Free Feeling Sorry for Celia by Jaclyn Moriarty Page A

OKAY, OKAY. Sorry, Christina.
    Hi, it’s me again, and I really have to go, I’m actually feeling a bit train-sick. Maybe I just need some Pringles. Oh well, wish us luck with our Quest to rescue Celia.
    I hope you’re fine, and have a very nice day, and eat something delicious for breakfast tomorrow.
     
    Love,
    Elizabeth

    Coffs Harbour at Night!
     
    Dear Mum,
     
    Don’t worry. We didn’t fall under the speeding train wheels and we’re not lost in a banana plantation. Saxon’s auntie is really nice and she gave us cinnamon toast and hot chocolate as soon as we arrived. Her house is right on the beach so we had the cinnamon toast looking through the window at the water, and then we did our run along the beach (and we were way too slow, considering that the Trail Run is exactly one week away, but it was still fun). The auntie also has a lot of plants and a lot of giraffes. (She collects them.) (Not real giraffes.) So far, we haven’t seen Celia but we know where the circus is and we’re going there to find her tomorrow.
     
    Love from Elizabeth
     
    PS Sorry about this postcard. I know you think these are just stupid and completely unfunny , but they were on special.

    Caffs Harbour in the Mist!
     
    Dear Dad,
     
    Just letting you know that we arrived okay, and Saxon’s aunt seems nice and nothing like an axe murderer.
     
    Have you ever been to Coffs Harbour? It’s got bright colours.
     
    Well, I’ve run out of room.
     
    Lots of love,
     
    Elizabeth

    PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL MESSAGE FOR CELIA BUCKLEY
     
    Celia,
     
    IF ANYBODY IS LOOKING AT YOU, PRETEND THIS IS A LETTER FROM READER’S DIGEST ASKING YOU TO BUY A CONDENSED VERSION OF THE CATCHER IN THE RYE AND MAYBE WIN FREE TULIP BUDS.
    Now turn around really casually and walk away, kind of murmuring, ‘Hmm. Catcher in the Rye, that’s an okay book. Wouldn’t mind a few tulips around the caravan either.’
    OKAY
    Are you safe now?
    Are you sure nobody is watching?
    HI.
    It’s me, Elizabeth. I am here to rescue you.
    I caught the train up with Saxon Walker – he was in yourGeography class, you know? We are staying with his auntie and she’s very very nice and she makes cinnamon toast and collects video games, giraffes and cricket memorabilia.
    We have put an empty Sprite can in the tall grass next to the rubbish bin (it doesn’t look suspicious, it just looks like someone threw it and missed the bin) by the gates.
    You should put a reply note in there telling us the best time to rescue you.
    We will hide behind the rhododendron bush after we leave this note for you, to make sure it falls into your own hands.
    NOW RIP THIS LETTER INTO VERY SMALL PIECES AND EAT THEM . (I don’t really think you should eat them cause I think that could be unhealthy especially if you have glandular fever coming; they might clog up your glands or something. But Saxon says you have to. He’s going mad on me right now for saying that at all. He says you HAVE to eat it. (I still don’t think you sho–
    OKAY. Good luck Celia.
    We are with you in spirit.
     
    Elizabeth and Saxon

    Lizzy!!!!!!!!!
     
    My God!!!!! I can’t believe you’re here. I never felt so weird as when I saw your handwriting wrapped around a cricket ball that was rolling towards me. (That was weird for very many reasons which I’m sure I don’t need to go into.) But it’s fantastic that you’re here.
    You know what though? You don’t really need all the espionage stuff. This is just a circus, not a concentration camp. Next time you come by, why don’t you just knock on my caravan door instead of hiding behind the rhododendron bush? I’ll be there this arvo, around four. Can’t wait to see you.
     
    Celia

    Caffs Harbour – A Bright Afternoon!
     
    Dear Mrs Buckley,
     
    Hi! This is just to let you know that CELIA IS FINE. We have rescued her. She is looking forward to coming back to see you and starting school again. She’s got a bit of a cold at the moment, so we’re going to stay with