Dustbin Baby

Books

Jacqueline Wilson is a hugely popular author.She has won the prestigious Smarties Prize and the Children's Book Award forDouble Act, which was also highly commended for the Carnegie Medal. From the Hardcover edition.Let's begin with a happy ending. I sit here in the warm, waiting. I can't eat anything. My mouth is too dry to swallow properly. I try sipping water. The glass clanks against my teeth. My hand is trembling. I put the glass down carefully and then clasp my hands tight. I squeeze until my nails dig in. I need to feel it. I need to know that this is real. I think people are staring at me, wondering why I'm all on my own. But not for much longer. Please come now. Please. I look out the window, seeing my own pale reflection. And then there's a shadow. Someone stares back at me. And then smiles. I smile too, though the tears are welling in my eyes. Why do I always have to cry? I mop at my face fiercely with a napkin. When I look back the window is empty. `April?' I jump. I look up. `April, is it ...