A Head Full of Magic, page 17
“Squawk! I’ve got something for you inside your nan’s red suitcase.”
He flew back to Dame Genevieve, leaving me to heave out the old suitcase and plonk it in the middle of the floor.
“What’s inside?” I lifted the suitcase lid to reveal row upon row of empty cracker packets.
“Squawk! Honestly, Fleur, just open them up and stop asking questions for once, will you?”
Inside each cracker packet, there was at least one chess piece from at least two of our sets.
“Sir Barclay! You scoundrel! I knew it was you.”
I had lost count of how many had disappeared mid-game when I was at school. I thought it was only a handful he had pinched but there were loads!
“Crikey, Sir Barclay! How many are there?”
“Squawk! Fourteen at the last count, but there’s something else for you, an early birthday present, in the suitcase pocket. I nipped onto your mum’s laptop and ordered one the other night, so please say it was you if she asks.”
I unzipped the side-pocket and found a brand-new animal chess set, still in its cellophane wrapper. It was fantastic!
“Squawk! It’s for you, Fleur,” he said apologetically. “And your nan. It would appear you might have a spot of catching up to do.”
I was so happy that I wanted to squawk!
“Tell you what,” I said, tidying up the cracker packets. “How about I teach you how to play this weekend? Then I can beat your feathered tush legitimately without launching any of Nan’s feather cushions at you!”
“Squawk! You’re on!” he replied.
Nan appeared in the doorway of her room with Mum close behind.
“Come on, Fleur,” Mum said, frowning. “It’s been a busy day. Let’s leave your nan to get some rest.”
“But we haven’t even had one game yet!”
“I know, I’m only kidding. You two can play as long as you like tonight but you know where I am if you want to join me for Tat and That.”
Yes! I knew she was a legend really. Mum playfully nipped my nose with her fingers then headed downstairs.
I lay in bed that night thinking about all the things that had happened to me over the weeks, and how lucky I was to have Mum, Nan, and not one, but two pompous feather-bums. It was strange to think of Celeste up in the air on her way to America for another new adventure, but I was excited to think about the new adventures I might have as a Hexter.
Mum clambered up the stairs to my bedroom.
“Goodnight, my hockey superstar!” she whispered, kissing my forehead.
I held her hand and squeezed it tight. Once Mum had shut my bedroom door, I closed my eyes and smiled. There were still so many unanswered questions about my magical gifts, but hopefully things would become clearer the more I practiced. You would think being dishonest to Mum would come easily, wouldn’t you? Given how much I had fibbed about her dodgy cooking and Celeste’s bullying.
It wasn’t easy, and I didn’t like it one bit, but I trusted Nan’s judgement, and I really hoped that Dad would come home soon so that we could all work things out together. Thank goodness I had Nan—I knew she would always listen and try her best to help me understand. Whatever happened next, I knew that she would be there for me when I needed her most—no matter what.
I snuggled under the covers and realised, for the first time in ages, that I was peaceful, happy, and comfortable. Comfortable as a Hexter, as an Animalator, as a Meteolator, and as Fleur Marie Bottom. Mum was right. A comfortable Bottom is a happy Bottom.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sarah lives in Yorkshire and worked as a Criminologist until she fell in love with writing and quickly swapped a life with crime for a life with rhyme! She is married with three awesome kids who keep her on her toes whilst she is plotting and sharing her latest stories.
Sarah has self-published two picture books. The King and the Cockerel was a finalist in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards in 2018 and Molly’s Magic Brolly picked up a Silver Award in 2019. She is currently working on a number of middle grade and children’s picture books and has a couple of book club novels up her sleeve too. When she is not writing, she loves nothing more than to run, bike or swim in the hills of Holmfirth and recently entered her first Triathlon. Next New Year’s Eve, she will not be making any sports related resolutions.
Sarah is an active SCBWI Member and a Volunteer Ambassador for Candlelighters Charity.
Follow Sarah @SMorrellAuthor
www.sarahmorrellauthor.co.uk
Sarah Morrell, A Head Full of Magic
