So anyway, Archie said Granny Rose wouldn’t come down when he called and waved. So then he shouted that if she was wanting to spend time in the tree-house, she was climbing up the wrong tree!

She came down after that and Archie said they were laughing so much, tears were running down my granny’s face.Archie had tears in his eyes as well when he was telling us about it but I thought he looked a bit sad as well.

Anyway, back to the dress. Even if Reuben gives me a look as if he thinks I’m weird which he sometimes does I don’t care. Because I’m going to feel like a million dollars wearing it.

I think this dress is going to do A LOT of good things for me!

Rosie

CHAPTER ELEVEN

‘Do you think she’s in?’ asked Katja worriedly, as we stood outside Ellie’s house, waiting for her to come to the door. We’d been there a few minutes already and the bell was definitely working.

‘Of course she’s in,’ said Maddy. ‘She’s expecting us.’

‘And her car’s here,’ pointed out Fen. ‘Shall I go round the back? Maybe she’s got the TV on and can’t hear the bell?’

‘I’ll phone her,’ said Maddy.

Just as she was fishing out her mobile, a light flicked on in the hall and the door opened.

‘Hi! Gosh, I’m really sorry but I’m going to have to postpone tonight,’ said Ellie, looking really apologetic. ‘I should have called but I... well, I got caught up with Isla. Can we do it some other time instead?’

‘Are things okay?’ asked Fen.

‘Oh, yes. It’s just she has a little cold and I was up with her during the night so I’m a bit tired today. I could do with an early night.’ She looked flustered and was peering round the door, I guessed to hide the fact that she was still in her dressing gown.

We told her that it really wasn’t a problem and that she should just get some rest.

‘We can do it next week instead,’ said Maddy.

‘Absolutely. You just need to take care of yourself,’ said Katja, giving her a hug. ‘And that precious little bundle as well.’

As we walked back to the car, the door opened again and Maisie appeared, running over to us. She had a bag in her hand and was pulling something out. ‘Rosie? Can I show you this dress I got at the charity shop?’

I smiled at her. ‘Of course. Oh, it’s lovely. But a bit too long, right?’

She nodded. ‘I tried it on and I was tripping over it all the time.’

‘Well, we can’t have that!’

‘Would you really help me sew it up so it fits?’

‘Of course.’ I glanced back at the house. Ellie was nowhere to be seen. Maisie had obviously sneaked out without her knowing to speak to me. ‘We’d need to speak to your mum first, of course. Tell her what we’re doing?’

‘Good luck with that,’ mumbled Maisie, looking suddenly glum.

‘What do you mean, love?’

‘I tell her things but I don’t think she even listens to me now. She never remembers so I always have to tell her again.’ She shrugged. ‘She just wants to be with Isla all the time. I think I get in the way now.’

‘What?’ I stared at her. ‘No, of course you don’t.’

‘I think I do. But it’s fine. I don’t care. Really.’ She hesitated, looking at me anxiously. So...’

‘So?’ I repeated, as I tried to think of what to say to reassure her.

She smiled eagerly. ‘So when can we do the dress?’