages. And if I’m going to be treated like a slave, I might as well do something I enjoy.
    â€œWhat about it?” asks Hatty, pausing on the landing.
    â€œWill you still help me out?”
    Her eyes go wide and her eyebrows lift so high, they look like they’re trying to escape her forehead.
    â€œYou’re kidding, right?”
    â€œNo. You said—”
    â€œThat was before you abused my good nature, played truant and almost burnt the place down.”
    â€œSo you’re stopping me from doing the one thing I’m interested in? You’re always telling me to have more hobbies.”
    Harriet puts her hands on her hips.
    â€œI’m not stopping you, Liv. You want to bake, you bake. But you have to learn some sense of responsibility for your actions. So, you get the money for the stuff, and you can bake as much as you please. But not in school time, and not without me around. OK?”
    â€œHow am I meant to get money, if not from you?”
    â€œGet a part time job. I used to babysit when I was your age.”
    â€œIf only I was as perfect as you!” I say, and close the door in her face.
    * * *
    When I get to the traffic lights, my best friend Sarah is already waiting. Sarah’s face is flushed pink, and the dark shadows under her grey eyes show she’s had a restless night’s sleep. Her long, usually straight blonde hair sticks out like twigs. I know if I tell her she’ll get embarrassed and she’ll bite my head off. So I keep quiet, hoping she’ll notice it in the reflection of a car window instead.
    â€œAre you feeling better?” she asks.
    â€œYeah. Sorry I’m late. I slept in.” I check my hair in the reflection of a car window. “Are you OK?”
    â€œI-I’m fine.” Worry always brings out Sarah’s stutter. Embarrassing situations and excitement too. I feel dead sorry for her, cos she can’t ever hide what she’s feeling. Sarah pauses, takes a deep breath and continues slowly.“M-Mam had a turn last night, but she’s OK now. It’s just… you know?”
    I nod. I know all right. We’ve been friends since primary school.
    â€œNFDN,” I say. No Further Discussion Needed. “Do you have running practice during lunch?”
    We always get our plan straight as we walk to school – especially when our timetables don’t match. For the last year, Sarah’s been having problems with one of our old friends, Madeline Delaney (who we’ve secretly started calling Mad Dog). Maddy’s from Egerton Mount, and her dad’s doing time for aggravated armed robbery. She’s tougher than steel, but we were best friends once. Mam used to call us The Three Amigos in primary school – we were inseparable. But she outgrew us. Myself and Sarah were still into dolls and making dances to our favourite songs when Maddy started kissing boys and having a cheeky fumble. Mam said it wasn’t her fault that she had to grow up fast. Now she’s mixed up with a bad crowd, so we only hang out now and again – when