Hot Prospect (9 page)

September 2nd finally arrived. It was a Sunday, so the whole family was able to go to Stadium School with Roddy. Even Liz decided she didn't want to miss out.

The car was full of bags and boxes, and they were just about to set off when Bryn came running up the road.

“Wait, Dad!” yelled Roddy. He jumped out of the car and ran to meet his friend.

“I was afraid I was going to miss you,” said Bryn. “I wanted to give you this.” He held out a carrier bag and Roddy took it.

“Thanks,” he said. “What is it?”

“Just an ankle support.” Bryn sounded embarrassed. “I thought it might be useful, you know … no hard feelings or anything.”

Roddy didn't know what to say. They never gave each other presents. They didn't even bother with birthday cards any more. But somehow Bryn had managed to make this moment special. He was simply the best mate ever. “Thanks!” Roddy said again, wishing he'd thought to get something for Bryn. He could have hugged him, but that was impossible, so he punched him on his arm instead. Then they grinned at each other.

“Good luck at your new school and everything,” said Bryn.

“You, too,” echoed Roddy.

They both made a fist and knocked them together.

“See you at half term,” said Roddy.

“Yeah.”

Roddy sprinted back to the car. As they drove off, he wound down his window and leaned out. “Get in the team!” he yelled.

A broad grin stretched Bryn's face. “You, too!” he shouted.

In another moment they had gone round the corner, and Bryn was out of sight. Roddy settled back into his seat, hugging the carrier bag to his chest. It was still difficult to believe, but it was true. He was on his way to the biggest adventure of his life. Roddy Jones was going to Stadium School!

First published 2008 by
A & C Black Publishers Ltd
38 Soho Square, London, W1D 3HB

www.acblack.com

Text copyright © 2008 C. Jefferies and S. Goffe

The rights of C. Jefferies and S. Goffe to be identified as the authors of this work have been asserted by them in accordance with the Copyrights, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

Print ISBN: 978-0-71368-885-6
Ebook ISBN: 978-1-40815-348-2

A CIP catalogue for this book is available from the British Library.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means – graphic, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or information storage and retrieval systems – without the prior permission in writing of the publishers.