Witch Is When Things Fell Apart by Adele Abbott Page A

donkey, hanging over me.
    “Did you enjoy that?” Amber asked, after I’d scooped up the last few crumbs.
    “It was delicious.”
    “Good. Now we have another favour to ask you.”
    “You two have used up all your favours.”
    “Don’t forget we got blueberry muffins for you.”
    “Does this favour involve Grandma?”
    “No. I promise. It’s just that it’s our birthday next week.”
    “Are you having a joint party?”
    “That’s just it. We thought—” Amber looked at her sister.
    “Yeah, we were thinking—” Pearl said.
    I had a horrible feeling I knew where this was heading.
    “We’d really like to go to Washbridge for our birthday.”
    “Shopping?”
    “No, we thought we could go out for the evening.”
    “For a meal?”
    “No, silly. Going out for meals is for old people. We want to go to a club. To dance.”
    “I’m sure I’ll be able to come up with somewhere for you to go.”
    “You have to come too,” Pearl said.
    “Me? No, I’m old people.”
    “Don’t be silly. You’re not old. Kathy can come too.”
    Yay! Can’t wait.
    “So, can we?” Amber had the pathetic puppy dog face off to a tee.
    “Please!” So did Pearl.
    “Okay. I’ll see what I can arrange.” What else could I have done?
    “Thanks, Jill. You’re the best!”
     
    I timed my visit to Kathy’s so the kids would be at school.
    “Hello, stranger,” Kathy had a cheese cracker in her mouth. “Come in. Coffee?”
    “No, thanks. I’m not stopping.”
    “I saw your grandma’s shop on Wool TV the other day.”
    “Since when did you watch Wool TV?”
    “I heard about the competition on the radio, so thought I’d check it out. Exciting finish wasn’t it?”
    “Thrilling.”
    “I thought you’d be pleased that Mrs V won.”
    “I am. She deserved to get one over on her sister.”
    “What brings you here? Come to see the new beanie creations?”
    “You’re sick. It’s a wonder Child Protection haven’t taken the kids away.”
    “It’s creative. That kangadillo is a work of genius.”
    “Of a sick mind more like. Anyway, that’s not why I’m here. It’s the twins’ birthday next week. They want to come to Washbridge and go to a club.”
    “Good for them.”
    “They want us to go with them.”
    “Are you sure you can manage a late night? Don’t you have to be tucked up in bed by ten?”
    “You make me sound old,” I said.
    “You act old.”
    “Rubbish! So, are you up for it?”
    “Just try stopping me. It’s ages since I got down and funky.”
    “I don’t think anyone gets down and funky any more—if they ever did. Look, you don’t have to go. Are you sure you wouldn’t like more time to think about it?”
    “I’m in. I’ll have to buy a new dress though.”
    “Like you need an excuse.”
    “Anyway, I’ve got news too,” Kathy said.
    “Does it involve the wilful destruction of beanies?”
    “When I was listening to the radio, there was a phone-in competition. You’ll never guess who won.”
    “The kangadillo?”
    “No. Me! Guess what I won.”
    “A trillion pounds?”
    “Close. A voucher for a manicure and pedicure.” She grinned inanely. “For two!”
    “Don’t look at me.” I shook my head. “No! No way.”
    “It’ll be great.”
    “I can’t have anyone touching my feet.” I shuddered at the thought.
    “We can get our nails done for the twins’ birthday night out. I’ll book us in.”
     
     

Chapter 12
     
    “You have a visitor,” Mrs V whispered when I arrived at the office.
    “Who?”
    “Your grandmother. She doesn’t look happy.”
    When did she ever?
    “Morning, Grandma. To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?”
    “I’m on to you.” She pointed a crooked finger at me—at least I think it was at me—it was hard to tell.
    “What have I done now?”
    “Don’t come the innocent with me, missy. You used the ‘sleep’ spell on Mrs G.”
    “How can you even suggest such a thing? You would have known if I had.”
    “You’re right. I