Chapter 4

CHAPTER FOUR "Sky berries for all the unicorns and hot chocolate for us!' said Matilda happily. "I've got some marshmallows for the hot chocolate," said Ariana. "You'll come and have some hot chocolate with us, won't you, Isla?" Violet said. Isla glowed with pleasure at being included. "Yes please!" They rode back to the stables in a noisy, chattering group. Isla was happy to be with everyone but she had an anxious feeling that Buttercup was cross with her. I didn't mean to hurt her feelings, Isla thought. I just didn't want her to look silly in front of everyone.

"Isn't that Valentina?" said Freya, interrupting Isla's thoughts. "Where's she going?" "Let's give her scarf back," said Isla. "I bet she'll be really pleased we found it for her." Buttercup cantered towards Golden Briar. "Valentina!" called Isla. "Go away!" Valentina shouted back. "But I've got something of yours." "What is it?" demanded Valentina, halting Golden Briar. Isla took the scarf out of her pocket. "Buttercup used her magic to find it." Valentina took the scarf from Isla and stuffed it in her pocket. She didn't even say thank you. "Where are you going?" asked Isla curiously. "None of your business!" snapped Valentina, and she rode away without another word. "I was only trying to help," Isla said to Buttercup as they headed back to the stables. "Well, not everyone wants your help," said Buttercup irritably. "I felt really stupid earlier when you said my magic wouldn't work." "But I was right," Isla pointed out. "You were too tired."

"So what? It's better to try something and fail than not to try at all." Isla wasn't sure she agreed. Surely it was better not to try if you thought you might get it wrong? They lapsed into an awkward silence. Isla hadn't meant to upset Buttercup. She'd only tried to stop her using her magic because she knew that if she'd tried something and got it wrong, she'd be really embarrassed. Buttercup was different, though. She didn't mind making mistakes. It's one of the things I love about her, Isla realised. She's so confident, she doesn't care what people think. As they reached the stables, Isla stroked Buttercup's neck. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel silly. You're right. It is better to have a go at things and not be too cowardly to try, like me." Buttercup nuzzled her. "You're not a coward, Isla. You just worry too much. I'm really glad we're paired together." "Me too." Isla kissed her then fetched a bucket full of juicy sky berries.

Buttercup gave her a friendly nudge. "Friends again?" Isla said hopefully. "Always friends," said Buttercup. Isla hugged her, feeling much more cheerful. Isla had fun with the others in Diamond dorm over hot chocolate, and she was bursting with happiness as she ran back to Ruby dorm to get ready for dinner. The only person in there was Valentina. She was reading a letter and frowning.

"News from home?" Isla asked. Valentina shook her head and shoved the letter into her chest of drawers, dropping the envelope in her haste. Isla picked it up for her. It had Valentina's name on it in swirly handwriting, and no other address. Valentina snatched it from her and slammed the drawer shut. She sat on her bed as Isla changed into a clean hoodie and pulled a brush through her short hair. "Aren't you going down to dinner?" Isla asked. "I'm waiting for you," said Valentina. Isla blinked. Valentina never usually waited for anyone. A thought crossed her mind. Maybe Valentina was worried she would read her letter. Was it from a secret admirer or something? "I'm not ready," said Isla, deciding to test her theory. "How long does it take to brush your hair?" Valentina retorted. "Hurry up. All of Ruby dorm looks bad if one of us is late." She went to snatch the hairbrush away but Isla held on to it. "I said I'm not ready yet," Isla insisted.

Valentina glared at her. "You're so annoying." Isla continued to slowly brush her hair while Valentina waited, her foot tapping impatiently on the floor. Interesting, thought Isla. Valentina usually flounced off if she didn't get her way. What exactly was she hiding?