YANNIS (Cretan Saga Book 1) by Beryl Darby Page B

you?’ she asked of Annita as they entered.
    Annita shook her head. ‘I’ve been with Yannis to meet his father.’
    ‘Where has he got to?’
    ‘I expect he’s at a friend’s house.’ Annita dismissed her brother. ‘Mamma, please say yes, uncle Yannis says that Andreas and I can go and stay on the farm during the holidays.’
    Andreas entered quietly, but his mother noticed him. ‘Where have you been?’
    ‘I’m sorry, Mamma. I was with some friends and we were talking. It was later than I realised.’
    ‘Andreas, would you like to go to Plaka and stay on the farm with Yannis during the holidays?’ asked Annita.
    ‘I’m sure I should enjoy it very much. I’ve never been on a farm.’
    ‘To bed, young man, or you won’t be going anywhere,’ Elena said firmly and Andreas disappeared obediently. ‘You two should also be in bed,’ she continued, turning to Annita and Yannis. ‘Yannis you will have to share Andreas’s mattress tonight as your Pappa is having yours.’
    Yannis nodded. ‘I don’t mind. I’ll go up now, and then I won’t disturb Andreas. Goodnight, Pappa, and thank you. I’ll see you in the morning.’
    ‘Would you mind having them in the holidays?’ asked Elena when she was finally alone with her cousin.
    ‘Not a bit, they’ll be able to help around the farm. You’ve been so good to Yannis that it won’t hurt us to show a bit of hospitality to your children. He’s a lucky boy. Mr Pavlakis thinks he shows great promise and has every hope of him gaining a scholarship. Tell me, do you have any relatives in Heraklion? If Yannis does go there he’ll have to stay somewhere and I know no one.’
    Elena shook her head. ‘I can’t think of anyone. I’ll ask Yiorgo tomorrow. We may as well go to bed. There’s no telling what time he’ll be back.’ She began to clear the table of coffee cups and stack them in the kitchen. ‘What time do you plan to leave tomorrow?’
    ‘Don’t worry about me. I’ll be up with the sun. I’ll see Yannis before I leave, but if Yiorgo is sleeping late I shan’t disturb him. We had a chat today. I’d like to be back in Plaka by mid-day, so I’ll have to make an early start.’ Yannis held out his hand to Elena. ‘I’d like to thank you, Elena. You’ve been like a mother to Yannis. We do appreciate it.’
    ‘Go on with you,’ Elena was embarrassed. ‘He’s a nice boy; besides it’s given him and Annita time to get to know each other. They’ve become as thick as thieves. I think that match will work out well.’
    Yannis held his breath and crossed his fingers behind his back.
    ‘I’ve had a letter from the High School. I’m pleased to say that you have been accepted and gained a full scholarship.’
    Yannis sat back on the desk behind him, his legs no longer able to support him. ‘Thank you, sir,’ he managed to whisper, then realisation dawned and a broad grin spread over his face. ‘It’s wonderful!’
    ‘You’ve worked hard for it. Don’t think it’s the end of the road, you’ll have to continue to work hard for the next few years if you want to get anywhere in life. Have you any ideas for a career?’
    Yannis shook his head. ‘I don’t know. Something to do with history I think.’
    Mr Pavlakis nodded. ‘A wise choice, but don’t force yourself into a career. You are one of the few who will be able to choose their occupation. Now, something else before you go; I’ve been giving serious thought to you going to Heraklion. Your father said you have no relatives there that you could stay with.’
    ‘That’s true. We’re quite a small family really. I suppose I’ll have to find a room somewhere.’
    ‘I’ve lived on my own in a strange town and it’s a very lonely experience. This is confidential at the moment, Yannis, but I am also leaving at the end of this term and taking up a position in Heraklion. I wondered how you and your parents would feel if I tried to find rooms for us in the same house? We could be a