I pick up my books and head to the library. Since I’ve lost all signs of a social life at school I pretty much live down there when I’m not in class. That isn’t so bad, but losing my friends also means there’s no one to hang out with after school and on the weekends. Laney tried to get me to come out partying for a while, and I’d even gone a few times, usually when I was feeling lonely. But me and Troy couldn’t stop baiting each other. It made us sisters fight, so Laney stopped asking.

Settling into the chair that should have my sweaty cheek marks permanently printed on it, I keep working on my English assignment and try not to worry about things I can’t change. At least there’s air-con here. Life away from this town is the goal; a life of sea and swimming is the dream. The loneliness will be worth it, as long as Laney comes home soon.

What the hell is she even thinking? Some of the property owners around here will take shots at trespassers. Or worse if you’re a trespassing black. I push the thought of what that means away. None of it’s helping me with my English assignment. I stare down at the piece of paper that lists the requirements. I’m supposed to write some bullshit about what I want from the year. If I’m honest and write ‘I want my sister home safe and my nan back from the dead’ it will likely get a big fat F. ‘I want to get out of this hellhole, filled with tiny, racist minds, especially the teachers’, would earn me detention. That last thought blocks up my brain and I wish I could scream it. The blank page of my notebook stares back at me for a long time.

Into that empty space slips Cassie’s words.

When did Troy dump Laney?!

I jump out of my chair as the bell rings. Goddammit! Phone calls to parents aren’t allowed unless you’re sick. Even then the admin ladies will listen in; and anyway, Cassie’s probably just shit-stirring. Kicking the heavy wooden desk leg I pack up my books and walk back to class.