If You Could See Me Now Read Online Free PDF Page A

failed a friend.
    The dads always say things under their breath to me when they think no one else is listening. For example, me and Barry went to Waterford on our summer holidays and we were lying on the beach on Brittas Bay and a lady walked by in a bikini. Barry’s dad said under his breath, “Getta loada that, Ivan.” The dads always think that I agree with them. They always tell my best friends that I told them things like, “Ivan told me to tell you to eat your broccoli,” and stupid things like that. My best friends know full well that’s not what I would say.
    But that’s parents for you.
    Nineteen minutes and thirty-eight seconds later, Elizabeth called Luke for dinner. My stomach was grumbling and I was really looking forward to the pizza. I followed Luke down the long hall to the kitchen, looking in every room as we passed. The house was quiet and our footsteps echoed. Every room was all white or beige and so spotless, I began to get nervous about eating my pizza because I didn’t want to make a mess. As far as I could see not only was there no sign of a child living in the house, there was no sign of anyone living in the house. It didn’t have what you’d call a homey feel.
    I liked the kitchen though, it was warm from the sun and because it was surrounded by glass, it felt like we were sitting in the garden. Kind of like a picnic. I noticed the table was set for two people so I waited until told where to sit. The plates were big, black, and shiny; the sun shining through the window made the cutlery sparkle, causing two crystal glasses to make rainbow colors on the table. There was a bowl of salad and a glass jug of water with ice and lemon in the center of the table. Everything was resting on black marble place mats. Looking at how everything glistened, I was afraid even to get the napkins dirty.
    Elizabeth’s chair legs squeaked against the tiles as she sat down and she put her serviette on her lap. I noticed she’d changed into a chocolate-brown tracksuit to match her hair. Luke’s chair squeaked and he sat down. Elizabeth picked up the giant salad fork and spoon and began to gather leaves and baby tomatoes onto her plate. Luke watched her and frowned. Luke had a slice of margarita pizza on his plate. No olives. I shoved my hands deep into my pockets and shuffled nervously from foot to foot.
    “Is something wrong, Luke?” Elizabeth asked, pouring dressing over her lettuce.
    “Where’s Ivan’s place?”
    Elizabeth paused, screwed the lid back on tightly, and put it back in the center of the table. “Now Luke, let’s not be silly,” she said lightheartedly, not looking at him. She was afraid to look.
    “I’m not being silly.” Luke frowned. “You said Ivan could stay for dinner.”
    “Yes but where is Ivan?” She tried to keep the soft tone in her voice while sprinkling grated cheese over her salad. She didn’t want this to become an issue. She would knock it on the head straightaway and there would be no more talk of invisible friends.
    “He’s standing right beside you.”
    Elizabeth slammed her knife and fork down and Luke jumped in his seat. She opened her mouth to silence him but was interrupted by the doorbell ringing. As soon as she left the room, Luke got up from his chair and took out a plate from the kitchen press. A big black one just the same as the other two. He placed a slice of pizza onto the plate, took out cutlery and a napkin, and placed it on a third place mat beside him.
    “That’s your seat, Ivan,” he said happily and took a bite out of his pizza. A piece of melted cheese dribbled down his chin, looking like yellow string.
    To be truthful, I wouldn’t have sat down at the table if it wasn’t for my grumbling stomach shouting at me to eat. I knew Elizabeth would be mad, but if I gobbled it up real fast before she returned to the kitchen then she wouldn’t even know.
    “Want some olives on that?” Luke asked, wiping his tomato face on his sleeve.
    I laughed