I let out a sigh. I was still cross with Maggie about lying but my leg was hurting so there was no way I could walk home. With a lot of effort I hauled myself into the trailer. My phone rang and Maggie waited while I checked it. ‘It’s the library,’ I said, before answering. ‘Hello.’

‘Tom, thank goodness. I can’t get hold of anyone. Can you get to the library this evening? We need to have an urgent meeting of the Save the Library committee.’

‘Uh, Christine. I don’t know. I’ve had an accident and hurt my leg. So, no, I’m sorry but I don’t think I can.’

‘But we’re losing momentum. I’ve had notice from the council that I’m losing my job.’ Her voice went all weird and sounded like she was crying. It made me cringe. I hated stuff like that.

‘You should speak to Maggie.’ I went to give Maggie the phone but she shook her head and wouldn’t take it from me. I mouthed “Speak to Christine” at her but she crossed her arms.

‘I’ve tried calling Maggie but there’s no answer,’ said Christine, making me put the phone back to my ear.

‘I think she’s out.’ I gave Maggie a look to say I wasn’t impressed with her not speaking to Christine. I had enough problems without having to sort Christine’s out as well. The library was now a long way down my list. ‘How about Farah?’

‘Her phone goes to voicemail and I’ve left two messages already.’ She was starting to sound desperate. ‘Don’t you care about the library anymore?’

‘Look, my lift’s here. I’ve got to go. Sorry.’ I ended the call. I felt bad but what else could I do?

The tractor lurched forward and began bouncing down the road. ‘If you come back to mine you can take the bike home on the bus when it’s ready. Or I can drop you home now and bring it back to yours on the tractor trailer later.’ Maggie gave me a quick glance. ‘But it’s up to you.’

She’d got me. I didn’t want her turning up outside mine on the tractor and she knew it. ‘Yours then.’

I relaxed a little bit when we were away from school. ‘You not going to the library anymore?’ I asked.

‘I’ve not been for a while, no. You?’

‘Nah.’ I realised I would have to go soon because I still had some books. I’d renewed them online using the computer at school but they’d have to go back eventually.