‘I guess the coach was back teaching her lessons and the vice principal didn’t care who’d done what to who. We got a lecture on Clayton Street High’s zero tolerance stance on fighting and bullying. Her assistant had printed off the paperwork for us all to get two days’ suspension before we said one word.’

‘At least she didn’t take their side,’ Harry pointed out. ‘And you get a four-day weekend …’

‘I don’t want a four-day weekend,’ Charlie hissed furiously. ‘I need good grades and I don’t want everyone in my new life thinking I’m some mad bomber psycho freak.’

‘Sorry, sorry,’ Harry said anxiously. ‘I was just … Well, being an insensitive dick, I guess. I’m sorry you’ve had a rotten day.’

‘I’ve got an emergency appointment to see my support worker tomorrow lunchtime,’ Charlie said, her voice wobbling. ‘When I left White Boulder, they told me not to assume I had a free pass to mess up once or twice before they sent me back. Any breach of the rules can get my ass busted, and I think getting suspended for fighting on your third day back at school is about as bad as it gets.’

‘Have you met this support worker?’ Harry asked gingerly.

‘I was supposed to, but there was some mix up last Friday. The guy was off sick or something …’

‘Maybe they’ll understand how tricky it can be settling into a new school.’

‘With my luck?’ Charlie sighed.

‘I hate people who give cheesy clichéd advice, but try to stay positive.’

Charlie laughed. ‘Look on the bright side. Take things one step at a time. Don’t be a Debbie Downer.’

‘There’s always light at the end of the rainbow,’ Harry said, joining the laughter. ‘Or is it light at the end of the tunnel?’

‘Long darned tunnel I’m in,’ Charlie said, sighing as she rubbed her eyes. ‘But talking to you always cheers me up.’

Harry felt a glow from the compliment. He hated having to wait until the weekend before he could see Charlie again, and the chance of her being sent back to White Boulder and not seeing her for months was appalling.

‘I’m happy to come and be with you,’ he said. ‘It’s too late for me to drive, but I could jump in a cab and be with you in fifty minutes.’

‘You’ve got your running,’ Charlie said. ‘And a cab to North Vegas and back will cost a mint …’

‘It’s an after-school club – I’m not training for the Olympics …’

Charlie cut him off. ‘Harry, no,’ she said firmly. ‘Just … I’m a mess. It’s been a long day. It’s sweet of you to offer, but I feel like I need to be alone. Get my head straight.’

‘If you’re sure …’ Harry said, not entirely hiding his hurt. ‘What about Makers Yard?’