‘It’s okay,’ she says. ‘I don’t mind.’

It’s not okay, because I promised I’d sit next to her, but I don’t want to upset Jake.

‘Do you mind if I sit with Rebecca?’ I say cautiously. ‘I’m really glad you’re here, but I need to concentrate.’

Jake looks at Rebecca, then at me.

‘Of course,’ he says and smiles. ‘You’re the school champion!’ he adds loudly enough for Rich to hear. He sits down behind me.

I take the seat next to Rebecca. She smiles but I can see she’s shivering.

‘Are you cold?’ I ask.

‘No.’ She forces a smile. ‘Just nervous. Aren’t you?’

‘Yeah . . . Just a bit! My jaw has been aching ever since I got up.’

‘It’s adrenalin.’ Jake pokes his head between the seats. ‘I get it when I play football.’

‘Jake, I’m sorry, but I said I need to concentrate.’

‘Oops, sorry, Felix. Zip!’ Jake pretends to seal his lips then sits back in his seat. Rebecca glances at me like she’s about to say something and I do the same to her, but as the minibus pulls away I’m suddenly so nervous I want to pee. Mum and Dad tried to calm me as I left home. They wished me good luck and Mum gave me a comforting hug, but that hug is beginning to wear off. It’s useless. I’m going to lose every game and let the team down. I don’t care about Rich but I do about everyone else and now I know what it feels like to be good at something, I’m scared that someone or something will take that feeling away. Granddad, why did we even start doing this? Couldn’t you have taught me something else, like ludo, where all I have to do is pick up a counter and shake the dice?

I look out of the window as the minibus stops at traffic lights. I could make a run for the door now – grab the handle, slide it back and jump out. I could do it. I could—

‘Felix, I am thinking you need to stop this.’

‘I know, Granddad, but I can’t help it. I need to get out. I’m going to look like such an idiot.’

Rebecca gives me a weird look.

‘Who are you talking to?’

‘His granddad – he’s always doing that.’ Jake pokes his head between the seats again. ‘It’s a bit weird, but you get used to it.’

‘Jake!’ I yell.

‘Sorry. Only saying.’

‘Well, don’t!’

‘Shush!’ Rich turns around. ‘We need to focus.’

‘See,’ I whisper. ‘I told you. If you’re going to do anything, help. You’re supposed to be my coach.’

‘Okay . . . Okay . . . Keep your hair on, Felix. I’ll think of something . . . I know. Here . . .’ He reaches through the gap.

‘Chewing gum?’ I say.