The Legends And The Inca Crystals, by Lia Ginno

This book has 223 pages and is suitable for 9 years PLUS.

Chapter One

“Ouch!” Katelin’s thick black hair caught between the aircraft chair and her Mother’s shoulder as they both tried to peer through the plane’s tiny window, taking in the fields and ground below, as they approached the little airport of Newquay in Cornwall. Katelin gave her Mother a rueful grin and pulled her hair out, flinching. Her Mother Isabelle, whose long dark black hair was tied neatly in a knot at the back of her neck, gave her the ‘I told you so!’ stare. Katelin threw back her head and laughed. Her Mother had wanted to braid Katelin’s hair that morning at the airport hotel. She hated having her hair plaited and preferred it down, flowing round her shoulders and spiraling to her waist.
  The journey yesterday from Peru, had been long and boring and they had both been tired when they reached the Heathrow hotel. This morning however Katelin was far too excited to be bored or tired. Her tummy was churning. Was it from the excitement of meeting her Father? She had not seen him since she was three, when he had left Peru and returned to England. In fact she had not spoken to him either. Maybe it was fear she was feeling. She had never felt fear; maybe this was what it was like. Her Father had sent her birthday presents, but never a letter. If it had not been for her grandparents she would have known little about him! How would she feel when she saw him? She had imagined their meeting so many times until it swum about in her brain – the mere thought increased the butterflies in her stomach!
  She turned to look at her Mother. Isabelle was always so calm and graceful with the most serene smile that always brought peace to Katelin’s heart, but not today. She gave her Mother a mischievous grin as the plane’s engines changed pitch and the wheels slid out.
Isabelle’s soft tones said in Spanish, “Well this is it.”