“But it was fifteen years ago. What could you possibly have done to her for it to still have such an effect on her now? And moreover, for Amber to be dragged into it? I know Amber through and through and that’s just not her style. I understand her allegiance would lie with Lou, because she has really taken to her, but this kind of silent animosity is the opposite of what Amber would do in any other situation.”

A knot formed in the pit of Mia’s stomach. Could she confide in Micky? If she told the story in her words, on her terms, would she understand?

“I bullied Lou,” she said with a trembling voice. “All throughout our last year at Queen Mary. Almost every day, me and my gang would call her names because she didn’t look like us, even though that was not the real reason, of course. We did it because we were scared and insecure teenagers and all I ever heard at home was what a shame it was that not all Aboriginals had been exterminated yet. Words uttered by my father who felt so uncomfortable in his own skin, he had to take it out on others. I’m not making excuses. Because for an entire year, every morning, I made the conscious decision to pick on a girl whose skin was darker than mine, just because my father did the same. I should have been wiser. But I ignored the bad feeling it gave me in my gut and continued, hoping for something to happen, although I never figured out what. It was cruel and childish and it ruined another person’s life. And I am so ashamed of that person I was back then. But I’m not her anymore.”

“I know you’re not.” Micky’s voice had grown small. “You grew up in a house full of hate.”

“Still, I was not stupid. I had a mind of my own that worked perfectly well. Even though I failed my last year and had to do it again, which didn’t help with my anger issues.”

“Have you told this to Lou? Or at least to Amber?”

“No, of course not. I don’t want to make excuses for my behavior.” Mia’s voice broke. “You should have seen Lou when she sat me down and confronted me. Should have heard the things she said when she talked about the effect my bullying had on her.” A tear made its way down Mia’s cheek. She wiped it away.