‘What’s the matter?’ I asked. ‘It’s Crystal. She asked me to go to her house.’ Poor Ella; she was clearly all stressed out again. ‘What did you say?’ ‘I said I had to ask Mum, but she thought that was a yes.’ ‘Why didn’t you just say no?’ Ella’s face crumpled. ‘I thought she’d ask me why and I didn’t know what I’d say.’ ‘It’s all right; you can tell her that you’re busy.’ ‘But she might ask me again another time.’ ‘And you can say you’re busy that time too. She’ll get the message eventually.’ Ella twisted her hands. ‘That doesn’t seem very honest.’ ‘It’s either that or tell her the truth.’ The colour drained from her face. ‘I suppose I could tell her I’m busy.’ I looked at my watch. Lunchtime was nearly over. ‘Listen, you’re walking home with me after your tutor captains’ meeting, aren’t you? We can talk about it then.’ She went off to her lesson, but it was clear she was going to worry all afternoon.
