‘All weekend she’s been going on about kissing with tongues.’ Grace winced. ‘I have to keep reminding her she’s talking about my brother. It’s SO gross.’
I suddenly spotted Cal come in and walk straight towards the library. I hurriedly pulled out the last of my books and slammed my locker door shut before everything came tumbling out.
‘Sorry, Grace, I have to go,’ I said quickly, watching Cal disappear through the library doors. ‘Talk later, OK?’
‘Can’t wait!’ Grace happily shouted after me as I raced to follow him, pushing through the squeaky doors at the end of the hallway and into the deathly silence of the library.
The library has always made me nervous. It really creeps me out because it’s too big and quiet in there, plus the librarian, Mr Grindle, hates me because of that time he caught me doing an impression of his walk. It’s not my fault he moves like an ostrich. Mr Grindle was reading as I came in and he did a double take at me when he looked up from his book.
‘Felicity!’ he said, bookmarking his page and leaning forwards on his desk. ‘Can I help you?’
I shook my head. ‘Nope. Just perusing.’
‘Perusing,’ he repeated curiously, as though I’d presented him with a riddle.
‘Yep. Having a look around.’ You’d think a librarian would have a greater grasp of the English language.
‘Would you like me to recommend you something?’
‘No, I’m good. Thanks.’
‘May I remind you that the library is a sanctuary of study andpeace. Two things I’m not sure you’ve much experience of,’ he said, all snootily.
This is why I hate the library. Because people like this hang out there.
‘If you’re planning on playing some kind of prank or causing trouble,’ he continued, ‘I suggest that you rethink it.’
‘I’m not causing any trouble, just searching for a . . . book.’
‘I see. Well then. Search away.’
‘Thanks.’
I hurried down the centre pathway, glancing left and right down each empty row, aware that I remained under Mr Grindle’s suspicious gaze. I came to a sudden halt when I spotted Cal at the end of the history section, reading with his headphones on. I sidled up next to him and coughed. When he didn’t react, I pulled one of his headphones from his ear and pinged it back on to his head.
‘Ow!’
Startled, he pulled his headphones down around his neck and glared at me.
‘What are you doing?’
‘I need your help.’
‘Shh!’ Mr Grindle suddenly appeared at the end of the row, pressing a finger to his lips. How did he get there so fast? His ostrich legs are more effective than I thought.
I mouthed ‘sorry’ and he strode back to his desk.
‘What are you doing in here?’ Cal whispered. ‘You hate the library.’
‘No, I don’t,’ I said defensively. ‘I love the library.’
‘Since when?’
‘Since now. Who wouldn’t love all these . . . dusty books?’
‘What do you want, Flick? I’m busy.’
‘Busy doing what?’
