Eleanor cautiously stepped out on to the landing. She knew even if she locked the door her mum would find a way in.
‘Sweetheart, you look lovely.’ Her mum stepped towards her and smoothed down her straightened hair. ‘I was expecting the usual dungarees and Converse but this … this isvery nice. Is there someone special you’re trying to impress tonight?’ She winked exaggeratedly.
‘No,’ Eleanor snapped defensively, jerking her head back. ‘Kate and I said we’d match, that’s all. I let her pick the outfit.’
Her mum’s eyes widened and she nodded slowly. ‘I see. Either way, you look a treat.’
‘Thanks,’ Eleanor grumbled. ‘Can I finish getting ready now?’
‘As you were, my darling. But don’t be too long, you know what your father’s like … he’ll be asking Fin to help in the shed if he’s left to his own devices, and goodness knows that’s no fun for anyone.’
Eleanor retreated into the bathroom and stared at herself in the mirror. Under the layers of foundation and concealer, she could just about recognize herself. Her eyes felt heavy with mascara, and her lips were so thick with lip gloss that every time she breathed all she could taste was a sweet cloying vanilla.
This is ridiculous.
No, it’s not. All the magazines say pink eyeshadow is on trend.
So?
You look like a Barbie doll.
And what’s wrong with that?
Suddenly she heard an almighty squeal as Fin and Freya ran up the stairs like a pair of wild animals.
Eleanor ran to the bathroom door and locked it. She couldn’t risk anyone else seeing her before she was ready.
‘Fin, stop, please stop!’ Freya squeaked, her breathing heavy and her voice exploding with joy. ‘Eleanor, help me. Fin’s trying to catch me and tickle me,’ she cried loudly.
‘Elles, come out, come out, wherever you are,’ he called. ‘Your little sister needs rescuing.’
‘Eleanor!’ her sister screamed. ‘Help!’
Eleanor could hear the two bodies slumping down on to the carpet just outside the bathroom. The temptation to join in their games was outweighing her desire to fuss with her face any more. Slowly Eleanor unbolted the door. She was going to give them the fright of their life.
‘Where is she anyway?’ Fin asked breathlessly.
‘I don’t know. She’s been getting ready forhours,’ her sister whined. ‘She hasn’t played with me once all afternoon.’
‘I don’t know why girls bother,’ he huffed. ‘I didn’t think Elles cared about that stuff.’
Eleanor’s hand paused just over the door handle.
‘Maybe she cares whatyouthink,’ Freya teased.
Eleanor’s heart leapt to her throat. She pressed her ear against the door and closed her eyes.
‘Of course she cares what I think. I’m her best friend,’ he stated matter-of-factly.
Freya let out a giggle. ‘Yes … but maybe she doesn’t want you to be her best friend. Maybe she wants you to be herboyfriend.’
Eleanor’s entire body froze; the only audible sound was her heart beating in her chest.
‘Ew!’ Fin cried. ‘That’sgross. She’s like my sister.’
Freya started making kissing noises.
‘Stop that right now, Freya, or I’ll be sick on you.’
