Free Bill Rules by Elizabeth Fensham Page B

Billwould never forgive me for abandoning Troy. It’s like Troy’s the child, and we look after him. Bill gets worried sick about the dangers Troy faces in jail. And I do, too.’ Pam paused to blow her nose on a tissue. ‘But at the same time, I’m scared that Bill will be influenced by Troy. He’s a special kid, but how much can a kid take before he’s damaged, too?’
    â€˜Your Bill is strong, Pam. In this valley, that boy has won a lot of hearts,’ said Tessa.
    â€˜Yeah, Tessa’s right. Take a good look at him now,’ said Donald, ‘gutsy, smart, sensible and honest.’
    â€˜You’ve loved and guided that boy with every bit of energy you have,’ said Nan patting Pam’s hand. ‘A person can’t do better than that.’
    â€˜Have you heard that old saying?’ asked Donald. ‘Give me a boy until he is seven and I will show you the man.’
    â€˜Yes,’ said Pam dabbing at her eyes with a tissue.
    â€˜Well, just keep believing in Bill,’ said Tessa. ‘He’s safe.’
    At this point in the grown-ups’ conversation, Bill and Mat tip-toed out of the house.
    They ran down one side to the backyard and, stillin their shirts and shorts, stepped into the sun-warmed bath. After a while, Bill asked, ‘What did Donald mean about giving him a boy until he’s seven years old?’
    â€˜Maybe Dad wants to look after you,’ said Mat.
    â€˜But I’m way past seven.’
    â€˜Well it might be some superstition about numbers and seven is the best.’
    â€˜Got it!’ said Bill pounding the bath water so that it splashed Mat in the face.
    â€˜Got what?’ she asked, wiping her eyes.
    â€˜The first seven years of your life are what make you. That’s what Donald means.’
    â€˜You mean, you can never change after that?’
    â€˜I dunno, Matty.’
    â€˜Do you reckon it’s true – the bit about being sort of completed?’
    â€˜It mostly makes sense.’
    â€˜But doesn’t it scare you a bit?’ asked Mat.
    â€˜In a way, I hope it’s true.’
    â€˜How come, Bill?’
    â€˜Well, it would mean I can stop being worried that I might turn out like my dad. You see, I’m not like him now and I’m over eleven.’
    â€˜That’s what Dad was trying to explain to your mum, I bet.’
    And when Bill thought about what Donald and Tessa had been saying to Pam, he felt good. If he were going to be a liar and a loser, it would have shown by now. Tessa had said the whole valley liked and respected him. Tessa and Donald had called Bill a massive long list of kind things.
    â€˜What do you reckon Isabelle’s chances are?’ asked Mat suddenly.
    â€˜Of what?’ asked Bill.
    â€˜Of turning out okay.’
    â€˜I bet Isabelle was throwing a tantrum the moment she was born!’ laughed Bill. ‘But seriously, I don’t reckon she could change even if she wanted to.’
    â€˜Mr Riley did,’ said Mat. ‘And he’s ancient.’
    â€˜You’re right,’ said Bill. ‘Maybe it was after he said “sorry” to Mrs Flint that he started getting nicer.’
    â€˜He’s even kept his promise and given up shooting the car tyres of Mrs Flint’s visitors!’ giggled Mat.
    In bed later that night, Bill could think of nothing but his dad. Could his dad change? Could he grow up and learn from his mistakes? Bill remembered thatfirst night camping with Mat. He’d lain awake making up a story about his dad coming out of jail. Part one was about to come true. It was incredible. Part two was about his dad being strong enough to keep away from trouble. Was it possible? Bill shared his mum’s concern. He wasn’t very confident that anyone could show his dad how to be strong. As he drifted to sleep, he was wondering if you can help a wish come true. Bill didn’t think the Old Bloke Upstairs