The Neighbourly Thing to Do
From Blushes Supplement 7 Emma had only just got back from school, had barely had time to put her bike away and take her blazer off and was just considering whether to make herself a cup of tea first before starting on some revision, then came the knock at the door. It was Mr Dalkins, the third house along the street. Fortyish Mr Dalkins, a bit fat and overweight and now with his round face somewhat red. ‘Hello Emma,’ he said, smiling, his eyes sharp, and came in. Emma was by herself for the week, her parents having gone off yesterday morning with her younger brother Gregory to stay with their Aunt Millicent. Emma was still here because she had exams coming up — A-Levels. That hadn’t stopped her going out yesterday evening, though; to the pictures with her boyfriend Steven. She should have stayed in and worked but with the sense of freedom produced by her parents’ absence she had allowed herself to be persuaded. Steven had wan...