Free The Accidental Life of Jessie Jefferson by Paige Toon Page B

again, and how things might have been different if she and I were still friends.
    The rain has cleared by the evening, so I walk the long way home, my feet taking me on a detour past Libby’s house. I slow on the pavement on the opposite side of the street, and cast a look at her house. Her dad’s car is on the driveway, but there’s no sign of life inside. I feel downhearted, but then, just like the last time I walked past, her mum appears in the kitchen window and she spots me instantly. But unlike last time, I don’t put my head down and turn away, so I see her wave enthusiastically. I timidly smile back and she holds up her palm, indicating for me to wait. She hurries out of sight and then the front door opens.
    ‘Jessie!’ she cries, beaming, her curly red hair framing her round face. ‘How are you?’
    ‘I’m OK, thanks, Marilyn,’ I reply uncertainly. My life has changed so much since Mum’s death, it’s like I don’t know her any more. She used to be like a second mum to me.
    ‘Come over and see me.’ She beckons to me and I feel obliged to go. ‘I haven’t seen you for such a long time!’ she exclaims as I reach her, putting her arm around me and pulling me in for a squeeze. I awkwardly squeeze her back. She’s familiar, yet unfamiliar. ‘Have you got time for a cuppa with me?’ she implores, and I hesitate before nodding. She leads me through to the kitchen. The house looks the same as it always did, but it feels like an age has passed since I was last here, not just a few months.
    ‘Where’s Libby?’ I ask.
    ‘She’s out at a friend’s,’ Marilyn replies.
    I’d put money on that friend being Amanda Blackthorn.
    ‘She should be back soon. I know she’d love to see you.’
    Why do I feel so small and out of place? So much has happened since I last felt comfortable within these walls. Marilyn sets about filling the kettle and putting it on. I pull up a chair at the kitchen table and tentatively sit down. She returns after a while with two mugs full of steaming, milky tea and a plate of biscuits. ‘I hope these don’t spoil your appetite this close to dinner. I don’t want Stuart to be cross with me,’ she says, taking a seat next to me. ‘But it just feels like so long since I’ve seen you! How are you?’ Her hazel-coloured eyes penetrate mine, and suddenly I wish I hadn’t come. Sympathy sets me off every time, and I’m so tired of crying.
    ‘I’m fine,’ I reply, blowing on my drink.
    ‘Are you looking forward to the summer?’ she asks.
    ‘What summer?’ I reply drily, indicating the weather outdoors.
    She laughs and rolls her eyes. ‘Too true. We’re off to Portugal when school breaks up so hopefully the weather will be better there.’ She freezes. Does she remember that mum wanted to go to Spain? No subject is safe with me. Perhaps she also wishes I hadn’t come in. ‘Have you seen any good films recently?’ she asks weakly, obviously struggling to think of something to say.
    ‘I haven’t been to the cinema for ages,’ I reply with a smile, feeling sorry for her. This is why it’s easier hanging out with people like Natalie – no awkward questions, no link to the past.
    We hear a key in the front lock and she instantly brightens up, leaping to her feet and popping her head around the corner into the hall.
    ‘Libby!’ she exclaims. ‘You’re back! Jessie’s here.’
    ‘ Jessie ?’ I hear Libby ask with wary disbelief. A moment later she appears. ‘Hi!’ she says with surprise. She’s wearing blue jeans and a light-blue top I recognise from TopShop. She looks like she’s lost a little weight. Her mum would call it puppy fat, much to her mortification.
    ‘Hi,’ I reply edgily. ‘I walked the long way home from town. Your mum spotted me through the window.’ I feel like I need to explain my presence.
    ‘I was over at Amanda’s,’ she says, tucking her hair behind her ears in that familiar gesture.
    ‘Your mum said you were at a friend’s. I