Free Alice in the Middle by Judi Curtin Page B

just then her phonebeeped, and for the next ten minutes she and Hazel texted madly, giggling to each other as they did so. By the time Alice finally put down her phone, I was almost asleep. I jerked myself awake though.
    ‘OK, Al,’ I said. ‘Now tell me about the big plan.’
    She gave a big yawn.
    ‘Sorry, Meg,’ she said. ‘How about I tell you tomorrow? I’m really tired right now.’
    ‘I suppose so,’ I said, trying not to sound too disappointed.
    I felt like punching someone. I
hated
that Hazel knew all the details of the plan and I didn’t. I was supposed to be Alice’s best friend. I was the one she was supposed to share her secret plans with first.
    I couldn’t argue though. I didn’t want Hazel to see Alice and me fighting. Still it wouldn’t have mattered anyway. Alice is the world champion secret-keeper. I’d have to wait until the next day, whether I liked it or not.
    Even though I was tired, I hardly slept at all thatnight. All kinds of thoughts and questions raced around my brain.
    I wanted to know more, yet at the same time, I didn’t want to.
    How would we sneak out?
    What would happen if we were caught?
    Did I want to see any film so much that I’d risk being sent to Mrs Duggan, or worse, being sent home from camp in disgrace?
    I could just say I didn’t want to go with Alice and Hazel.
    But then I thought – I had to go with them. This was my big chance to prove myself. It would let Alice know that I wasn’t just a quiet little chicken. And it would let Hazel know that I wasn’t just going to stand back and let her ruin my friendship with Alice.
    A few sleepless hours later, I had made up my mind.
    For once in my life I was going to be brave.
    I was going to break all the rules, and have some fun.
    I felt a bit better once I’d decided.
    Sneaking out would be fun.
    Maybe Alice would lend me the turquoise top she’d promised me for the disco.
    I wondered if I’d have time to straighten my hair.
    Would Hazel do my face again?
    Luckily my best jeans were clean.
    Maybe…
    When I finally fell asleep I had lots of crazy mixed up dreams about Alice, Hazel and me..

Chapter sixteen
    W e all slept late in the morning, so there was no chance to talk about the plan. At breakfast time, Sarah came and sat with us, so we couldn’t say anything then either. I’d have liked to tell Sarah that we were going to sneak out. Maybe she’d even want to come with us. But I knew Hazel wouldn’t want that, and I didn’t want to risk making her mad. So I didn’t say anything.

    After breakfast, Alice and Hazel had to off to their tennis lessons. Just before they left, Alice came and whispered in my ear. ‘I’ll tell you everything later, OK?’
    I nodded.
    Basketball seemed to go on forever. I was so excited and scared. A few times I missed really easy shots, and the coach got cross with me.
    ‘Want me to spit in his coffee later?’ whispered Sam. It was funny, but I was too nervous to laugh properly.
    In the morning break, Sarah and I sat together, but I couldn’t concentrate on what she was saying – I was too busy telling myself to be brave for the afternoon’s adventures.
    At last it was lunch break. While everyone else was tidying up the basketballs and the team vests, I raced upstairs to my room. Alice and Hazel weren’t there yet. I changed into my jeans, and borrowed Alice’s hair-straightener and straightened my hair. I took her top out from the wardrobe, and put it on. I knew she wouldn’t mind. Then I sat on my bed and waited.
    At last Alice and Hazel came clattering up the stairs. They came into the room and closed the door behind them. Alice looked at me.
    ‘Hey, Megan, that top really suits you,’ she said.‘You look great, but why…..?
    Hazel didn’t let her finish her question. ‘Come on, Alice. Hurry up and get ready. We have to go in ten minutes, otherwise we’ll miss our bus.’
    I grinned at her.
    ‘You don’t have to worry about me,’ I said. ‘I’m