Now I laugh. They turn and see me and it takes them a second to join in.

‘Sorry, Ellie,’ says Bridge. ‘I get a bit nuts about this stuff. I think you should buy it. An awesome folder might brighten up all your practical stuff.’

If Bridge’s ever going to get into a fight, it will be over stationery.

‘Really? Look at all my stuff! Dad’s going to freak,’ says Ellie, showing us her full basket.

Bridge smiles and drops the folder into Ellie’s basket. ‘Then one more thing won’t make any difference!’

I can tell by the way Ellie is grinning that Bridge has just made another friend. That’s what Bridge does – she makes people feel special.

‘Come on. The bus will be here soon,’ I say, manoeuvring my way between my friends and dragging them by their baskets towards the front counter.

Swinging our shopping bags between us as we walk, Bridge tells us Nat’s high-school tips.

‘She warned me not to wear shorts and leggings,’ says Bridge.

‘We have nothing else to wear!’ says Ellie, sounding alarmed.

‘That’s what I said,’ says Bridge.

‘She’s just winding you up.’ I think back to the time that Nat made us both terrified of going to the toilets in the senior block at primary school.

‘Yeah. That’s also what I said.’

‘Anyway, she’ll ignore us once we get there,’ I say.

‘Probably.’

‘Why are you feeling so worried about it?’ I finally ask, knowing Bridge wants to talk it through but doesn’t want to bring it up.

‘I don’t know. I loved primary school. I really loved grade six – except for you not being there, Clem. But all the other bits were perfect, and now I’m starting again. What if I don’t know anything? And what if I’m late? And what if I can’t find my locker? And why aren’t you guys worried?!’

‘I am,’ admits Ellie.

‘I’m nervous, too,’ I say, only lying a bit.

‘Really?’ says Bridge, sounding super pleased.

I see how important it is for her to think I’m as scared as she is. ‘Yep. Terrified.’

‘Good! I’m glad,’ says Bridge. Then she realises how that must sound because she adds, ‘I mean, I’m glad I’m not the only one – not glad that you guys feel nervous.’

Ellie and I laugh. Only Bridge could say she is happy we are scared and make it sound like a good thing.

‘Every day I wake up I think this is the “last something” before I start high school – the “last Wednesday” or the “last time I’ll go shopping with Clem” or the “last time I eat dumplings”. It’s like I’m in mourning or something,’ says Bridge.