Free Mollie Cinnamon Is Not a Cupcake by Sarah Webb

her elbows on the top and folds her hands together.
    “This is a very bad start to your time at Bethlehem Heights, Mollie,” she says. “Your great-grandmother will be very disappointed in you. I know girls can often say unkind things to each other, but you must come and tell us if that happens, not take matters into your own hands. We don’t tolerate any kind of physical violence or bullying here.”
    Me? I’m not the bully! Before I can stop myself, I give a shocked laugh.
    “Wipe that smile off your face, Mollie Cinnamon,” she snaps. “This is no laughing matter. I’ve phoned the nurse and she says Lauren will be fine, but her cheek is badly bruised. Count yourself lucky you didn’t give her concussion or worse. Now, this is something we must take very seriously indeed. Do you have anything to say for yourself?”
    I sit there, my mind racing. I could try to explain what really happened, but no one’s going to believe me.
    When I don’t respond, she goes on, “Why did you push Lauren? Did she say something to you?”
    Lauren is such a good liar she’s managed to turn everyone against me, even Bonny. No one will believe anything I say. I’ve had enough of Lauren and everyone at Bethlehem Heights, so I simply say, “I don’t know.”
    Mrs Joseph looks at me for a second, then sighs and shakes her head. “I’m sorry, Mollie, but in that case I have no choice. You’re suspended.”

Chapter 9
    I get the early ferry back to the island, which is a relief. Before I left school, I talked to Nan briefly on the phone and she sounded shocked and upset.
    “We’ll go over this properly when you get home,” she said. “I’ve spoken to Mrs Joseph and we’ve agreed that a week’s suspension is appropriate. And obviously you’ll have to apologize to Lauren.”
    During the whole journey back, I feel like a rubber band that’s been stretched and stretched to the limit. It’s so unfair because I’m not a bully! This is all Lauren’s fault.
    When we reach Little Bird, Nan is waiting for me at the harbour wall. Her face is rigid, like stone. I feel sick. Maybe she’ll send me away. And if Flora can’t come back for me, what will happen? Will I have to stay in a children’s home or with a foster family or something?
    Once again I linger in the cabin until everyone else has got off.
    “You all right, Mollie?” Mattie asks, sticking her head through the doorway. “Time to get off now.”
    I press my lips together and nod. But I’m not all right at all.
    Mattie lowers her voice. “I’ve heard what Lauren’s been saying to you on the ferry and it’s not right. I’m not surprised you snapped.” I must look confused because she adds, “I didn’t like to say anything when you got on the ferry, but I’m afraid everyone knows about what happened at school. Lauren rang her mum from the nurse’s office and news spreads fast on the island.” She smiles at me reassuringly. “Not everyone is taken in by Lauren Cotter. Just tell Nan the truth.”
    My stomach is turning nervous somersaults as I step off the ferry and walk towards Nan. But when I reach her, she just sighs.
    “Oh, Mollie, what am I going to do with you?” she says. “I need a strong coffee. Let’s grab a drink at Alanna’s before we head home and sort out all this mess.”
    “OK,” I reply. Delaying things sounds like a good idea.
    “Hi, Nan. Hi, Mollie,” Alanna greets us as we walk into the cafe. “What can I get you both? Your usual?”
    Nan nods. “Thanks, Alanna.”
    I can tell Alanna knows about the Lauren incident from the gentle smile she gives me. Mattie was right – news travels fast on Little Bird. My eyes start to sting with tears. Everyone must think I’m a terrible person. And I still can’t believe Lauren said such horrible things about Flora. I know Flora can be a bit ditzy sometimes, but she’s my mum. And she’s funny and smart in her own way. She’s also brilliant with people. “Flora, you could charm the