In between judging the various competitions, the girls managed to visit some of the stalls, trying their hand at both hoopla, and the coconut shy; and it was here that Aled finally made an appearance.

Seeing him standing in line behind her, Cadi took extra care when taking aim, determined to be successful, she was annoyed when her last ball refused to make contact with the coconut.

Taking his turn, Aled flashed a smile at Cadi who was trying to steer Poppy away. ‘Going so soon? If you stick around, I can show you how it’s done.’

Cadi heaved a withering sigh. ‘I’d rather …’ she fell silent as they all watched the first coconut fall from its perch.

He grinned smugly at her. ‘It’s all in the aim.’

Pulling Poppy away, she waited until they were out of earshot before hissing. ‘Can he really get anymore obnoxious?’

Poppy shrugged. ‘It’s not his fault he’s good at it.’

‘But the way he gloats,’ insisted Cadi, ‘you heard him.’

Poppy looked back at Aled with an air of uncertainty. ‘Was he gloating or giving advice?’

Cadi rolled her eyes. ‘It’s the way he does it, like he’s showing off.’

Aled had his arms around a young girl as he helped her perfect her aim. ‘Perhaps he’s just very confident?’

‘Cocky.’ Said Cadi simply as she turned to follow Poppy’s gaze. ‘I remember the time he offered to help me with my homework. Mam reckons it was so that he could spend time with me, but she wasn’t there when he asked. He was really patronising, like I was some sort of dunce who couldn’t add two plus two …’

Poppy looked up. ‘What homework was this?’

There was a long pause before Cadi finally admitted that it had been her maths homework.

‘But you were always dreadful at maths!’ said Poppy. ‘Same as me, if I were you I’d’ve jumped at the chance.’

‘If it were anyone else I probably would’ve, but not him, he only offered to help so that he could show off.’

Seeing Aled standing with his hands in his trouser pockets, laughing at those who missed the coconuts, Poppy spoke thoughtfully. ‘Ok, I’ll grant you he’s a bit of a show off, and he is a little bit big headed, but aren’t most boys?’

‘Not my brothers,’ said Cadi.

‘But …’ Poppy tried to counteract Cadi’s comment but her friend was speaking the truth.

‘You always try to see the good in everyone,’ said Cadi, ‘which is a truly endearing quality, but you’re wasting your time when it comes to Aled.’

‘I just want everyone to get along.’ reasoned Poppy.

‘Everyone else does,’ said Cadi simply, ‘and if Aled ever gets down off that high horse of his, things might be different, but I can’t see that happening somehow.’