11 Surprise

11 Surprise Nerys was the first through the door. She immediately turned to face the children and smiled. Next came Mum. Unlike Nerys, she didn't look over to where the children were straight away. Instead, she looked upwards, taking in the church's interior. ' Ooh, it's much smaller than I imagined,' she said. 'Now, where's this painting then?' She turned to her right and saw Peanut, Little-Bit, Leo and Rockwell standing below The Last Supper. She froze, mouth agape. 'K-kids?' she stammered, after a second or two. ' But... but... you're on a sleepover at the Science Museum! What

on earth are you doing here? In Milan?' She shook her head and rubbed her eyes like a cartoon character. When she realised that she wasn't dreaming and that her children were actually in the room, she ran over to give them a giant hug, pulling Rockwell in to join them too. All four children hugged her back, relieved that she was safe and that Mr Stone was nowhere to be seen. Peanut's brain was whirring as she buried her head in the embrace. Having been caught off guard by Mum and Nerys's prompt arrival, she hadn't yet had the chance to formulate a proper plan of action. She decided to use the hug as an opportunity to do some quick thinking. She caught Little-Bit's eye and mouthed the words 'What now?' The younger girl frowned. It looked like she was thinking hard too. All too soon, Mum released her grip. And then a third figure walked into the church.