Free Mollie Cinnamon Is Not a Cupcake by Sarah Webb Page A

bees.” That’s what Granny Ellen always told her.
    “Don’t look so frightened, child. I’m not going to eat you,” Nan says. “I want you to tell me exactly what Lauren has been up to. I know a lot of people think that butter wouldn’t melt in that girl’s mouth, but I’m certainly not one of them and neither is Alanna. Mrs Joseph told me Lauren’s side of the story. Now I want to hear your side.”
    “You’re not sending me away?”
    “Of course not! Is that what you’ve been thinking? Mollie, we’re family, and family sticks together. No matter how near your cloak is, your flesh is always nearer.”
    Granny Ellen used to say that too. She said it was one of Red Moll’s expressions. I’m so relieved that hot tears start to roll down my cheeks. I wipe them away, embarrassed. I hate people seeing me cry.
    “Lauren was saying horrible things about Flora,” I say in a rush. “I told her to stop and she pushed me. I grabbed her to stop myself falling and pulled her down too. And then she lied to everyone about what had happened. It wasn’t my fault, you have to believe me.”
    “I do believe you, child. Come here.” Nan gives me a big hug. And for the first time, I let her hold me, although I don’t hug her back. She smells of baking and flowery perfume. It reminds me of Granny Ellen. It’s like coming home.
    “Lauren’s the one who was nasty about your hair, isn’t she?” Nan asks after a moment.
    “Yes. And she said you didn’t want me here. That no one wants me.”
    “Well, she couldn’t be more wrong about that. I love you, Mollie. Of course I want you here.” Nan pulls back a bit and looks at me. “From now on, if Lauren says anything unkind, come straight to me. Understand? I’d like to give her a piece of my mind. Her mother too.”
    “Don’t, Nan, please. I can look after myself.”
    “You’re just like my Ellen, and Red Moll before her, trying to battle the whole world by yourself. You don’t have to fight alone, Mollie. Even Red Moll had supporters. We may not be a whole army, but you have me, and Alanna too. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Lauren can tell all the lies she wants,” Nan says. “We’re on your side, no matter what.” She pulls me towards her again and squeezes me tight. This time I hug her back.
    “Do I have to go back to that school?” I ask once I’ve pulled away. “Lauren’s turned everyone against me and I don’t have any friends. Even Bonny hates me. Can’t I stay here with you instead?”
    Nan brushes a curl off my face. “And do what, child?”
    “My schoolwork. I have most of my textbooks with me. I could do essays and stuff until Flora’s back.”
    Nan thinks for a second. “I suppose it might work. Let me talk to your school in Dublin and see what they think. And I’ll need to discuss it with your mum, of course.”
    “Thanks, Nan.” I’m starting to feel a little brighter. Nan really does want me with her after all.
    “And, Mollie, one last thing. I don’t care what Mrs Joseph said − there’s no way you’re apologizing to Lauren. Just keep out of her way, understand?”
    “Got it.” There’s no way I’m going anywhere near Lauren Cotter and her poisonous tongue ever again.

Chapter 10
    The thing about not going to school is that routine goes out of the window. Personally I think that’s a good thing – routine is so boring – but Nan doesn’t see it that way. She’s not impressed with all my lie-ins. I’ve had no problem with bad dreams since Alanna gave me that herbal remedy. I’ve been putting a few drops on my pillow every night and sleeping like a baby.
    At ten on Thursday morning Nan marches into my room and whips open the curtains.
    “Wakey-wakey, sleepy head,” she says. “That’s quite enough lazing around for you.”
    I groan. “Go away, Nan. Just give me a few more minutes.”
    “That’s what you said at eight o’clock and again at nine. You had a day off yesterday and now it’s time to get