‘She’s right,’ I say. ‘It’s just a bit of fabric until you put it on.’

‘Well, maybe lower your expectations slightly,’ he says. ‘It’s not that special.’

‘Think fast!’ Ethan yells, standing up from the table. I’d forgotten this was going to happen. I watch the rugby ball fly across the room in what feels like slow motion, once again landing in Owen’s food, spattering him with bolognese.

The Hawthorn crew burst into guffaws again, but, when I glance across, Kellen isn’t laughing like the rest of them. I didn’t notice it yesterday, but he shuffles uncomfortably. Maybe he feels partly responsible. He catches me staring, and we both quickly look away.

‘I feel bad for Owen,’ Chase says. ‘You just know he’s gonna be the target later.’

I think back to last night’s prank, to Chase drenched in fake pig’s blood.

‘We should probably warn him,’ he continues. It’s like watching a play after sitting through all the rehearsals. ‘I don’t wanna be the bearer of bad news or anything – nobody wants to hear that they’re a walking target – but …’

‘I heard they’re going to strip someone naked and throw them in the lake,’ Bec says, right on cue. Someone in Hawthorn must have started that rumour as a red herring.

‘Wow, so imaginative,’ Chase chips in. ‘Nothing says last day of school like sexual assault! Must have taken them hours of brainstorming to come up with that one. At least they’ve moved on from the stupid pig’s blood thing they usually do.’

And that’s when everything suddenly clicks into place. Maybe that’s why this is happening? It all went so disastrously wrong yesterday. Perhaps this is my opportunity to set things right. Some greater power out there in the universe giving me a second chance?

‘About that …’ I say.

The two of them must pick up on the seriousness of my tone because they both turn towards me, concerned looks flashing across their faces.

‘I overheard Tiffany talking about the prank,’ I lie. ‘They’re sticking with the pig’s blood again this year. And Owen isn’t the target, Chase. It’s you.’

‘What?’ Bec says. ‘She wouldn’t.’

‘I assure you she would.’

Bec jumps up. ‘I’ll kill her!’ she growls through gritted teeth.

‘Wait,’ I say, not wanting things to escalate. I see Kellen watching us suspiciously. A few other people are looking in our direction too. ‘We’re better off with them thinking we’re none the wiser.’ I coax Bec into sitting back down.

‘I’m listening,’ she says. I can tell it’s taking all her restraint not to go over there.

I point to the top of the grand staircase. ‘They’re planning on hiding a bucket up there. Chase, they’re gonna try to lure you to the top of the stairs and then …’