STONES OF FIRE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER ONE

(Continued)

Maya skipped happily around her mother. "My first wedding, mum!"

She had been asked to be the sole bridesmaid at Angel's wedding. Her dress was light pink, gaily festooned with lace and ribbons. Maya felt like a princess.

Her brother, Wes, was not so happy. He was to be ring-bearer and couldn't imagine anything worse. He ignored Maya, tapping his ipad with sticky fingers, jam toast crumbs smeared around his mouth. "Ring-bearer! Ring-bearer!" teased his sister. "Quiet!" he groaned. "Blah blah blah!" His mother laughed.

When he had been born, his face had been wrinkled with rage, fists clenched. "Storm," she had thought, but then would never have named him that.

Maya whispered something in Wes's ear. "Chocolate!" he breathed. "Really!"

If chocolate was his reward, he didn't mind this sissy stuff and turned back to his ipad.

The birthday celebrations were going well . There were balloons and streamers and adults and children gathered , chatting, playing.

Angel was having a lovely day. The cake was carried out to cries of "Ooh!" and "Agh."

Angel was banished until all the candles were lit, then ushered back in, smiling.

Everyone sang, then clapped and cheered.

A few games were organised for the children. The adults were happy to watch and clear away. Nothing marred the beautiful day.

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