Happy Ever After (8 page)

“OK,” replied Poppy, wondering what was going on.

She knew that an argument was brewing, but what she didn't know was why. As she tried to entertain her baby brother and sister, Poppy could hear her parents talking in the next room.

“Lavender, what
are
you talking about?”

“Don't act so innocent, James!”

“Tell me what's going on, please,” said Dad miserably.

“Explain this letter!” said Mum, thrusting the secret love note into his hands.

Poppy gasped – Mum had found the letter that was meant for Dad! It was all her fault that they were fighting. Things weren't going to plan at all. She had to do something.

Dad read the letter quickly. “I don't know anything about it. It must be a prank!”

“No one would play a joke like this,” said Mum. “Have you been seeing someone behind my back? How
could
you, James?”

“Lavender, you have to trust me. I have no idea who wrote that letter. None whatsoever,” Dad told her. “I would never let you down!”

Just then Poppy edged her way into the room. “Mum, I think I might be able to explain . . .” she began.

“Poppy, go back to the kitchen and play with the twins, sweetie. Don't worry about anything,” said Mum as soothingly as she could manage. “Supper will be ready soon.”

“But—” Poppy tried again.

“No buts, darling,” said Mum. “This is between me and your dad.”

She wanted to believe her husband but she had nagging doubts in her mind. “Let's just have supper and try to get through this,” she said.

Poppy was distraught. It looked like her carefully thought out surprise would have to be cancelled. What a disaster – and it was all her fault.

After a miserable and silent supper Poppy ran over to Honeypot Cottage to see Honey and Granny Bumble.

Chapter Ten

POPPY BURST INTO
the cosy cottage and found her friend and Granny Bumble in the kitchen clearing up supper.

“Hello, love!” said Granny Bumble. “What brings you over here again?”

Poppy explained what had happened and that Mum and Dad's surprise dinner would have to be cancelled. Then she then started sobbing.

“Oh dear!” Granny Bumble gave her a hug. “You are in a pickle. You know, the best thing to do is tell your parents what you've done.
They
might be cross to start off with but they won't be for long, I promise you.”

“I've tried,” said Poppy in between sobs, “but they won't listen to me!”

“Well, keep trying, dear. Everything will work out in the end. You mark my words,” Granny Bumble told her.

That night, when Mum came in to kiss Poppy goodnight and tuck her in, she was looking very tired and sad and Poppy knew that if she tried to explain things, Mum would just tell her to
stop
. When Mum had gone Poppy tossed her favourite fairytale book into the back of her toy cupboard. After everything that had happened she was beginning to think that fairytales were silly.

Poppy couldn't stop worrying that her mum and dad didn't love each other any more – and that she had made things worse with her stupid date idea. Still, there was a wedding to look forward to, she told herself. Poppy loved what she was wearing and thought that Sally and Sol's plans sounded wonderful, but she could not summon up her usual enthusiasm. Worst of all, Mum and Dad were so busy that despite all her efforts Poppy still hadn't managed to explain the mix-up with the love letter. Things between her parents were very frosty indeed.

One night not long before the wedding, when Mum was tucking Poppy in, she noticed that the fairytale book was missing.

“What happened to the fairy stories Grandpa gave to you?” she asked.

“I don't believe in fairy tales any more,” said Poppy sadly.

“Oh, Poppy!” said Mum. “Don't be so silly. Fairy tales are wonderful – you're much too young to stop believing in them.
I
still believe! Night, night, darling! Sleep tight.”

Now that Poppy had got into this sad mood, she was always noticing how happy other people's parents were – so much happier than her own – and it made her worry even more. It seemed to her that no one else's parents squabbled. She paid special attention when she was at Peppermint Pond with Grandpa and the twins. Abi's mum and dad were laughing and holding hands as they walked their new Dalmatian puppy. On the way back she saw Saffron and David through the window of
the
Hedgerows Hotel. They were chatting and laughing and holding hands over a meal. As she walked along the river bank she saw Sweetpea's mum and dad out cycling. They were having a race and were giggling and calling out to one another.

Back at Honeysuckle Cottage Poppy heard Mum and Grandpa chatting over a cup of tea while she played with the twins in the sitting room.

“She's not herself, Lavender,” said Grandpa. “I don't
know
what's up, but there's definitely something bothering her. She hardly spoke at all while we were out – and that's very unlike the Princess Poppy I know!”

“Everything's fine,” said Mum. “I've just taken on too much work for the wedding, that's all, Dad, and I think Poppy's feeling a bit left out. Although the other night she did say she didn't believe in fairy stories any more. I never thought I'd see the day . . . But I'm sure it's just a phase.”

“Well, you know best, but we don't want our princess to stop believing in fairy tales for ever, do we?” said Grandpa.

Poppy thought about what Grandpa had said. She remembered that there were always lots of problems in all her fairy stories, but that true love conquered all in the end. Maybe things would work out OK after all – she just needed a new plan.

That night Poppy got the fairytale book out of her cupboard and read through it for ideas.

Hmmm. Snow White . . . Sleeping Beauty . . . Cinderella – it's always the prince who rescues the princess. Really it's up to Dad to be the hero
, thought Poppy.
But maybe he needs a little help. I know what! I'll order some flowers to be delivered. Mum's favourites – white lilies!

The next day Poppy tipped her pennies out of her piggy bank into her purse and went to ask Sally to make a special delivery to Honeysuckle Cottage.

“No problem, Poppy. What shall I put on the card?” asked Sally.

“Just write
To my Sweet Lavender!
” replied Poppy.

Sally smiled. “Right-o!”

Back at the cottage Poppy waited impatiently for the delivery. She was sure that this would fix everything. Finally the flowers arrived and Mum was thrilled.

“Oh, my favourites!” she exclaimed. “Maybe James is trying to say sorry!”