Free Thrice Uncharmed (Wynne d’Arzon) by Cara Lee Page A

cute little birds. The irony that he didn’t have, and never could have, perfect looks was lost on him.
    Summer and I hurried upstairs while Josh was busy watching TV. Summer plonked herself down on my bed while I got my things ready.
    “Want some music?” I asked, pressing the silver button on the comm-panel. The latest hit from Krescendo, our favourite band, blasted out and a hologram of them playing beamed onto the wall.
    Then I pressed the green button, my wardrobe doors glided open, and a rail of clothes slid out. I glanced over at Summer, feeling awkward as always, that my room was so small and my wardrobe so sparse. Summer’s wardrobe was a huge walk-in affair full of designer clothes. Luckily, she was sprawled out watching Krescendo so I quickly grabbed the clothes I needed for the weekend and shoved them in my rucksack. Thank goodness I’d found an immaculate emerald green Maliko dress at the recycle store the other week. That would be perfect for Roxy’s. I knew Summer would let me borrow her clothes but felt better if I wore something of my own.
    I took out the dress and zipped it into a fresh-pack to keep it crease-free. I glanced at the image screen on my bedroom wall and grimaced. My make up needed renewing and some strands of my chestnut hair were escaping from the ponytail I’d swept it into. I swiftly fixed it and applied more make up. I didn’t want to turn up at Summer’s looking a mess.
    “Ready.” I pressed the buttons on the CP again to close my wardrobe doors, and switched off the music.
    “Have a nice weekend,” Mum said as we popped in to say goodbye. She looked so pale, with dark circles under her eyes. I could tell the visit from the Ministry had upset her and hesitated for a moment wondering if I should stay. But Dad was due home soon and I so looked forward to the weekend. I loved going to Summer’s house and being spoilt for a bit. It was like living in another world.
    “Thanks, we will.” I leaned over and tousled Josh’s chestnut curls. “Bye, Josh.”
    “Play, Maw.” He scrambled up.
    “Maw going out now. I’ll play with you when I come back.”
    He puckered his face as if he was going to cry, but Mum took his hand. “Come on, Josh, let’s pick some tomatoes for tea.”
    Every one had a vegetable patch, compost and water butt by order of the Ministry as part of the Planet Protection Programme. I hated gardening but Josh loved helping Mum water the plants with the rainwater collected in the butt, and picking the vegetables. Summer’s parents had a gardener, of course.
    Mum led Josh out into the garden while we went out the front door. I had no idea how much I was going to regret not playing with Josh one more time. Or not kissing him goodbye.