Her father rolled his eyes in exasperation. ‘I’m surprised you’ve got the attention of any feller with an attitude like that!’

*

Now, as she stood up from the gold painted wooden throne, she held her hand out for Poppy. ‘Come on, they’ll be announcing the winner of the most beautiful baby competition in a minute, and I have to be there to hand over the prize.’

‘You don’t even like babies!’

Cadi hastily hushed her friend into silence as they approached the stage being used for the competitions. ‘I can always pretend, and besides, I don’t mind them if they’re not covered in sick and smelling …’

‘Like you did the day Aled drove by,’ quipped Poppy.

Shooting her a withering glance, Cadi forced her lips into a smile as she left her friend to join the Mayor.

After the photographer had taken a photograph of Cadi handing over the prize to the mother, who was beaming with pride, Cadi returned to Poppy.

‘I’ve got to go and help judge the beauty contest, you coming?’

‘Of course! I don’t intend on missing out on a single minute of my best pal’s special day.’

Cadi linked her arm through Poppy’s. ‘Pity it’s only for one day.’

‘That’s why you have to make the most of it,’ said Poppy, ‘lap up all the attention because according to me mam you won’t feel like this again until your wedding day.’

In between judging the various competitions, the girls managed to visit some of the stalls, trying their hand at both hoopla, and the coconut shy; and it was here that Aled finally made an appearance.

Seeing him standing in line behind her, Cadi took extra care when taking aim, determined to be successful, she was annoyed when her last ball refused to make contact with the coconut.

Taking his turn, Aled flashed a smile at Cadi who was trying to steer Poppy away. ‘Going so soon? If you stick around, I can show you how it’s done.’

Cadi heaved a withering sigh. ‘I’d rather …’ she fell silent as they all watched the first coconut fall from its perch.

He grinned smugly at her. ‘It’s all in the aim.’

Pulling Poppy away, she waited until they were out of earshot before hissing. ‘Can he really get anymore obnoxious?’

Poppy shrugged. ‘It’s not his fault he’s good at it.’

‘But the way he gloats,’ insisted Cadi, ‘you heard him.’

Poppy looked back at Aled with an air of uncertainty. ‘Was he gloating or giving advice?’

Cadi rolled her eyes. ‘It’s the way he does it, like he’s showing off.’

Aled had his arms around a young girl as he helped her perfect her aim. ‘Perhaps he’s just very confident?’

‘Cocky.’ Said Cadi simply as she turned to follow Poppy’s gaze. ‘I remember the time he offered to help me with my homework. Mam reckons it was so that he could spend time with me, but she wasn’t there when he asked. He was really patronising, like I was some sort of dunce who couldn’t add two plus two …’