Lying was difficult. If nobody asked him about things he could keep them a secret. But Mr. Wolf asked specially why he wasn't getting up.
He decided to be ill, something that he hadn't tried since kindergarten (which his mom never fell for anyway). It was hard to figure out if Mr. Wolf believed him or not. Still, he was nice to Andy and said that he would make him some breakfast and then left.
He was very hungry but he really didn't want to see her. She was mean last night and told lies. She said she had dreams about the future which was just silly. And there was no way his mom would leave him here. If she didn't tell the truth about something like that then he couldn't trust her at all.
The marks on her back were real, but that was probably Mr. DeSalvo. Mr. Wolf was a little frightening sometimes but he never saw him hurt anyone. And he apologized to Andy a few times when things had been a bit scary, like when Fat Pat hit Claudia.
He felt sad again. He liked Claudia and trusted her and she ended up being just another bully. He didn't want to hear any more of her lies. All he had to do was pretend to be ill for the rest of the day and then his mom would be here and he could forget all about this place. They could help Mr. Mason find Cheryl, together. Thinking about that cheered him up a bit.
All of a sudden Claudia came into the boys' bedroom carrying a tray. It had toast and Jam and sausages and beans. It all looked very nice.
Andy remembered he was supposed to be mad and stared at the ceiling. It was a bit yellow near the light and the paint was all flaky.
"Andy. You must eat something. It will help you get better."
"I don't want your stupid food. I'm not talking to you."
"Are you still angry about last night!? Is that why you haven't come downstairs today? You said you were ill. You shouldn't tell lies."
"Why not? You tell lies."
Claudia looked surprised. Then she glared at him;
"I have never told you a lie Andy. Maybe I shouldn't have told you what I dreamt but - "
"I don't believe in your silly dreams. You said my mom was going to get hurt. I don't like you and I think you should go."
She stood and blinked her good eye.
"Andy I'm…I'm sorry. I should have been more tactful. My dreams don't always come true."
Her apology seemed real. Andy needed time to think, he wasn't ready to forgive yet.
"I don't care. You can go. But I will eat the breakfast."