I needed to think about stuff in the fresh air. So I decided to go hunting for the owlets again. Wow, the Alex thing has really unsettled me.

What did he mean anyway about the kissing thing?

Does he mean he thinks about me like a real girl?

Or a real girl in the future?

Even though it was so early, it was dark down the back path. The trees cut out a lot of daylight even without leaves. And it was damp and drear. The sheep saw me and tried to get in the hedge. How could they remember me singing “The Sound of Music” to them on that fateful day when Cain did his nose-licking thing?

Thank goodness he’s not around.

He even spoils my life when he’s not here.

Brrrr, it’s cold. And damp. I wouldn’t like to be out on those black moors at night. Being shot at by Mrs. Bottomly.

On the bright side, if she does shoot him, that would mean he couldn’t tell anyone else about the snogging incident.

None of the Woolfe boys are around either. They have all been confined to barracks as well. It would be nice to have them, well, Charlie, for company looking for the owlets. He makes me laugh about them. He doesn’t make me feel so self-conscious about my knees or my lankiness or anything.

I wandered along the path, looking into the hedgerows for Lullah and Ruby. (It didn’t seem likely they would be up in the trees. Having seen their flying skills, I’m pretty sure they couldn’t hit a branch.)

I followed the path that led to the right. It curved back and passed very close to the bus stop, but no one could see me hidden by trees. Which was just as well because Seth and Ruben Hinchcliff were lolling against the wall talking to three of the Bottomly sisters.

There is a big family resemblance in the Hinchcliff boys.

They are all dark and brooding looking. And handsome, I suppose, if you like that dangerous wolf boy sort of look. Flossie will go wild when she finds out I’ve seen Seth in the flesh.

The Bottomlys have got a family resemblance as well. They are very big.

If I got a bit nearer, I might be able to hear what they were talking about. It was risky, but it could be worth it. I wonder if the girls are trying to get off with Seth and Ruben . . . that would be hilarious.

As I crept up, I heard Seth say, “For God’s sake, play another bloody record, Eccles. Give over mithering on about our Cain. Haven’t you got owt else to talk about?”

Eccles said, “Well. My sister might die because of your brother. He’s a bad un.”

Chastity went on. “She still won’t eat. She just lies there sobbing like her heart might brek. She’s not touched a thing since he went except a small pot of marmite a day.”