A Sister's War by Molly Green (the reading strategies book txt) 📕

pulling Ronnie back through the safety of the hatch. ‘We’re just going to have our porridge and Angela and I will be out.’

‘It’s lethal,’ Ronnie grunted. ‘You need to be really careful.’

‘Why did she pick me and not Ronnie?’ Angela demanded.

‘It’s not for us to question,’ Jessica snapped. ‘Just shut up if you haven’t got anything constructive to say.’ She turned to Ronnie. ‘You clean the cabin and make drinks for us, love.’

Jessica put a meagre lunch on the table – baked beans on toast – and told them it might have to be their supper as well, their supplies were so low. The three of them were eating in silence when a loud bang, as though someone was battering the side of the boat with a plank of wood, made them leap up.

‘Anyone at home?’ a voice shouted.

Ronnie’s heart thudded. Will? It couldn’t be.

With difficulty she managed to prise open the hatch again, and there he was, grinning all over, and carrying a cardboard box.

‘I reckon yous’ll be wantin’ some grub sooner or later.’ He dumped the box on the table and took the items out one by one with a triumphant flourish. ‘A loaf, condensed milk, two quarters of tea, porridge oats … oh, and a packet of powdered eggs – I didn’t trust meself to bring the real ones,’ he chuckled. ‘But there’s real butter—’

‘Real butter!’ Jessica exclaimed. ‘We haven’t seen that since we started on the boats.’ She pounced on a tin. ‘Nescafé instant coffee? And Golden Shred marmalade?’ Her eyes suddenly narrowed. ‘Will, how did you get these things. They’re luxury items these days. You can’t even get them if you’ve got the money … unless—’ She paused and looked directly at him.

Will tapped the side of his nose. ‘Unless you know the right folks,’ he said, chuckling. He peered in the box and took out something flat, wrapped in greaseproof paper. ‘Bacon,’ he said. ‘Bet yer not had that since yer started on the boats neither.’

‘I can’t believe it,’ Ronnie said, eyeing the food, her mouth watering at the thought of fried bacon.

He looked round at the three girls. ‘That should do yer for a few days.’

‘It’s wonderful, Will,’ Ronnie said and was treated to a huge wink, making her giggle.

What a kind person. Why did everyone always say such horrible things about him? Especially Dora.

‘I suppose we’ll have to share it with Miss Dummit and the others,’ Angela said, squeezing nearer to have a look.

‘Nah. This here’s all yours. Me mate’s gone to them and taken a box. ’Cept theirs don’t have them extra special things.’

Ronnie glanced at Jess, wondering why she’d gone quiet. Her face, beautifully made up as usual, was set like a mask. She was watching Will intently. Ronnie’s stomach gave an unexpected flutter. Was something wrong? Impatiently she dismissed the idea. Jess made no bones about disliking Will either, but surely now she’d seen how he’d brought them food when they were desperate, knowing they were trapped in the ice with no means of getting to a shop, she’d change her mind.

‘How did you know we’re running really low?’ Angela asked him.

‘Stands to reason,’ Will said. He brought out the last items. ‘That’s it – three tins o’ sardines.’ His gaze fell on Ronnie.

‘It’s really kind of you,’ Ronnie said, ‘especially in this awful weather.’

‘I’m used to it.’ Will held her gaze. ‘It’s not kind – I’ll be wantin’ payment for me services.’

‘Of course. How much do we owe you?’ Angela said.

‘That depends.’

‘On what?’

‘On her,’ he said, his eyes not leaving Ronnie’s even though he was answering Angela.

‘Who’s her?’ Jessica said. ‘Doesn’t she have a name?’

‘A boy’s name,’ Will grinned, allowing his gaze to rest on Ronnie’s chest. ‘But she ain’t no boy underneath them jumpers. So give us a kiss, Ron.’

Ronnie felt the heat rise to her face. Will was rather cheeky, but she couldn’t help the frisson of excitement he gave her just by one penetrating dark look.

‘All right,’ she said recklessly. ‘One kiss. That’s all. Do you promise?’

‘Yeah, I promise.’

He bridged the small distance between them in one leap, then grabbed hold of her and half flung her over his arm. She glimpsed the wooden ceiling for the space of a second before his mouth came down on hers, crushing her lips, blocking everything out, as though she and Will were completely alone. For a few mad moments it was thrilling, but then she felt something not hers – hot and wet, whirling into the private space that used to be the inside of her mouth. She felt something hard pressing against her thigh.

Almost choking, she put her hands on his chest and with all her might shoved him backwards. Will laughed.

‘That was prob’ly your first proper kiss,’ he grunted. ‘You’ll like it better next time.’

‘There isn’t going to be a next time!’ Jessica roared, grabbing hold of him. ‘How dare you!’

‘Jess—’ Ronnie started, her face and neck feeling as though it were on fire, but Jessica took no notice.

‘Clear out!’ she bellowed. ‘And don’t show your face again.’

‘That’s nice, that is, when I’ve brought you some grub.’ Will eyed the items as though weighing up whether he should snatch them back.

Jessica released her grip on him and reached for her bag. She drew out a pound note.

‘This should just about cover it,’ she said, slapping it into his hand. ‘But you can take those extra goods we can’t afford back where they came from … then Ronnie owes you nothing.’

‘That’s fer Ronnie to decide, not you.’ Will threw Jessica a furious look. ‘And I in’t takin’ nothin’ back. They’re special for Ronnie and you don’t have to eat them.’

Ronnie’s breath came in short bursts. She felt shaken. This wasn’t how it was meant to be in her dreams. She’d longed for him to kiss her properly but not like this. And in front of the others. He’d ruined a romantic moment. But it hadn’t been romantic. She’d been frightened. Now, angry for not standing up