Val burst into the opening to find Jason, and Fran who had clearly screamed at a deadly leaf, Wendy, Belinda, and Zac. “What on Earth’s going on? Why are you here?” She pointed at Zac who looked as shocked as them.
“I do not know. We were separated and I arrived here. What about you?” he asked Jason and the others.
“We were in the Space, then something like a ball of light surrounded us and that’s the last I remember.”
Wendy nodded in agreement, “Same here. I’m so pleased you’re ok. I was so scared and Sam was going mad.”
Fran interrupted. “There was a mouse, a real one.” She pointed sheepishly at the ground, justifying her scream. “Can someone tell me where we are?” she asked.
“It seems we’re back at Manningtree for some reason,” Belinda observed.
“It turned out that I had to pay for my new husband’s crimes. I was sentenced to extraction, but the Warden helped me to come home to my friends and family. Good news is I got the sack, and no one will remember Val Saunders off the TV. We just need to find my Mum and Dad now,” Val replied.
“We left the truck here, so we have a ride at least,” Jason reminded them, to everyone’s pleasure.
A joyful voice from the distance called out to them. “Welcome!” A woman waved.
“Who’s that?” Jason asked pointing over Val’s shoulder.
She span towards the voice. “Oh no, this can’t be happening,” she said as the cloaked woman made her way towards them.
“What? What can’t be happening, Val?” Fran asked, tension in her voice.
“That’s my mother… Wyetta.”
Special acknowledgement goes to:
Miss Nichola Boulton, Deputy Head, Market
Rasen C-of-E Primary School -
for your advice and support in everything
I have asked of you.
Competition winners:
Jade Paul, Conner Janney, Matthew Eckersley,
Jade Pennell
Who together created the Novelia!
Adele Badiali, Michelle Potter, Kerry Lambie
and Jason Davey,
for reading all of those pages.
Once again a massive thanks to Waterstones
staff all over the country for your support.
Matt Timson for bringing Val to life.
Frankie Holah, for allowing me to take part
in the amazing Sunshine Week.
Facebook, Youtube and Twitter fans, plus
the 10,000 children I have met –
I thank you all for reading the books and
listening to my talks.
Jackie, for your unwavering belief in me,
and Chris, as always, for the magic xx