Page 66 of Journey to the Scottish Highlands

‘Who told you that?’

‘No one. I just decided.’

My jaw gritted with temper. Bloody bullies! If only they could see what negative effect their spiteful actions had. But then again, would they even care?

I pointed to the copy of Twelfth Night lying beside her. ‘I understand why you love it so much. You did Olivia’s monologue justice today, and then some.’

Cayla flicked her fringe out of her eyes. ‘Thanks.’ She jammed her lips together. ‘Some of the other kids think I’m weird.’

‘Why?’

Her freckled complexion pinked even more. ‘Because I like reading Shakespeare and acting. They say I think I’m better than them, but I don’t.’

It sounded like history repeating itself. I shook my head. ‘There’s nothing wrong with not running with the crowd. It’s good to be different.’

She didn’t say anything.

I twisted round further in my chair. ‘I had the same sort of thing at school. I got bullied too for a while because I wanted to be an actor. And some of the other kids teased me because I was raised by my grandparents.’

Cayla toyed with the ends of her hair. ‘What happened to your mum and dad? Oh, sorry, maybe I shouldn’t have asked.’

‘No. Don’t worry, it’s ok.’ I sat back on the dressing table chair as I told her the short and sorry story.

‘Wow.’ Cayla digested this. ‘That’s pretty shit.’

I buried a smile. ‘It was at the time, I suppose. Look, Cayla, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Go for what you want.’

At that moment there was a rap on the door, and Gillian entered clutching a tray laden with two cups of tea and a plate of shortbread fingers. ‘Hope you’re having a good talk.’ She smiled before leaving again. I picked up on her hopeful smile as she eased the bedroom door closed behind her.

‘You’re seriously talented. I’m not just saying that. Don’t turn your back on what you want to do and then regret it later.’

She twitched her nose and looked thoughtful.

‘My Dad wanted to become an actor,’ I remarked.

‘Did he?’ Her ears pricked up with curiosity.

‘Oh yes. But he ended up not fulfilling his dream and became an estate agent.’

Cayla resumed picking at her duvet. ‘Maybe he was like me. Not good enough.’

I sighed and reached for my cup of tea. I took a considered sip and set it down again on the saucer. Cayla picked up her tea next and cradled it in her hands.

‘Cayla, you can let the bullies define who you are and prevent you from doing something special with your life. Or you can decide to take a chance and go for it.’

She took a mouthful of tea.

I hesitated before I spoke again. ‘Their behaviour says everything about them and nothing about you. They’ll have been jealous because you have a talent and a chance to do something with it.’ I retrieved my cup of tea beside me and took another mouthful. ‘Mrs Hazelwood told me what a terrible time you’ve had.’

Cayla made me jump by clattering her teacup back down on its saucer. ‘It’s got nothing to do with any of that.’ I wasn’t fooled for a moment. She was struggling to look at me.

‘And my mum had no right letting you in here.’ Her cheeks were popping with red. ‘Maybe she’s just frustrated and wants to live out her dreams through me. She shouldn’t have been talking about me, anyway.’

‘Cayla…’

She shook her head, sending her fringe tumbling further into her spangly, green eyes. ‘I know you’re only trying to be nice and I appreciate it. But I’ve decided I don’t want to act anymore, so you’re just wasting your time.’

‘Cayla, if you tell yourself that often enough, you might start to believe it. But I don’t.’