Page 101 of The Grand Duel
The smell of the toastie cooking flows through the plane, and I let my eyes peel open, my mind drifting back to a different time.
Jovie always loved a cheese toastie when Mum and Dad were away.
It was one of the only things I could get her to eat.
The pilot appears from behind a door and then heads towards me, a plate in hand. “Hello. Miss Elton, isn’t it?”
He places the toastie down on the table, and I stare at it, my body feeling as if it’s turning a little numb. “Uh—sorry?”
“I’ve flown your parents before. Grace and William Elton.”
I nod, my mouth going dry.
“How are they?”
I frown, flicking my eyes out through the window before looking back at the man. “I’m sorry, I don’t know.”
Heat climbs up my neck, sweat prickling my skin.
“Are you okay? Can I get you a cold glass of water?”
“I’m…I’m fine,” I say, or try to, my words not sounding like my own.
“Lissie, I’m scared.”
“You’re okay. You have me.”
“I want mummy.”
I pull my baby sister tighter to my side, making sure the quilt covers her. “Me too. But they have a really important event happening this weekend, and we have to be really good for them.”
“My tummy hurts.”
“I’ll go and make you something to eat. Wait here under the covers.”
I make my way from my parents’ bedroom and run as fast as my feet will go down the landing to the stairs.
They’ll be home soon.
They’ll be home soon.
They’ll be home soon.
It’s been three days since they left, and they never go for more than four, so they have to come back soon.
I make Jovie a cheese sandwich and then place it under the Rayburn to warm it, making it slightly toasted. My parents would be so mad to know I’m feeding her what they call junk, but Jovie is such a fussy eater. It’s hard to make things from the list they left.
I don’t really like the stuff on the list either, but they like it when we eat it. I think if I can get Jovie to try some of the foods soon, they might start taking us with them on their work trips, and we won’t be here alone.
I miss them when they’re gone. I wouldn’t tell Jovie because it would frighten her, but I get scared at night when it’s just the two of us.
“Lissie.”
I turn and find Jovie standing in the kitchen doorway.
“Jovie, I said to…” I stop when I notice the dark patch soaking her pyjama bottoms. “Oh, don’t worry. It’s okay.”
“I got it in the bed.”