‘Your mother and I need to know that someone is with you. We can’t go running after your twin without knowin you’re okay too.’ Uncle Joe said the words but I heard Mum’s fear in them. I took another mouthful of hot chocolate and thought about it. I didn’t realise Uncle Joe hadn’t finished. ‘We were thinkin you could go stay with your Aunty Fern.’

I nearly spit Ovaltine everywhere. Luckily most of it goes back in the mug.

‘Aunty Fern? The one with a hundred kids? Where would I sleep, the dog kennel?’ I’m not even being funny. That woman needs another kid under her roof like I need a hole in the head.

‘Now daught—’

‘No way Mum. I have homework and assignments, and I’d never get a second’s peace.’ I can see her wavering, her need to ensure we get a good education trumps most things. ‘I’d end up babysittin, and not gettin paid for it neither.’ Her eyebrow quirks and I’m on the wrong track. ‘I’ll be so smothered in kids all the time I won’t be able to do any of my school work!’

Her eyebrow lowers slightly and she eyes Uncle Joe. His frustration is clear.

‘What are we sposed to do, Tace, one of us stay home to look after you while the others go off lookin for Laney?’

‘Who said I need one of youse? I’ve been home alone most times anyway.’ And sprinting past that comment, ‘I don’t run around town. I’m the borin one who stays home and studies. Since when do I need a babysitter?’

I can see them teetering on the edge but I don’t know what else to say. I’ve done a pretty bad job so far and am shocked Mum isn’t booting me up to Aunty Fern’s after so many reminders of what Laney and I did that started all of this.

‘Mum, you need to be out there. For Laney.’

Maybe it’s my sincerity that finally tips the balance. Uncle Joe is converted – he’s eyeing Mum the same as me: a little pleading, kinda hopeful.

‘Fine!’ Mum sputters in disgust. ‘But I need ya ta do somethin for me, daughter.’ She looks at me dead in the eye and I know I’m not going to like the next thing out of her mouth. ‘I want ya ta look me in the eye and promise ya won’t leave the house while we’re out.’