Nevaya came into the room and stood there looking at her with her usual cocky smirk. Tina raised her eyebrows questioningly. ‘Did you want something?’ Her tone made it clear that she was still upset with her.

‘I’m going out with my mam tonight for something to eat. I’ve told my dad and he said it’s alright with him, but I have to run it past you first.’ Nevaya waited for a reply. Tina stood up and straightened her clothes. There was no way this kid was ruffling her feathers again. She put on her best poker face.

‘You don’t have to tell me anything, do whatever makes you happy.’

Nevaya shook her head. Here she was trying to make amends and this stubborn cow was still being a bitch. She turned to make sure nobody could hear her. ‘Correct, I don’t have to tell you anything. I’m just keeping my dad happy. You just stay out of my way and I’ll stay out of your way too. Simple, isn’t it?’

Tina didn’t need this shit first thing. ‘Listen, you cocky bitch, one day someone is going to wipe that smile right off your face and I hope I’m there to see it. Piss off out of my room and do what you want.’ She wasn’t proud of losing her rag but she just wanted to be left alone.

Nevaya walked out and slammed the door shut behind her. There was no love lost here today, none whatsoever.

Tina pulled up in the school car park and sat with her head resting on the steering wheel for a few seconds. From the corner of her eye she saw somebody running past her and heading for the alleyway. It was one theirs, she was sure of it. Nobody was about, and she knew she would have to deal with it.

‘For fuck’s sake,’ she whispered under her breath as she got out of the car and clicked the lock.

Tina pegged it down the alley but soon ground to a stop. She stood there gasping for breath; it had been a long time since she’d set foot in the gym and to say she was unfit would have been an understatement. She squinted as she tried to make out shapes at the bottom of the path but then realised someone else had stopped halfway along. She moved closer, dodging dog shit and rubbish. It stank of bin juice and piss and she had to watch every step. Somebody was slouched against the wall a few feet away from her.

‘Are you alright?’ Tina waited until the girl lifted her head. ‘Amelia. What are you doing down here, what’s wrong?’

Amelia had been crying, her eyes were red and swollen.

‘Just leave me alone, will you? Fuck off, just fuck off.’