Broken Promises (3 page)

T
he adults were sitting at the kitchen table drinking cups of tea. There was no sign of Jessica and Ella, but Abi sat at the table with a bored expression on her face.

“Antonia, here you are at last,” said Mum tightly. She was clearly furious, but Antonia was too shocked to notice. She glanced at
Abi, completely amazed at how much her cousin had changed since she'd last seen her. Abi was so grown up! Instead of her usual bunches she wore her blonde hair in a sleek bob. Her long fringe almost covered her blue eyes and she was wearing make-up.

“Back in a mo,” said Mum lightly.

Gripping Antonia by the arm, she steered her out of the kitchen. In the hallway she lowered her voice to an angry whisper.

“And where have you been? You promised to be a good host, then you disappear on the very first day of your cousins' visit.”

“I'm sorry,” said Antonia. “It was such a lovely day. I felt like getting some fresh air.”

“What was wrong with the fresh air in the
garden?” asked Mum. “I'm disappointed in you, Antonia. I thought you were looking forward to having Abi and Ella to stay.”

“I am,” squeaked Antonia. “I didn't realise they'd get here so early. It won't happen again, I promise.”

“Make sure you keep your promise this time,” said Mum. “Go and say a proper hello. Aunty Sue is almost ready to leave. Then you can take Abi up to your room and show her where to put her things.”

Alone with Abi in her room, Antonia felt suddenly shy.

“I've cleared a space for you on my dressing table and there's a spare drawer for your clothes,” she said hesitantly.

“Thanks,” said Abi, unzipping her bag. She pulled out a jumble of clothes and began stacking them in the drawer. Antonia's eyes widened. How long was Abi planning to stay?

“I can empty another drawer if you need it,” she offered.

“No worries,” said Abi. “The rest of my stuff can stay in my case. I could do with a bit more room here, though.” She went over to the dressing table and swept aside Antonia's things. Out of the bag came a ton of make-up, a hairbrush, three different body sprays, shampoo, conditioner and a huge bottle of shower gel. Wincing, Antonia moved her dolphin statue to the bedside table before it got broken.

“After breakfast, I thought we could go to Sea Watch,” she said. “It's really cool there.”

“Sea Watch?” questioned Abi. She picked up the books Antonia had left on the put-you-up, then dumped them back on Antonia's bed. “Thanks, but I read those ages ago.”

“Sea Watch is a marine conservation charity. I go there to help. We're caring for a baby seal at the moment and we're planning a massive litter-picking event for this weekend.”

“Litter-picking?” Abi raised her eyebrows. “And that's what you do for fun?”

Antonia looked at Abi uncertainly. Was she being teased? The old Abi would have loved going to Sea Watch.

“We can do something else if you'd rather,” she said.

“No, Sea Watch is cool. Are we going now?”

“After breakfast,” said Antonia.

“I don't eat breakfast,” said Abi.

Mrs Lee encouraged Abi to eat a small slice of toast and drink some orange juice while Antonia wolfed down a bowl of cereal and several slices of toast.

“You don't have to go to Sea Watch if you'd rather not,” said Mum, giving Antonia a hard stare. “I'm taking Jessica and Ella swimming this morning. You girls are welcome to come with us.”

Abi gave a slight shudder.

“Thanks, Aunty Helen, but I'm not keen on swimming.”

“You used to love it,” said Mrs Lee, surprised.

“Yeah, well. I've grown up, I suppose. I start secondary school in September.”

Antonia gave Abi a worried look. Some of her friends from Sea Watch started secondary school in September. She hoped Emily, Karen and Eleanor weren't going to change as suddenly as Abi had.

By the time Antonia and Abi arrived at Sea Watch, Hannah and Cai had finished feeding Tilly and freshening up her pen. Antonia tried not to mind that she'd missed out on the fun. A spark of the old Abi returned when she saw the seal.

“Poor little thing,” she exclaimed. “Why is she so skinny?”

“She lost her mum,” said Cai.

“Can I hold her?” Abi pushed a finger through the netting and wiggled it.

“Careful she doesn't bite you. We handle the wild animals as little as possible,” said Cai, coming out of the pen with Hannah and locking the door. “It's not good for them if they become too tame.”

“Oh!” Abi was disappointed. “So what else is there to do?”

“Lots of things,” said Antonia quickly. “Let's go and find Claudia. She's never short of jobs.”

Claudia was inside the Sea Watch building, putting together some mysteriouslooking blue panels.

“What's that for?” asked Antonia.

“They're display boards,” said Claudia, pushing her curly brown hair away from her face. “They're for the litter-picking event on Saturday. I'm going to put up some posters and information on the terrible effects that litter pollution has on the marine life. Even if people don't join in with the event the posters will hopefully make them think about disposing of their rubbish more carefully.”

“Can we help put them together?” asked Cai.

“Antonia can help me,” said Claudia. “Please could the rest of you start making up the litter-picking packs? Each volunteer will be given a pair of disposable gloves, a black sack for rubbish, a green one for
recycling, a carton of juice and some biscuits in a recyclable box. I'm expecting around fifty volunteers. You'll find everything you need over there. Oh good, here's Emily and Oliver. Get them to help you.”

Claudia winked at Antonia as Cai and Hannah took Abi off to start their task.

“There are two more panels in the garage. Will you help me get them?” she asked.

“Of course,” said Antonia, following Claudia outside.

“How's it going with Abi?” asked Claudia as they walked to the garage.

“Fine,” said Antonia.

“Really? Abi seems uncomfortable. I'm getting the impression that she feels out of place and bored.”

Antonia forced a smile. She could hide her thoughts and moods from Claudia if she wanted to, but what was the point?

“You're right. It's not fine,” she admitted. “Abi's changed since I saw her at Christmas. She's into different things.”

“You don't have to come to Sea Watch every day if Abi doesn't want to,” said Claudia. “You could take a holiday.”

Antonia said nothing as she remembered her promise to Mum. She twisted a strand of her long blonde hair round a finger. How could she manage to stay away from Sea Watch for a whole week? And what about the Silver Dolphins? It would be really difficult to answer the call if she was looking after Abi on her own.

“You can take a holiday from the Silver Dolphins too.”

Antonia jumped in surprise. She'd been unaware that Claudia had tuned in to her thoughts and her suggestion shocked Antonia.

“I can't ignore Spirit's call,” she said emphatically. “I promised I'd always answer him.”

“There are three of you now. Cai and Hannah can manage on their own.”

Antonia remained silent. Not answering Spirit's call would be impossible. Knowing Hannah was a Silver Dolphin only made it worse. Antonia wanted to prove to Hannah that she didn't usually make mistakes.

“Promise me you'll think about it,” said Claudia calmly.

Reluctantly Antonia nodded. So many promises! How on earth could she keep them all?

T
hat evening over tea, Mum made an announcement.

“I'm taking you girls out tomorrow. We're going to spend the day at Oak Manor.”

“The theme park?” Abi stopped playing with her food and looked interested.

“Wicked!” squealed Jessica and Ella.

“What, all day?” asked Antonia, putting down her knife and fork.

“Well, of course all day,” said Mum. “It's a big place.”

Antonia had never been to Oak Manor, but she'd heard the rides were brilliant. It was the zoo part she wasn't keen on. The zoo had tigers and a golden eagle. Antonia didn't agree with such magnificent wild animals being penned up. But her main reason for not wanting to go to Oak Manor was that it was inland. How would she answer Spirit if he called while she was there?

“Can't we go to The Lakes instead?”

The Lakes were only down the road and right near a beach.

“Boring,” sung Jessica. “We can go to The
Lakes any time. Not that I'd want to. The rides are so babyish.”

Mum gave Antonia one of her looks. “We're going to Oak Manor,” she said firmly. “It's all arranged. I've invited Sophie along too.”

That was a nice surprise. Antonia smiled at Mum gratefully. It would be fun to spend the day with Sophie. And having her around might make things easier with Abi. Looking after her cousin was hard work. Abi had been bored at Sea Watch and made her boredom embarrassingly clear. Claudia offered to take Cai, Antonia, Abi and Hannah surfing after Sea Watch had closed for the day, but Abi hadn't wanted to join in with that either.

“I don't do water,” she said.

Sophie would know the right things to say to Abi. She got along with everyone. Helping out at her dad's art classes had given her lots of practice as she had to be friendly to all sorts of people.

After tea, Antonia went into the garden to look at Sandy Bay. The sky was blue and the sea sparkled like millions of tiny sapphires in the evening sunlight. Antonia longed to be in the water, surfing with Cai and Hannah, or swimming with her dolphins. Her fingers strayed to her silver dolphin charm. Its soft body juddered slightly to her touch. Antonia stood very still. Was Spirit about to call? She waited, but there was no sense of being needed. She smiled to herself. She'd noticed her charm reacted to her touch sometimes; it
was as if Spirit was telling her that all was well. Feeling happier, Antonia went indoors to join Abi, who was slumped in front of the television watching one of the soaps.

Oak Manor was a huge success. Everyone had a great time, except for Antonia. She wanted to enjoy herself. The rides were spectacular, but nothing could possibly compare with the thrill of swimming with the dolphins. Antonia spent the day wondering if Spirit would call and worrying about how she would answer him if he did. Although she had promised to think about taking a holiday from the Silver Dolphins, Antonia didn't give it any serious thought. If Spirit needed her she knew she would go to him. Knowing that Hannah
was around made things worse, not better. Hannah worried Antonia. She seemed so competent. It was hard to believe that she ever made mistakes. What if after the seagull disaster Hannah thought Antonia wasn't a good Silver Dolphin?

To Antonia's relief, Abi got on fantastically well with Sophie. They had lots of things in common, including a love of jewellery-making. Abi was more animated when talking to Sophie than Antonia had seen her since she'd arrived.

By mid-afternoon the theme park was packed. People were queuing for over an hour to go on the rides so Mrs Lee decided it was time to go home. Antonia could hardly hide her relief. Then, as they drove into Sandy Bay, a familiar sensation swept over her. Spirit was
about to call. Antonia willed her mother to drive faster but Mrs Lee was keeping to the thirty-mile-an-hour limit.

“Could I go to Sea Watch for a bit when we get home?” asked Antonia impatiently. “I won't be long. There's something I need to finish before the litter-pick this weekend.”

“Can't it wait?” asked Mrs Lee, flicking the indicator down as she prepared to turn into Sophie's road.

Softly Antonia's charm began to vibrate. She was desperate to answer it. “It won't take long,” she pleaded.

Sophie leant forward between the seats. “Abi can come home with me if she likes, Mrs Lee. I could show her some of the jewellery I've made.”

“I'd love that,” said Abi, her eyes lighting up. “Can I, Aunty Helen? Then Antonia can go to Sea Watch and everyone's happy.”

Mrs Lee sighed. “Well, if you're sure you really want to,” she said. “I'll pop in and check it's all right with your mum first, Sophie.”

Mum took ages. By the time she came back to the car Antonia's silver dolphin charm had started to whistle. Ella and Jess were giggling together. Even though only a Silver Dolphin could hear the dolphin's call, Antonia was still nervous about the noise. She pretended to rub a crick in her neck so she could cover the charm with her hand. It muffled the sound a little. Then the whispering started in her head. It grew louder until Antonia recognised both
Cai and Hannah's voices answering Spirit's call. Silently she added her own response.

Spirit, I hear you.

“Can I go to Sea Watch now?” she asked as Mum pulled open the car door.

Mrs Lee tutted. “Yes, you can, but don't be long. I want you home for tea.”

“Thanks, Mum,” said Antonia, leaning over and kissing her mum on the cheek.

She jogged all the way to Gull Bay. The beach was busy, but Antonia found a quiet spot over by the cliffs. Pulling off her shoes and socks she left them in a neat pile and ran down to the sea. Tiny waves ran up the beach and Antonia leapt over them, splashing deeper into the water. When she was in waist deep, she thrust herself forward and swam.
The water was refreshingly cold and she shivered in delight. At once her legs melded together to kick like a tail. Relieved to be on her way, Antonia dived down and swam underwater so no one would notice her swimming in her clothes.

Spirit's call was coming from the east. Antonia was pleased. She'd not answered the call as quickly as she wanted to, but Cai and Hannah would have much further to swim. With luck she could still beat them. The moment she was clear of Gull Bay she surfaced. Swimming in leaps and arcs she flew through the water, her body shimmering in the sunlight like a real dolphin. After a short while Antonia felt vibrations in the water. She swam towards them, sensing they
were caused by Spirit. The coastline was craggy with piles of rocks tumbling into the sea. Antonia swam on until suddenly she saw a shiny head in the water. It was Spirit. Gleefully Antonia hurried towards him. She'd done it. She'd got there first. This time she wouldn't fail. She would solve the problem before Hannah arrived. But as Antonia grew nearer her hopes plummeted. Two figures were moving around on a tiny stretch of beach. Immediately she recognised them. The one nearest to her was Cai and the other person was Hannah, her striking red hair pulled back in a ponytail.

“Silver Dolphin,” whistled Spirit. “Thank you for answering the call.”

“It's too late though,” said Antonia tersely.

She rubbed her nose against Spirit's, but her eyes were fixed on Hannah and Cai as they paddled into the sea. Hannah was waving something. Antonia screwed up her eyes, but couldn't make out what it was. In silence she trod water. Her heart was hammering in her chest and her face felt hot and prickly.

“Hi,” called Hannah, as she swam nearer. “Doesn't this make you cross?”

She waved a thin piece of plastic with four holes in it at Antonia.

“Its one of those yoke things that holds cans of drink together. It was wrapped round a seagull's neck. The poor thing might have been strangled if we hadn't got here in time.”

Antonia gave Hannah a suspicious look.
What did she mean by that? She hadn't been that slow to answer the call. Considering the circumstances she'd got there very quickly.

“It's great to see you,” added Hannah hastily. “Claudia thought you might take a holiday from Silver Dolphins because your cousins are staying.”

“I don't want a holiday,” Antonia indignantly exclaimed.

She glared at Hannah. How typical that Hannah should save a bird when she'd failed to. Why couldn't Spirit's call have been for litter-picking?

Cai swam over.

“What's going on? Why aren't you speaking in dolphin?” he clicked.

Hannah and Antonia both stared at Cai in surprise.

“Sorry,” clicked Antonia, turning to Spirit to apologise.

There was sadness in Spirit's dark eyes. Antonia caught her breath. Spirit's look made her feel uncomfortable. Then the sea began to churn and Antonia spun round. Three dolphins were swimming their way. The sadness vanished.

“Bubbly,” she squeaked, as Star, Dream and Bubbles raced closer.