“Oh, yes.” I smiled, my dignity slowly seeping into the bin bags I was still holding. Fred was the best human, even if he was the worst at hints. “Sorry…I’d totally forgotten. Been a hectic day.”

“But I thought you said all you’ve done is shampoo your hairbrushes and finish your Christmas jumper spreadsheet?”

Sometimes I wish Fred wasn’t such a pure, lovely human, and understood there’s a reason for private messages being PRIVATE.

“Ah…yes. I’d forgotten that too.” Out of the corner of my one working eye, I could see Woody trying not to laugh. This was a disaster. I plonked the bin bags down. “I’ll, er…have to cancel my other plan. Of not having a plan…” Woody stood up. I swear his eyebrow had risen suspiciously in my direction. “Anyway, did I tell you?” Look out, emergency subject change. “Ruby’s finding out tonight if she’s got a part in the pantomime.” I was talking extra quick, attempting a speed-conversation getaway. “Obvs, she’s amazing and totally will, but still. Exciting, yes?”

Last year we all thought she was guaranteed a main part, but someone on the committee’s sister got the role instead. Ruby said she didn’t mind, but we knew she was gutted. She didn’t put herself out there for auditions much, so when she did, it meant she really wanted it.

“Oh, wow.” Woody sounded impressed. “Tell her good luck from me.” I would, but I knew she’d just tell me to stop speaking to him. “Last year she was robbed. Anyways…”

He turned to go. Was this the end? WHAT was he going to ask me?! I needed to know!

“Woody. Wait… Weren’t you about to ask me something?” I said it like I could barely remember, even though it was one minute ago—my acting was getting so good, I might get a part in the panto at this rate. “When Fred arrived?” Remember, remember, remember.

“Ah!” Woody grinned the cutest smile. The exact one he had in the photo of us I kept in my bedside table. “That. How about I come and call for you later? We can chat then.” He looked back up at me. Man, those eyes could still do serious things to me. And when I say things, I mean… No… Thought process… Going… BRAIN JELLY ACTIVATED.

But he hadn’t finished.

“I think we’ve got some catching up to do.” Oh. My. Jingle. Bells.

It was all I could to nod.

“Sure,” I said, smiling harder than I had in weeks. Plan Get Woody Back by Christmas was on.

Chapter Three

Elle

I smoothed down my hair and tried to shake out my clothes, but I already knew this wasn’t salvageable.

Had I even remembered deodorant?

I picked up my box of leftover twine, did a quick scrub underneath my eyes, and stepped down the stairs.