Reliability

Arthur had been joking, but his joke had back-fired.

Emerald and Ruby were on the bicycle while he walked behind.

Not only that, but he was carrying the wire basket, as the girls had decided it would be more comfortable for them without it on the back.

It was difficult to keep up.

They're getting ahead of us, said Ageless, who was walking beside Arthur, having graciously agreed that it was unfair he should be carried.

I know, said Arthur, but they'll wait for us at Gemtree.

If they are reliable, said Ageless.

Lavender was in the basket, listening.

They will be reliable, she said to Baby Pierre.

How do you know? said Baby Pierre.

I know because they're just like me, she said.

Uh? said Ouvert. How?

Yes how? said Baby Pierre.

Because they're not the Sapphires, said Lavender. And that's like me, because I'm not a fossil.

Then how come you look like one? said Ouvert.

Lavender looked shy.

She looks like one because she's in the shape of one, said Baby Pierre. She's nothing, really.

Oh shut up, Baby Pierre, said Lavender. You know I'm in the shape of an auger. That means I can tell the future, she added proudly.

No it doesn't...... began Baby Pierre, when he saw that up ahead the girls had stopped.

Ageless, Arthur and the wire basket caught up.

This bike's got a flat tyre, said Emerald. Where's the repair kit?

Somewhere, said Arthur vaguely, searching in his pocket.

But the repair kit wasn't there.

We're stuck then, said Ruby disgustedly.

Not stuck exactly, but we'll have to wheel the bike, said Arthur. Bad luck girls. Just let me fix the basket  back on. And you can get in again, Ageless.

You didn't know that was going to happen, said Baby Pierre to Lavender.

But Lavender thought she remembered that she did.