Page 52 of Daydreams & Doughnut Cake

The Maisie Diaries

So. Amy told Reuben that she’d changed her mind and would like to go to the cinema with him after all. He didn’t look surprised at all. He just shrugged as if he didn’t care one way or the other (I was hiding round the corner, listening) and they made arrangements to meet at the cinema tomorrow night.

So that’s the first part of THE BRILLIANT PLAN in operation!!!

Watch this space!

Rosie

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

The morning after Danny brought me Mark’s letter to read, I was woken by my mobile phone ringing.

Blearily, I grabbed it from the bedside table and glanced at the time.

It was after nine! I’d slept in and I could hear the TV. Amelie must have woken up and taken herself downstairs to watch children’s programmes.

It was Ellie calling. I quickly answered it, wondering if she needed some help with Isla. I’d asked Maisie to tell her mum I was always here if she needed me.

At first, when she started speaking, I couldn’t make out what she was saying. It sounded as if she was in a panic about something.

‘Ellie, slow down. What’s wrong? Has something happened to Isla?’

‘No! Oh, God, Rosie, I don’t know what to do. It’s Maisie! She’s... she’s just gone.’

‘Gone?How? I mean, where do you think she is?’

‘I don’t know,’ she wailed. ‘She left me a note on the kitchen table saying she’s got a surprise for Isla.’

‘Right. But she didn’t say what it was?’

‘No! She only said she thought it would make Isla smile and stop her crying all the time.’

‘Stop her crying?’ I repeated slowly, trying to pin down a vague memory that was suddenly niggling at me. In the panic, I was finding it difficult to think straight.

‘I know. What on earth can she mean? She said she’s getting the bus but she’ll be back soon and I’m not to worry about her.’ She gasped in frustration. ‘As if I wouldn’t worry! I can’t believe she’s done this. I’ve just phoned Zak. He’d gone into Guildfordbut he’s turned round and he’s heading straight back now. He said to wait and we’ll go out looking for her together, but I don’t think Icanwait, Rosie. I need to beout therelooking for her but I’ve no idea where to start.’

I took a breath. ‘Hey, I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about. She’s a sensible girl. She’ll be fine. You’ve obviously tried calling her?’

‘Yes. Loads of times. She’s not answering!’ cried Ellie in despair. ‘Oh, Rosie, this is my fault, isn’t it? I’ve been so preoccupied with my own stuff since Isla was born. Do you think I’ve been neglecting her?’

‘No! And don’t worry. Stupid thing to say, I know. But I’m sure she’s fine.’

‘I hope you’re right. It honestly chills me to the bone thinking of her out there somewhere all on her own. Why wouldn’t she tell me where she was going? She used to share everything with me. Oh, God, she could have goneanywhere, Rosie!’

‘She’s growing up, though, and teenagers are notoriously bad at keeping their parents in the loop,’ I murmured, as the memory I’d been grasping for suddenly slid into my head. ‘Oh, I wonder...’

‘What?’

‘Well, that time I drove her over to mine so we could fit her dress for the show? We called in at that craft and gift shop in Henley Green on the way and she saw a teddy bear rattle she wanted to buy for Isla. We were going to call in on the way back to buy it but we never did.’

‘Right. I know the shop you’re talking about. So you think she might have gone there?’

‘Maybe.’I could hear a change in Ellie’s voice. My suggestion hadfocused her thoughts. I only hoped I was right.

‘I’ll head straight over to Henley Green now,’ Ellie said. ‘If that’s where she’s gone, maybe I’ll be able to beat the bus and be there when she arrives.’

‘Okay. I’ll meet you there.’

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