I could hear the words of one of Dad’s cousins echoing in my head: Some white people drive you to drink.

‘All right,’ Michael said sternly. ‘The truth is that Aboriginal people are more likely to abstain from drinking alcohol than non-Aboriginal Australians. Underpinning the myth that Aboriginal people drink more is the visibility of Aboriginal people drinking. Some of this is linked to homelessness or uncomfortableness drinking amongst non-Aboriginal people.’

I thought Michael’s answer wasn’t too bad, but he could have added something about the reasons why some of my people turn to drinking. Like the pain that a lot of my people feel from being moved from our land, or having our children removed, things like that. It was pretty hard to sit through these discussions, maybe even hard to sit through for my classmates too, so I was relieved when the class finished. Especially as it didn’t feel like Matilda or anyone else had tried to take a deliberate swipe at me.

Towards the end of the day, when everyone was packing up, Michael called me over.

‘So, who are your favourite basketballers?’ he asked.

‘Patty Mills, of course,’ I said, ‘because he’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. And only being six foot, he’s unique playing in the NBA. He seems really nice, too.’

‘That makes sense. Who else do you like?’

‘Majok Deng. He did pretty good, fitting into the team, when he played with the 36ers.’

‘Yeah, I like Majok too,’ Michael said with a smile. ‘Maybe he could be a good role model for you in terms of thinking about how you continue to fit in with the class? After all, we’re really a team here.’

I smiled back, but doubted that I’d ever be able to fit in at this school. I couldn’t sing like an opera singer or play an instrument like a member of an orchestra.

‘What about women players?’ Michael enquired.

‘Nicole Seekamp and Stephanie Blicavs. They’re the best players who’ve played for Adelaide Lightning and they’ve both played with the Opals too.’

‘I’m glad you’re across the women’s basketball too. So, how do you think you’re getting on with classes? I know some things might be quite different to what you were used to at your previous school,’ Michael said.

‘Yeah, fine,’ I said, worried Michael was going to lecture me on something.

‘I think you’re doing great, Phoebe. Remember to let me know if there’s anything bothering you or if you have any questions about how this school works.’

‘I will,’ I said, grabbing my stuff, eager to leave.

‘Great. See you tomorrow, then.’

I sped out of the classroom, already dreading the heat that awaited.

Even though school was so close to home and the walk wasn’t long, I couldn’t help flopping onto the lounge as soon I got into the house. It was way too hot. Caitlin was in the kitchen making herself a smoothie, sweating her arse off. I wished she’d turn the air con on, but it had to be over two hundred degrees for her to do that.