| | “HI, CHELSEA, HOW DID the shopping … what in | | 40 | | “Chatting, you call it?” mumbled Chelsea. “You |
| | the name of heaven is that?” | | | | positively drool over him. It’s obscene.” |
| | “What?” Chelsea gave her mother what she | | | | Her mother suppressed the desire to laugh. “I’m |
| | hoped was a cool stare. | | | | sorry, love, I didn’t think. It’s just that he’s so keen |
| 5 | | “Your ears - you’ve got half a dozen things in | | | | on the idea of being a writer, and it boosted my ego, |
| | them.” Ginny put her hands to her face. | | 45 | | someone wanting my opinion on something other |
| | “Three studs and a ring, actually,” said Chelsea. | | | | than acne and boyfriends! But flirting? That’s crazy |
| | “Well, take them out right now!” said her mother. | | | | - he’s just a spotty kid!” |
| | “No way,” said Chelsea, “I’ve only just had them | | | | “He’s not spotty,” snapped Chelsea. “Not very.” |
| 10 | | done. Why should I?” | | | | “You really like Rob, don’t you?” said Ginny. |
| | “Because the school rules are one stud only; | | 50 | | Chelsea shrugged - then nodded. |
| | because you look trashy and cheap; because …” | | | | “Then go for it - and I’ll keep out of the way - I |
| | “Oh, that’s right, suddenly you take notice of | | | | promise,” said her mother. “But get rid of that metalwork |
| | how I look. Normally, you can’t be bothered to even | | | | - it’s not you, love.” She grinned. “I wish I |
| 15 | | notice, you’re so busy tarting yourself up and flirting | | | | looked like you, I’ll tell you that for nothing.” |
| | with my boyfriends. Well, that’s tough, because I’m | | 55 | | Chelsea smiled a watery smile. “Everyone says |
| | keeping my earrings and …” | | | | you’re the smartest mum in my year. You should be |
| | “Oh no you are not, young lady. Now get them | | | | - you spend enough time dressing up.” |
| | out this instant or I’ll …” | | | | “I suppose I am a bit vain,” said Ginny. “When |
| 20 | | “You’ll WHAT?” screamed Chelsea. “Write | | | | you get middle-aged and grey hairs sticking through |
| | about me in the paper? Tell the world how silly | | 60 | | and your chin starts to sag, you have to work flat out |
| | Chelsea did something wrong again? These are my | | | | to fight Mother Nature. I look in the mirror some |
| | ears and I am making a fashion statement. So there.” | | | | mornings and wish I was twenty again. Am I a real |
| | Chelsea was running out of things to say. | | | | drag?” |
| 25 | | Ginny got up and put her arm on Chelsea’s | | | | “Well,” said Chelsea, “sometimes you are sort of |
| | shoulder. “Oh Chelsea love, you’re far too pretty to | | 65 | | un-mother like.” |
| | need all that metal junk in your ears.” she said. | | | | “Tell you what,” said Ginny, “let’s go out next |
| | Chelsea looked at her. “That’s the first time | | | | weekend after work. You choose something you like |
| | you’ve said I’m pretty,” said Chelsea. “Am I really?” | | | | for me to wear, something suitable for mothers,” she |
| 30 | | she added. | | | | added, pulling a face, “and I’ll treat you to some nice |
| | Ginny sat down and pulled Chelsea down beside | | 70 | | drop earrings for the one hole I am about to let you |
| | her. “Of course you are, sweety pie. I’m sorry, love | | | | keep open!” |
| | - I suppose I am so used to knowing how gorgeous | | | | Chelsea smiled. “Okay,” she said, “but you have |
| | you are, I forget that you need to know that too. | | | | to promise not to show off in the changing rooms,” |
| 35 | | You’re gorgeous, as a matter of fact.” | | | | she added sternly. |
| | Chelsea looked slightly appeased. | | 75 | | “I promise,” said Ginny dutifully. |
| | “And what’s all this about me flirting?” con- | | | | |
| | tinued Ginny. “You surely don’t mean chatting to | | | | ‘Just don’t make a scene, Mum!’ by Rosie |
| | Rob?” | | | | Rushton |
