Out of the Ashes: Part 5

By MICHAEL MORPURGO

Jay said she say a shooting star, but she was just making it up. She's always making things up, particularly what she calls her 'experiences' about boys, and sometimes that makes me annoyed because I think she's trying to put me down. But last night she was just having fun.

I feel she is more like my sister than my best friend. I know her so well, too well probably.

Jay was beside me later on when we all linked arms and sang 'Auld Lang Syne' (I can never remember the words) before we went back home in the pick-up, Bobs in the back, barking his head off at the moon. He always barks and howls on moonlit nights -- 'like a ruddy werewolf,' Dad says.

When we got back I went to see Ruby in her stable to wish her a Happy New Year. I gave her lots of sugar lumps and a kiss on her nose. Then I did the same to Bobs so he didn't feel left out -- not sugar lumps, just a kiss. When I got up to bed Dad was already snoring, as loud as a chainsaw.

Publisher: Macmillan

Price: $14.95

Age group: 8-12 yrs