‘We did it! We actually did it!’

‘The evil has been defeated!’ Bec celebrates, coming to join me, Chase and Kellen out by the edge of the lake. She’s got four cups topped to the brim with God knows what. ‘I don’t know how you two pulled that off, but I’m impressed.’

‘Thanks,’ Kellen says, taking a little bow. ‘But do you think maybe it worked a little bit too well? Like, I didn’t wanna ruin her whole life or anything.’

‘She’ll bounce back,’ Bec says. ‘Have you seen the sycophants on her Instagram? They’re trying to argue that she’s somehow the victim. They’re using #Justice4Tiffany.’

Chase snorts. ‘Yeah, I wouldn’t feel too bad for her, Kellen. That girl has nine lives. You just took a swipe at one of them.’

‘What about her and Ethan?’ I ask. ‘Do you think that’s the end of them?’

‘Nah,’ Bec says. ‘They’ll soon realize that they’re both as evil as each other. They’ll be back together in a couple of hours. Ready to breed and make devil spawn.’

‘What’s this about breeding?’ Josh says, bouncing over towards us, the bells on his jester hat jingling. His ankle seems to have made a miraculous recovery. ‘Not planning an after-party without me, are you?’

‘An after-party with you four?’ Bec says. ‘Well, that’s one way to absolutely guarantee I won’t get laid.’

‘We’ll invite Cameron as well,’ Josh says with a twinkle. ‘How are things going? Rumour has it that a couple matching your description was spotted earlier headed for the boathouse …’

‘We were not!’ Bec protests. ‘We went for a stroll round the lake.’

‘Is that what we’re calling it now?’ he teases. ‘Well, I’m happy for you.’ He looks at Bec and then at me and Kellen. ‘Seems like everyone found their happily-ever-after.’

‘You sound disappointed,’ Chase says. ‘You know, the clock has yet to strike midnight. Was there someone you had your eye on?’

‘Maybe,’ Josh replies. ‘You guys really haven’t picked up on it?’

‘What do you mean?’ Kellen looks across at me. Was there something we missed?

Josh looks between us before letting out a sigh. ‘Owen. I really like Owen.’

‘You have a crush on the straight boy?’ Chase says. ‘Oh, that’s rough.’

I want to correct Chase, but I know it’s not my place to out Owen. Even now, to his closest friends. I can’t even tell Kellen.

‘Wait,’ I say. ‘Where is Owen anyway?’

‘He’s with the banshee,’ Josh says with a shrug.

‘What?’ Kellen demands. ‘He’s with Tiffany? Why?’

‘I don’t know,’ Josh says. ‘She said there’s something private they need to discuss. She made it sound like it was super urgent.’

Oh my God. Not again. The prank!

‘When did this happen?’ I say, looking back at the school.

‘Like, just now? A minute ago? Why?’