Menu

Mini Shopaholic (Shopaholic #6) - Page 56/154

‘We can mop them with the cupboardful of mops we’ve already got!’ Dad erupts. ‘If I see one more useless cleaning gadget in this house …’

Oookay. I think I might just quietly edge away before I get drawn into this and they each start saying, ‘Becky agrees with me, don’t you, Becky?’

Anyway, I’m dying to see how Kyla and Minnie are getting on.

They’ve been together for two solid hours. Kyla’s bound to have had a positive effect on Minnie already. Maybe she’s started her on Mandarin or French. Or embroidery!

I tiptoe up to the kitchen door, hoping to hear the sound of Minnie singing a madrigal or saying ‘Un, deux, trois’ in a perfect accent, or maybe doing a bit of quick Pythagoras. But instead, all I can hear is Kyla saying, ‘Minnie, come on. Come on, now!’

She sounds a bit weary, which is weird. I had her down as one of those endless-energy, broccoli-juice type people.

‘Hi!’ I call out and push the door open. ‘I’m back!’

Blimey. What’s up? Kyla’s completely lost her sparkle. Her hair is dishevelled, her cheeks are flushed and there’s a smear of mashed potato on her shirt.

Minnie, on the other hand, is sitting in her high chair with a plate of food in front of her, looking like she’s having a whale of a time.

‘So!’ I say brightly. ‘Did you have a good morning?’

‘Great!’ Kyla smiles – but it’s one of those automatic smiles that doesn’t reach her eyes. In fact, if truth be told, her eyes are saying, ‘Get me out of here, now.’

I think I’ll just ignore them. I’ll pretend I don’t understand Eye. Or Clenched Hands Round the Chairback.

‘So, have you started on any languages yet?’ I say encouragingly.

‘Not yet.’ Kyla flashes her teeth again. ‘In fact, I’d like to have a little chat if that’s OK?’

I’m tempted to say, ‘No, get going on the Mandarin,’ close the door and run. But that wouldn’t be the act of a responsible mother, would it?

‘Of course!’ I turn with a winning smile. ‘What’s up?’

‘Mrs Brandon.’ Kyla lowers her voice as she comes towards me. ‘Minnie’s a sweet, charming, intelligent child. But we had a few … issues today.’

‘Issues?’ I repeat innocently, after only the tiniest of pauses. ‘What kind of issues?’

‘There were moments when Minnie was a little stubborn. Is that normal for her?’

I rub my nose, playing for time. If I admit that Minnie’s the stubbornest person I’ve ever come across then that just lets Kyla off the hook. She’s supposed to cure Minnie’s stubbornness. In fact, why hasn’t she done it already?

And anyway, everyone knows you shouldn’t label children, it gives them a complex.

‘Stubborn?’ I wrinkle my brow as though baffled. ‘No, that doesn’t sound like Minnie to me. She’s never stubborn with me,’ I add for good measure. ‘She’s always a little angel, aren’t you, darling?’ I beam at Minnie.

‘I see.’ Kyla’s cheeks are flushed and she looks a bit beleaguered. ‘Well, I guess it’s early days for us, isn’t it, Minnie? The other thing …’ She lowers her voice. ‘She won’t eat any carrots for me. I’m sure she’s just playing up. You said she eats carrots, right?’

‘Absolutely,’ I say after another tiny pause. ‘Always. Come on, Minnie, eat your carrots!’

I head over to the high chair and look at Minnie’s food. Most of the chicken and potatoes have gone, but there’s a stack of beautifully cooked carrots, which Minnie’s eyeing as though they’re the Black Death.

‘I don’t understand where I’m going wrong.’ Kyla sounds quite hassled. ‘I never had this kind of problem with Eloise …’

‘Could you possibly get down a mug for me, Kyla?’ I say casually. As Kyla reaches up to the cupboard I whip a carrot off the plate, stuff it in my mouth and swallow it in one gulp.

‘She just ate one,’ I say to Kyla, trying not to sound too smug.

‘She ate one?’ Kyla whips round. ‘But … but I’ve been trying for fifteen minutes!’

‘You’ll get the knack,’ I say kindly. ‘Um, could you possibly get a jug down as well?’ As she turns away I stuff another carrot in my mouth. To give credit to Kyla, they are pretty yummy.

‘Did she just eat another one?’ I can see Kyla avidly counting the carrots on the plate. It’s a good job I’m a fast chewer.



Category

Discovering the World of Free Online Novels

In an age where digital access is at our fingertips, the world of literature has evolved significantly. For book lovers and avid readers, the prospect of finding and reading novels for free online is not only exciting but also incredibly convenient. Whether you're looking for classic literature, contemporary fiction, or niche genres, there are countless resources available where you can indulge in your reading passion without spending a dime. Let's explore how you can dive into this literary treasure trove.

Why Read Novels Online for Free?

Reading novels online for free offers numerous advantages. For one, it eliminates the need to purchase physical books, saving you money and space. Additionally, with instant access, you can start reading as soon as you find a novel that piques your interest. Online platforms also allow for a vast selection of genres and authors, including rare or out-of-print titles that might be hard to find elsewhere.

Top Websites to Read Novels for Free

Several websites offer free access to novels, whether you're interested in classics, contemporary works, or indie publications. Here are a few reliable sites:

Legal Considerations

While the idea of free books is appealing, it's essential to ensure you're downloading or reading novels legally. Many websites, like those mentioned above, offer books that are in the public domain or have been released for free distribution by the authors. Always check the licensing terms of a book before downloading it to avoid any legal issues.

Genres to Explore

Whether you’re into romance, mystery, science fiction, fantasy, or historical fiction, there’s a wealth of free online novels available in every genre. Sites like Wattpad and ManyBooks categorize novels by genre, making it easy to find what you’re interested in. If you’re in the mood for something classic, Project Gutenberg has a treasure trove of time-honored works from authors like Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Mark Twain.

The Rise of Indie Authors

One of the most exciting aspects of reading novels online for free is discovering new voices. Many independent authors publish their work online for free to build an audience. Platforms like Wattpad have become launchpads for these writers, some of whom have gone on to publish bestsellers. By reading these novels, you’re supporting up-and-coming authors and getting in on the ground floor of potentially the next big literary sensation.

Community and Interaction

Reading novels online often comes with the added benefit of community interaction. Platforms like Wattpad allow readers to comment on chapters, interact with authors, and even contribute to the story's development in some cases. This level of engagement can enhance your reading experience, as you become part of a community of like-minded readers.

Accessibility and Convenience

With the ability to read on various devices—be it a smartphone, tablet, or computer—free online novels offer unparalleled convenience. You can carry an entire library in your pocket, ready to be accessed anytime, anywhere. This is particularly beneficial for those who travel frequently or have limited physical space for books.

Conclusion

The availability of free online novels has transformed the reading experience, making it more accessible and diverse than ever before. Whether you’re a fan of classic literature or looking to discover new indie authors, there’s something out there for everyone. By exploring the many free resources available, you can immerse yourself in the world of literature without any cost, and enjoy the freedom to read whatever, whenever you want.

So why wait? Start your journey into the world of free online novels today and discover a universe of stories waiting to be explored.