Rising Star

Chapter Four

“I don’t know, Antonia,” said Mum, when Antonia asked if she could go with Cai to do an early-morning puffling patrol at the building site. “It sounds dangerous. And what about school? Year Six is an important year.”

“Please, Mum,” Antonia wheedled. “I’ll be really careful, and I promise I won’t be late for school.”

“I think she should go,” said Dad. “Claudia’s very responsible. She wouldn’t let her Sea Watch helpers do anything dangerous. It’s good for young people to get involved with the environment. After all, it’s their future.”

Antonia went quiet. It was true – Claudia wouldn’t allow them to do anything dangerous on purpose – but being a Silver Dolphin was full of risks.

“All right, you can go. Wear something bright so you can be easily seen, and no running around in the road! Stay on the path. And don’t be late for school or I will ground you for the whole term!” said Mum sternly.

“Thanks Mum, thanks Dad!” Antonia hugged her parents.

She phoned Sophie first, to tell her not to wait for her the following morning. Then she phoned Cai to give him the good news.

That night, to be on the safe side, Antonia borrowed an alarm clock from her little sister Jessica and set it five minutes after her own was due to go off. She needn’t have worried. She woke before either of the alarms and leapt out of bed to open the blind covering her sloping attic window. The sky was a clear blue, but as Antonia stared through the open window she noticed small beads of condensation on the wooden frame. There was a slight nip to the early-morning air. She shivered, knowing sadly that summer would soon be over. Antonia brushed the tangles from her long blonde hair, dressed in her brightest clothes then packed her yellow and blue uniform in her school bag. After a quick wash she crept downstairs and poured herself a bowl of cereal and a glass of milk. After stacking the dirty dishes in the dishwasher she pulled on her shoes before hurrying outside to wait for Cai and Claudia. Minutes later their car pulled on to the drive.

“Hi there,” said Cai, twisting round in the front seat as Antonia climbed in the back.

The building site was deserted. Claudia turned the car round in the temporary car park. Her mobile phone rang as she turned the engine off, making everyone jump. Cai and Antonia got out of the car and Claudia waved and mouthed at them not to go too far.

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