Рейчел Уэллс - Alfie Far From Home

‘Viola,’ Mrs Clover said.

‘Yes, Mum?’

‘It’s time for your piano practice.’

Mr Clover and Stanley stood beside her.

‘But we’re getting ready for the picnic; I’m meeting Emily.’

‘Well, you can do that later. Piano first.’ Viola was about to go but then she looked at me.

I rubbed her legs.

‘No, Mum, no. I have missed playing with the others all week because of piano and I haven’t complained but now I have one day left so the piano can wait.’

I purred with pride.

‘But Viola—’

‘You know how worried I’ve been about making friends at my new school.’ Viola was quietly spoken but very firm; we weren’t used to her sounding quite so assertive.

Mrs Clover looked at Mr Clover, who shrugged.

‘Miaow,’ I said in agreement.

‘I’m sorry, I got it wrong, Viola, but I thought you loved the piano.’

‘I do, Mum, and I’m happy to practise but I am old enough to decide when and you never let me.’

Mrs Clover grabbed Viola in a hug. ‘I’m sorry, it seems I have underestimated you; you should be with your friends today.’

‘Right, good, then I’m going to find Emily.’

Mr and Mrs Clover and Stanley all looked as Viola walked off and I am pretty sure they were impressed.

Everyone from the campsite sat on blankets in the clubhouse enjoying the picnic. The children were complimented on what a great job they’d done with the decorations and even Mr Green smiled. Humphrey and I were allowed into the clubhouse and given lots of treats.

‘You are lucky being a campsite cat,’ I said to him.

‘Thanks, Alfie, and I’m sorry I haven’t been as nice as I could be. I’ll even miss you a bit when you go.’

We were friends, Viola had made friends and had found her confidence, so all in all it had been a very successful holiday.

As we set off the following day, everyone was sad to be leaving. Emily and Viola said they would keep in touch and Nathan even promised to write from America. Nathan had spoken to his parents the previous evening and he said it had made him feel much better, thanks to his new friends. Stanley even let Poppy almost hug him and Jack cried. Even Mr Green had tears in his eyes but they may have been tears of joy.

We all settled down in the van for the long drive home.

‘Can we come back here next year?’ Viola asked.

‘I don’t see why not,’ Mrs Clover said.

‘And Alfie too?’ Stanley asked.

‘If his family agree,’ Mr Clover said.

Viola and Stanley cheered and I curled up to have a catnap; I was happy to come back but at the same time I was glad I had a year to recover from this holiday.

Have you read:

Rachel Wells is a mother and cat lover. She lives in Devon with her family and her pets and believes in the magic of animals. Rachel grew up in Devon but lived in London in her twenties, working in marketing and living in a tiny flat with an elderly rescued cat, Albert. After having a child, she moved back to Devon and decided to take the plunge and juggle motherhood with writing. She has always had cats as pets and she has always wanted to write. Rachel is delighted to have been able to combine her two main passions at last.

Also by the Author:

Alfie Cat in Trouble

For Adult Readers:

Alfie the Doorstep Cat

A Cat Called Alfie

Alfie and George – Coming soon!

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