Reading Task Thang

''So, what's the gossip around here?''

-Smart

-Nosey

-Brave

-Confident

-Friendly

'' 'Hi,' said Rose. Tony nodded a response, giving her the once-over. He thought she could be quite attractive if she ever lost the scowl from her face. She, too, looked Tony up and down before sniffing and turning away- plainly he had failed whatever test she had just given him. ''

'' Rose and Tony took a table by the windows where they could survey the room.. Rose gave the rundown on all the couples. When he got a chance to butt in, Tony said, 'You should be on the radio'. Rose glared at him. 'Oh yeah, I know,' she snarled. 'So you could turn me off. I've heard that one before.' Tony chuckled. 'No, I meant as a reporter. You could have your own gossip show.' ''

''A while later Rose herself tripped, sprawling face down in the sand. She lay groaning as if in agony. The others were too far in front too notice. After a while she lifted her head and turned to Tony. 'Aren't you going to help me?' 'Nope. You can get up by yourself.' She did so. 'Why does it work for your mother with Nick?' 'He WANTS to touch her. That's the difference.' She poked her tongue at him, swivelled and marched off up the track. Tony chuckled and followed.''

'' Rose was smiling. What a story she would have to tell. Tony felt her hand searching for his, finding it, then squeezing gently. He retuned the pressure, excited by her touch. What a start to the new year, he thought. Yet he knew this was more than the first day of a new year: this was the first day of a new life. ''

Rose

Frog Whistle Mine