Tide - By Daniela Sacerdoti Page 0,38

dressed in black, raven hair, eyes like coal.

“Thank you,” she whispers, and turns towards Sarah. “Your friend is here.”

“Bryony? At the door? I didn’t hear the bell,” Sarah replies, still unaware of Elodie’s psychic abilities.

“She’s at the gate. She’s walking up the path now.”

I catch Nicholas looking at Elodie again, studying her face – as if she has something he wants.

As if she is something he wants.

16

Full Moon

The letter that came

From the second star to the right

The day of sorrow

That tore us apart

“Just remember, everyone,” said Sarah icily from the doorway, her eyes moving between Elodie, Nicholas and Sean, “Bryony knows Sean as Harry. We must keep up the pretence.”

“Sure, we’ll remember,” replied Nicholas as Sarah left the room. “Harry,” he added, spitting the word out.

The doorbell rang. At the sight of her friend, Sarah had no choice but to smile. Bryony looked so … Bryony. She was like a walking painter’s palette, shining against the night. Her coat was bright yellow, the collar tucked around her ears, and she had pulled a purple beanie over her bright red hair. Her cheeks were flushed pink from the cold, and her camera hung ready around her neck.

“Hello! I can’t believe I invited myself here like that! Sorry, Sarah, I know it’s super short notice, it’s just that there’ll be no full moon for another month.”

“There won’t be, no!” laughed Sarah, and stepped aside to let Bryony come in.

“Exactly, I knew you’d understand, and your park is just perfect.”

“It’s a garden! Park sounds a bit grand!” Sarah hugged her friend affectionately, surprising Bryony with her uncharacteristic expansiveness. It didn’t happen often. It hadn’t happened in a long time.

“You’ve lost weight, you lucky person,” said Bryony as she hung up her coat. “Come round to our’s for dinner one evening – Mum would love to fatten you up.”

“Bryony.” Sarah interrupted her friend. “I have a few people over,” she told her in a low voice.

“Oh, I’m sorry, you have guests.” Bryony’s eye’s widened.

“I mean … Nicholas,” Sarah whispered.

Bryony gave a tiny whoop. “Oh, cool! I’m about to meet your new boyfriend!”

Sarah put a hand over Bryony’s mouth, jokingly. “Shhhh! Don’t embarrass me!”

“Promise I won’t!” squealed Bryony.

“Come on.” Sarah led her friend into the living room. “Everyone, this is Bryony.” Her voice was taut with nerves.

Nicholas stepped up first. “Hello. I’m Nicholas.”

Sarah looked from one to the other, holding her breath. Please like each other.

Bryony stared at the tall, dark-haired man for a second. “Hello.” She smiled. Sarah was her best friend. And if she thought that her boyfriend looked scary, she would not be telling her.

“Nice to meet you. You’re just as Sarah described you,” said Nicholas.

“Oh, am I? Hope that’s a compliment!” Bryony could hear herself wittering. Jesus, this guy’s skin. And those eyes! Everything about him unnerved her.

“And …” Sarah began.

Bryony turned, eager to avoid any further conversation with Nicholas for the moment. “And Harry is back!” Bryony anticipated Sarah’s announcement. “You didn’t tell me! Hi!”

“Hi. Yes. Here I am.” Sean smiled broadly, his “everything is normal” smile.

“How was London?”

“Great,” he replied brightly. “It was great. But I missed Scotland. I missed Sarah.”

Sarah blushed, and cursed herself for it. She cleared her throat. “And this is Elodie. A friend of Harry’s.”

Elodie’s expression was mildly reproachful as the two girls shook hands. Thankfully Bryony didn’t notice, but Sarah did, and wished she could give Elodie a piece of her mind.

“It’s freezing outside,” said Bryony, crossing the room to stand beside the fireplace and stooping slightly to warm her hands. “Oh, this fire looks weird. Is it driftwood?” Bryony pointed at the blue flames.

“No, it’s a new kind of briquette thing. They’re much less messy than wood or coal, far less to clear up in the morning. They even burn in different colours,” Sarah replied coolly.

“Wow, I’ve never seen anything like that.” Bryony turned and stood with her back to the warmth, about to continue the conversation. But Sean was not in the mood for small talk.

“Right then,” he cut her short. “It seems we’re all coming with you.”

“Are you?”

He nodded. “We love stargazing, and as you can tell, tonight’s perfect for it. Right, Elodie?” They shared a knowing smile.

“I’ll get the torches.” Sarah led them all into the hall and opened the cupboard under the stairs. She handed a torch to Sean and Nicholas, and kept one for herself. They put on their coats and headed out into the night, followed by Shadow, gliding on silent paws.

A full, pure moon was high