Vera was at a complete loss. 'What does this have to do with me needing to study hard?'
Shirley Forrest then asked, "Can you buy me a lollipop?"
"I didn't bring any money on me," Vera said, looking at her.
"Then I'll treat you." Shirley Forrest headed toward the tuck shop. After a few steps, she noticed Vera hadn't followed and frowned. "Well, come on!"
Vera smiled and followed. Shirley Forrest bought two lollipops and handed one to Vera, saying, "I'm actually looking forward to seeing your exam results this time, Vera. Don't let me down."
With that, she patted Vera's shoulder and walked away.
Vera truly couldn't figure out what Shirley Forrest was getting at. She gave a slight shrug and headed home.
When she got home, she saw Rona Langdon looking through a pile of flyers she'd gotten from somewhere. Next to her sat Alden, the woman who had come over to play cards last time. On Rona's other side sat a sturdy man who appeared to be her younger brother.
