‘Yeah?’ Charlie says, twisting around.

‘Why?’ Mark says.

‘It doesn’t seem like the right course for me,’ I say. ‘I’m going to study, but not law.’

‘Semester has already started,’ Mark says. ‘Though I guess you could –’

‘I’ll work it out. I’ll decide what’s right and then start next semester.’ I look down at Charlie. ‘In the meantime, though, I’m not going to be everyone’s personal slave. We need to share the load better. And the thongs, Charlie – I mean, come on. They smell like dead possum. Leave them outside. In fact, take the bloody things now. I’m not picking up after you anymore.’

After Charlie has left the room, mumbling half-hearted objections, Mark and I sit side by side on the couch.

‘So,’ Mark says. ‘That’s big news. You’ve been talking about studying law for so long I’m kind of shocked.’

‘Well, after the accident . . .’

‘I get that. I guess I’m not sure what happens next, with us, with you.’ He pauses a moment, then asks: ‘What is it that you want?’

I wake in the dark. Mark is sitting on the bed, saying my name.

‘What time is it?’ I ask. I glance at the clock. Eleven-thirty. ‘Is something –’

‘I got to Geoff’s and didn’t want to get out of the car.’ He takes hold of my hand and nestles it in his lap. ‘I miss you. I know I’ve been an idiot, and I mean it when I say I’m sorry. Will you have me back, Abby? I won’t hurt you again.’

I sit up against the headboard. I’ve missed sharing this bed with him. I don’t even mind that he reeks of beer. But the moment I allow myself to feel softness towards him, the hurt rises up. ‘Do you love her?’ I whisper.

He frowns, shakes his head. ‘Never. No. You’re the only woman I love, I swear. The only woman I’ve ever loved.’

‘Do you still want her?’

‘Absolutely not.’ He moves closer to me. ‘And I won’t jeopardise what I have again. I want to be with you.’

Charlie opens our bedroom door and stands in the dark. ‘Hey, so, since we’re all awake, I want to let you know I’ll pick my stuff up. I hear where you’re coming from. I can be a bit of a slob but it’s not malicious, not making a point or anything. I just don’t notice.’

‘Wow,’ I say. ‘What’s brought on apology o’clock?’

Mark turns his head in Charlie’s direction. ‘Can this wait until tomorrow?’

‘The thing is,’ Charlie continues, ‘it’s a confusing time to be a guy. We’re supposed to be strong and macho, fix cars, build sheds, cook on a barbecue –’

‘You don’t do any of those things,’ I say.

‘Charlie, we’re in the middle of something.’

‘– smoke Marlboros and chat up chicks, but also be cool with hairy armpits and doing the dishes. And be good looking.’

Mark and I laugh. He moves his hand to where the thin sheet covers my leg.