I would take that crash into the water and having my hair get wet and frizz up even more if it meant even ten seconds of that kind of attention. A loud, metallic song blasts from Su-Ling’s speaker, and I dance to it as I drift closer to Simon. I swivel my hips as hard as I can without breaking them. But it’s too late.

He stares into her eyes as he lifts out of the water. For a moment it seems like he will kiss her.

I sink down, down, into the water. No hope for me. Everyone looks as though they are part of a music video or a soft-drink commercial, jumping, splashing, shrieking, laughing. I like being a loner, I remind myself.

I love you. Diesel’s nose drifts close to my face and he licks at my cheek. You are my favourite person.

Really, my only best friend is a dog.

I suddenly have to get away. I flounder back to the stairs and climb out. Slip on my flip-flops, throw on my top, grab my towel, and creep around to the back of the shed. I think if I can take a few breaths on my own, I will be able to make it through the night.

No one seems to notice. Diesel runs around me and barks, which might have attracted everyone’s attention, but then he spots his favourite digging hole and focuses on it. The sod flies up. I check that second-floor window, but apple doll isn’t here.

“Rawf!” Danger.

I listen. Over the noise of the pool I hear car doors slam.

“Police!” Morgan says.

Then a deep voice comes from the other side of the house. Not one I recognize.

“Good evening. There’s been a complaint from the neighbours.”

21

Tuesday, June 29:

Wrong Place, Wrong Time

Apple doll’s face suddenly appears at that top window, grinning at me. She nods and points to me. “Over here!”

Oh great, she’s telling the cops where I am. But I’m lip reading. They can’t really hear her from wherever they are now. I can still make my getaway.

Diesel continues to fling dirt from his hole, so I drop down next to him and push. “Go under, boy, go!” I shove at his haunches, and in another moment he’s on the other side. Then I stuff my towel through. My turn. But for once, I’m too big for something. Instead I climb. One foot goes into the bottom rung of the fence, then I reach for the top crossbar and hoist myself up so that my thigh clears the top.

Officers! Hurry! Over there! Those words I’m just imagining. I can’t know for sure what apple doll’s lips are saying. But she’s rapping on the window now.

My other leg follows the first, but a fence prong digs along the bottom of my thigh. That will be a bruise. When I hit the ground, I roll.

“Let’s get out of here, boy!”

That’s when I realize his leash still lies back near the box of donuts, along with the rest of my clothes. Can I just make a quick grab for his collar whenever a bus or motorcycle passes? No, I can’t take the chance. I look up.