Partly," said Grandma. "Why didn't you tell me? "We were waiting for things to be arranged, said Grandma. "We!" Rashida bit her lip. She could feel tears in her eyes, and blinked them away. So, Grandma had known all along and never said anything. It made it worse: made it seem as if she didn't matter at all "You'll meet him on Saturday," said Grandma. "He's coming with Mum Rashida turned rigid. It's not fair," she burst out. "She hasn't been to see me for months, and now she's only coming because of him." You l now that's not true," Grandma said. "Your mum loves you." "Then why does she want to marry again? It's a long time since your father di said Grandma You never married again," said Rashida, turning on her. "There's no law that says you have to marry again Rashida didn't wait to hear any more. She tumed and ran away before Grandma could stop her, out into the darkness and along the path that led to the lall clate palm. She flung herself down on the ground, and leant back against the tree, tears streaming down her cheeks. Above her, the leaves whispered and she could heat the faint rush of water. Once she'd stood beside the tree with Mum before she'd gone back to the city, and Mum had said, "I'll stand