I shrug. Four weeks into the summer holidays, first dry day in ages, and we’re in the woods. Adventuring, we used to call it when we were little kids. But Bella’s sixteen now and I’m fourteen. Too old for adventuring. She is, anyway. A bit of me wouldn’t mind playing the games we used to—intrepid explorers lost in the jungle. But Bella’s bored of it, I can tell. She’s restless, jumping back up and pacing about.

“God, I swear this place gets more boring every year,” she says. “Nothing ever changes.” She rummages in her bag and pulls out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter.

“Want one?”

I shake my head. The smoking is new. Her and her mates—saw them huddled round the back of school at the end of term, surrounded by boys, sharing cigarettes. I’ve tried it a couple of times, but I don’t like it. I feel stupid with one in my hand.

“We could go to the beach?” I say. “Or the amusement park?”

I don’t want to. I want to stay here in the woods where it’s cool and dark and it’s just me and Bella. Half the school will be down at the beach on a day like this, and Bella will be off with them. It’s different when we’re here. She’s different when it’s just the two of us.

She hesitates, then smiles and stubs the cigarette out. “Nah—I’ll stay with you.” She gets her camera out of the bag. “Let’s go take some photos.”

“Are you sure? I don’t mind, honestly. It’s been at least a week since you’ve seen any boys. You must be getting withdrawal symptoms.”

She shoves me, but she’s grinning. “Shut your face, bitch. At least I’m not a nun like you. Besides, there is not one single sexy boy in this entire village. When it comes down to it, you’re actually better company.”

“Oh, I’m so flattered.”

“You should be. Most people would beg for this much time in my company.”

She’s joking but it’s actually kind of true.

Her phone dings and she pulls it out of her pocket. “Oh—I spoke too soon.”

“What is it?”

“Text from Nic. It seems a new family has been seen viewing Dean House and, apparently, there are two insanely hot boys.”

Her restlessness is back. I can see I’m no longer better company.

“Go on then,” I say, although it comes out all sulky. “Go find yourself some insanely hot boys.”

She hesitates and looks at me. “Nah, it’s okay. I’ll meet Nic later.” She sends a text and puts the phone back in her pocket. “Come on then.”