Cassie Read Online Free Page B

listen to the books over and over again. She did listen to them over and over. But, for Fern, the words filling the car didn’t touch her.
    Was she doing the right thing? The right thing for Cass? Her own needs were secondary. She was taking Cass from everything she knew, from all that was solid and dependable – her home, her school, her support workers that she loved and trusted. And her father, of course. And for what? An instinct that things would be better for Cass if they moved. It wasn’t much, this instinct. Especially weighed against what might be lost. But it felt right and she had to trust it.
    On the stereo, Ellie led those closest to her down into Hell.
    Fern hoped she wasn’t doing the same.
    Holly
    â€˜Mum,’ wailed Holly. ‘Tell me you’re not serious!’
    â€˜I know, chicken. I know. But there’s no way round it.’ Ivy Holley waved her arms in a helpless fashion. The sponge in her hand sprayed fine droplets of dirty water over Holly’s face. ‘The spare room just doesn’t work for Fern and Cassie. Think about it. Her wheelchair would have to come down the corridor, then do a ninety degree right turn and then another left into the spare bedroom. There’s no space to manoeuvre, chicken.’
    â€˜But it’s my bedroom, Mum. Mine. It’s got all my things in it. It’s part of me.’
    Ivy hugged her daughter. Holly shrugged away, barely aware of the sponge dripping down her back.
    â€˜I know. But once we get the spare room sorted, it’ll be great in there. Obviously, we’ll move all your stuff in. And it won’t be forever.’
    â€˜The spare room’s tiny.’
    Ivy twisted her mouth.
    â€˜I wouldn’t say tiny ,’ she said. ‘ Compact would be a better word.’
    â€˜It’s tiny.’
    â€˜And that’s another reason it has to be this way. Fern and Cassie need two single beds. They won’t fit in the spare room. Unless you’re happy to share your room with Cassie.’
    â€˜No way.’
    â€˜Well, I can’t see how else it’s going to work, then.’
    Holly couldn’t see how else it was going to work either. But the fact that moving out of her own bedroom into a cramped spare room that smelled of mildew was the only practical alternative did not mean she should be happy about it.
    â€˜It’s not fair,’ she said.
    â€˜No,’ said Ivy.
    They looked at each other for a few moments.
    â€˜I’ll get my things together,’ said Holly.
    Ivy nodded. ‘Thanks, chicken.’

    â€˜I quite understand,’ said Demi Larson. ‘No, of course not. Family comes first … Really, it’s not a problem … Okay. See you on Monday, Holly … Sure … Take care. Bye.’
    She flipped her phone shut and turned towards Kari Williams and Georgia Glasson. Her friends were taking it in turns to update their Facebook status every few minutes. Demi’s bedroom was entirely self-contained – well, at least as far as digital media devices were concerned. There was a state-of-the-art computer console, a plasma television with home theatre and DVD player and a powerful midi hi fi system. There were government agencies that weren’t as well equipped.
    â€˜She’s not coming,’ said Demi.
    â€˜What do you mean?’ said Kari.
    â€˜She’s not coming, that’s what I mean. Holly. She’s expecting family to arrive and feels she can’t leave.’
    â€˜I knew she was a mistake,’ said Georgia.
    Kari tutted and shook her head. Turning down a Demi Larson invitation? It was inconceivable.
    â€˜I’ve never been turned down before,’ said Demi.
    â€˜It’s rude,’ said Georgia.
    â€˜It’s impertinent,’ said Kari.
    â€˜It’s interesting,’ said Demi.
    Holly
    Ivy Holley moved from one bedroom to the other, carrying a large brass bell and chanting under her breath. As she