I looked at her, wanted to tell her that Marthe couldn’t really be that ill, that it was just something she’d made up in order to ruin things, but I knew how Mum would react, so I quickly hugged the girls in my class and bid everyone farewell. I didn’t catch sight of the boy who had given me the thumbs up; I walked behind Mum down the stairs and across the car park, I can remember that I was wearing high heels and my dress was short, but not too short, I was careful about that kind of thing, and I sat in the front seat and shut the front door. It was bright outside, a bright June evening and I was done with school, done with lower secondary, anything could happen, and then the car doors locked again after us and sealed us inside together.

I wash the glasses, such a good girl, the water I rinse them under is so hot that they almost dry themselves, then I make a start on the plates. The glasses are the same ones we’ve used since I was little, they belong up in the high kitchen cupboard. I dry them off and put them back, then I take out two and stick them under my T-shirt, it feels childish, as if someone is watching me, I almost start giggling, then I quickly and quietly make my way to my room, where I place the glasses inside my bag.

77

Chapter 11

Marthe asks mum and Stein if they fancy a trip out in the boat. She can barely conceal her intended surprise, I feel embarrassed on her behalf at what a child she’s being about it, how impressive is it really that she’s learnt to drive a boat? Kristoffer and I go on ahead, we make our way down to the jetty with the life jackets, a small, shiny one for Olea, and the old, faded-orange ones for the adults, they’re stored in the cellar over the winter months, I feel mouse droppings and dust on my palms.

I pull the mooring rope and board the boat, unclipping the fastenings that keep the hood in place. Kristoffer follows me on board and unclips the other side, we finish at the same time. We fold the hood perfectly and lay it down on the jetty, we’re a good pair, the two of us working together, and then we sit on the jetty with our legs dangling off the edge like a pair of kids, waiting for the others. Kristoffer smokes a cigarette. I like the smell, the smell of another life altogether, one lived long ago. He hasn’t quite managed to give up but says this’ll be the last summer, Marthe says she’ll be happy as long as he drinks less than he used to. 78

‘Do you think I should get one of those?’ I say, pointing at his tattoos.