Maxine POV
I wasn't so scared going to the office this time. I was ready to fight for myself, not give in like before. I don't feel like I have to push to please them; the other girls don't do what I do or work as hard, so why should I? I like doing things to help out, and if that means doing a day in the kitchen, so be it. I want to bake cakes; it reminds me of Grandma and the time I spent in her kitchen, where she taught me to cook.
But I didn't need to fight and argue as I had prepared for; they sat, nodded, and listened, and I think they agreed. I am not sure. They never disagreed, never really said much at all.
I left that room feeling a little confused. Did I achieve anything?
Now I am sitting here, with Sticks and Cricket, talking about the party they are organising for me, expe
