Twin Tales (15 page)

Connie thought about it – and then nodded.

‘Keep swimming, Connie,' said Nurse Meade, taking her hands away.

So Connie paddled and kicked as hard as she could – and for two whole strokes she was swimming all by herself. Then Nurse Meade clasped her round the waist again, keeping her safe.

‘Well done, Connie!' she said.

‘Well done, Connie!' said Dad, jumping into the water, absolutely thrilled.

‘I can swim. I can really swim! Hey, let's go swimming every single Sunday, Dad, and then I'll be able to swim a whole length by the time we go swimming with the school,' said Connie.

‘Will you come too, Nurse Meade?'

‘Maybe once or twice,' said Nurse Meade.

She smiled at Connie and Connie smiled back. When they were getting dressed after their swim, Nurse Meade pulled on shiny green leggings and pointy green pearlised boots. It looked almost as if she had a real mermaid's tail . . .