‘I didn’t know about that,’ Dad said.

‘Well you do now. Can I go?’ I asked. ‘She lives over there.’ I pointed in the direction of the beach, but meaning among the vineyards.

‘We’ll talk about it later,’ Dad replied, which I knew meant that it was going to be okay, he just needed details.

After we said goodbye to Nanna and Poppa, I explained to Dad where Caroline lived, and how long I’d be there for. He was fine with it all so I felt super chilled watching the cricket with him, a cool breeze starting to drift through the house. I sent Mum a message to let her know what I was up to on the weekend, and that I wouldn’t be staying with her. She messaged back:

I also messaged Katie and Jane:

CHAPTER 6

On Friday, during lunchtime, Caroline said: ‘It’s too hot. Let’s go grab a drink and sit in the library.’

I had wanted to play basketball then my mind flashed back to Jamie grossly covered in sweat and the thought of basketball lost its appeal. ‘Yeah, let’s do that.’

When the bell rang, Caroline and I made our way to the library. We flopped into the beanbags in the corner.

‘You know, I hardly know anything about you,’ Caroline said. ‘Who hangs at your pad?’

‘Huh?’

‘Who lives with you? Do you have any brothers or sisters?’

‘Nah.’

‘You’re lucky.’

‘How’s that?’

‘I’ve got an older brother, Mitch, and he’s such a wanker. He tries to be cool around the girls but at home he’s such a loser.’

‘How much older is he?’ I asked.

‘A year older – he’s in Year Twelve. You’ve probably seen him in morning circle. I’ll introduce you soon.’

‘He must be studying hard?’

Caroline laughed. ‘Partying hard, more like it! You know, in Year Twelve at this school you can do just about whatever you like, right?’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Well, if you’re interested in surfing, you can make a surfboard or something and call it a project. Like you have to do some maths – plan how much the project will cost – and some English – write about all of the processes involved – but you know, it’s pretty free rein and my brother makes the most of that.’

‘Do people that go to this school even get into uni?’

‘Yeah, heaps. Apparently, focusing on the things we’re interested in makes us better learners, or something like that. Like you’d probably be able to do your Year Twelve project on basketball, if you wanted.’

‘Really?’ I asked, wondering why Dad and Caitlin hadn’t told me that.

‘So who do you live with?’

‘My dad and his girlfriend.’

I didn’t want to start telling Caroline how bad living with Dad and Caitlin actually was. Probably realising I wasn’t giving up much on that subject, she said, ‘Hey, by the way, what’s your number?’