I want to tell him that it’s not true, that Billy’s a liar and that I’d never, ever do anything to hurt him. But it is true. It’s awful and it’s dirty and it’s true. But if I admit it he’ll never look at me the same way again. He’ll look at me like I’m worthless and a slag and a liar. He’ll look at me the way my mum looks at me and I won’t … I can’t … deal with that. I’d rather be dead.

Jake looks at me for the longest time, not saying a word, then he shakes his head, steps around me and crosses the landing to the bedroom. The door clicks shut behind him.

‘Hey!’ Billy shouts as I walk through the living room and head for the kitchen. ‘Hey! Kira!’

I ignore him and go over to the coat hook by the back door. Jake’s navy work jacket is hanging next to my fake-fur coat and the small black rucksack Billy takes to school. I slip my hand into one of Jake’s pockets and pull out his keys.

‘Kira!’ Billy grabs the back of my cardigan as I slip on my shoes. I don’t bother to try and shake him off. Instead I take a step forward, letting the cardigan slip from my shoulders, and step outside. It’s dark, the only light the orange glow of the street light at the end of the path. All of the lights are off in Liz’s house. She must be out. Or asleep.

‘Where are you going?’ Billy grabs my wrist, forcing me to look at him. His bottom lip is split, his chin sticky with blood. His rucksack is slung over one shoulder.

‘For a drive.’

‘Great. I’ll come.’

He grins at me, as though expecting me to put up a fight, then raises an eyebrow when I say okay.

He keeps hold of my wrist as we walk towards Jake’s van, then insists I get in through the passenger door so I can’t drive off without him.

It takes me three attempts to get the keys in the ignition but then we’re off, the van jolting and bumping along as I drive away from the house and towards the Wells Road.

‘Where are we going?’ Billy asks as I turn the van onto the A417.

I say nothing. Instead I press my foot down on the accelerator which makes Billy lean back in his seat.

‘Fucking women drivers,’ he jokes but I can hear fear in his voice too. For months he’s been the one in control and now I am.