AUTHORS NOTE: Okay, this was supposed to be three chapters but i rolled it into one, which sadly means there is only two chapters left until the end of this :(
But don't worry, there is still time to put in another character :) And an ounce more drama!

When Pete met Bov

Chapter Twelve

The Prom

'Where the hell were you?' asked Pete as he slung his bag on the grass before flopping down beside Bov.

'Huh?'

'You weren't in the Maths exam.'

'I hate Maths,' shrugged Bovver, giving a yawn. Pete laid back, shutting his eyes and letting the sun heat his face. It was too hot to do anything except laze about.

'Hey,' smiled Kathy as she walked over, sitting down next to Bovver and kissing his cheek.

'Alright?'

'Yeah,' she sighed. 'Oh!' she suddenly exclaimed, pulling a poster out her bag and thrusting it at Bovver. 'They've just been put up!' Pete sat up, eyes scanning the poster.

'The Prom?' he said, with a small laugh. 'Wednesday night, 9pm onwards.' He looked up at Kathy and Bovver. 'You two going together?' Bov looked up at Kathy's eager face.

'Alright,' he laughed. She beamed, giving him a soft kiss. Pete looked away, noticing Petal making her way towards them. Suddenly, a figure blocked his vision and Charlotte kissed him full on the lips.

'You're coming to the prom with me aren't you?' she asked, ignoring Kathy's tut. Pete gave a shrug, glancing back out across the field, but Petal was gone. 'I'm wearing my lilac dress. I picked it out months ago. What are you wearing Kathy?'

'Oh,' she muttered in reply. 'Blue I th-'

'I heard Petal wasn't going. Apparently she's traumatized by the fire and that you almost died. I heard you had like, 60 burns.'

'Bet you're unhappy I haven't.'

'Oh, no! I was really, really worried,' Charlotte said eagerly, before running a hand through her dark hair. 'I'd hate to think someone getting injured, even if it was you.' Kathy rolled her eyes, resting herself against Bovver as Charlotte continued. 'Anyway, I heard that Petal was getting married but the man turned her down before she had sex with three guys at once. I bet she's a right little whore-'

'Leave 'er alone!' snapped Kathy, jerking upright, but she flushed as she realized she had just defended Petal. Shaking her head, she gave a sniff. 'I don't want to talk about 'er.'

'Well, I guess you have better things to think about, like your prom dress. Do you really think green is your colour?'

'Not really, but it's okay because I'm wearing blue.' Charlotte gave a laugh.

'Of course.' It fell quiet as Pete lay back before Charlotte's lips were on his again. When she broke away, the conversation about Petal still hadn't changed. 'I heard that she's going to the prom with Ryan Davies.'

'Nah, he's going with Lucy Burns,' Kathy replied, shutting her eyes and lacing her hands with Bovver. Charlotte frowned slightly.

'I heard you were going with Mark.' Kathy gave a laugh, and glanced over at Charlotte.

'You're so eager to stir things up, aren't you? Ah, you know what I heard? You were with Mike in the science block when the fire started and you didn't really care who could 'ave died, as long as you made him come, that's all that mattered.' Pete glanced at Charlotte and Kathy, raising an eyebrow.

'That's… not true,' she replied, stumbling over her words. She narrowed her eyes slightly. 'You were unconscious anyway, so how do you know it isn't a lie?'

'Because you're bright red,' shrugged Kathy, getting to her feet and pulling Bovver with her. 'See you later, Dunham,' she said, before the two walked off.

Petal sat in the toilets, staring at her hands which were blurred from tears. She had lost everything in a moment of stupidly. Kathy had been her best friend since year 3! And now… when you're with your best friend, you didn't need anyone else. And now there was no one to turn to. Well, there was Pete but there wasn't much he could do… but he was all she had. Wiping her eyes, Petal gave a sniff. She didn't want to go down that easily.

Maria straightened Pete's tie, tears in her eyes. 'Mum, I look fine.'

'I know. Oh, I'm so proud of you,' she said, pulling him into a hug. Bovver smirked, but it faded when Maria pulled him to her also. 'Have a nice night, alright. Any trouble, call me.'

'Mum, we'll be fine,' smiled Pete, before the taxi beeped outside. Maria wiped her eyes and opened the front door.

'Have fun!' she called as the two boys made their way to the car. They climbed in the back, Bov telling the driver where to go.

'You got the tickets?' asked Bovver, sitting back and loosening his tie slightly. Pete pulled them out his pocket; pink with gold swirly writing. He handed one to Bovver. They were going to meet Charlotte and Kathy at school, but they couldn't deny they were nervous. It didn't take long to get there, the school lit up almost romantically. The taxi pulled to a stop, and the two slid out, muttering their thanks.

'This is it,' said Pete. Bov nodded, before the two walked towards the entrance to join the other bustling students.

Petal stood in the corner in her dark blue dress, twisting her hands nervously together. Everyone else was laughing, dancing and generally having a good time. She sighed as her eyes found Pete, standing by the back doors which were letting cool air into the hot room.

'Psst.' Pete frowned at the noise, turning and grinning when he saw the rest of the lads by the entrance.

'Alright, son?' asked Dave, looking reasonable smart in his suit. Swill bounded in next to him.

'Where's the punch?'

'Over there,' Pete replied, pointing towards the back of the hall. Swill grinned before he darted off through the crowd, as 'Prefab Sprout- When love breaks down' came through the speakers.

'Ooh, I love this one,' beamed Kathy, appearing behind him. ''Ave you seen Bov?'

'Nah,' shrugged Pete. He had arrived with him but then Bovver had walked off. Charlotte strolled over, her lilac dress hugging her waist and falling around her knees. She planted herself between Kathy and Pete, linking arms with him.

'Come dance' she said, with a playful pout.

'I don't dance,' he sighed. 'Honestly, I look like I'm 'aving a seizure or summing.'

'Like I care,' she laughed, rolling her eyes. Pulling him away from the group, she placed his hands on her waist and allowed hers to drape over his shoulders. Bovver made his way back over, taking Kathy's hand and giving the boys a smile.

'Alright lads?'

'Yeah,' smiled Dave.

'Where's Swill?' he frowned.

'Pouring about eight tones of Jack Daniels in the punch,' laughed the dark haired man. 'That's the only thing he's been excited about doing all day.' The group dissolved into laughter. 'Alright?' smiled Dave, as another person joined the group. Petal ignored him, looking at Kathy.

'Can we talk?' she asked, in a timid voice.

'Wanna dance?' continued Dave.

'She's engaged,' put in Kathy.

'I'm not-'

'You don't 'ave a choice!' the only girl snapped. 'What do you want?'

'I wanna talk alone.'

'Well, you can't.' Dave frowned at one girl to the other, before stuffing his hands in his pockets.

'Doesn't matter about the dance,' he shrugged. Both girls ignored him.

'Please Kathy,' she begged. Kathy shook her head.

'Just leave me alone.' Glancing at Bovver, she turned and walked off. Petal stared after her, tears burning her eyes. She gave a sniff. This was the last night at this school, the last night she'd probably see anyone here. She wasn't going to waste it. Looking around, she walked off to find Pete.

'Pete…' began Charlotte, looking up at her and smiling.

'Hmm,' he said, smiling back.

'Are you ready yet?' she asked softly.

'Ready- oh.' He felt his ears flame red. 'I- I don't know.' He tensed as he felt her hand run under his suit and along the rim of his trousers. 'Charlotte, really-'

'You find me attractive, don't you?!'

'Yeah, but that don't mean I 'ave to fuck you all the time.'

'You haven't done it at all!' There was an annoyed tone in her voice as she looked away, pursuing her lips. Pete shook his head.

'There's more to life then that,' he muttered, stepping back. She stared at him. 'I don't think we shoul-'

'No,' she spat. 'Shut up.' He frowned.

'I can't do this.'

'I say when it's over.'

'Jesus Christ,' he muttered, rubbing his jaw. Charlotte flicked her hair over her shoulder.

'Fine! It's over and don't you dare come crawling back, you virgin twat!' She stormed off with a small scream of frustration. Pete dawdled on the spot for a moment before someone tugged on his arm. He glanced around to see Petal staring up at him.

'Virgin huh?'

'I'm not,' Pete replied with laugh. 'Year nine, Shakespeare trip with Betty Turner.' Petal gave a laugh.

'Dance?' He gave a shrug and placed his hands on her waist. She gave a thoughtful smile. 'You look nice.'

'Thanks,' he replied. 'So do you.' They fell quiet, a slight frown crossing Petal's face. 'What're thinking about?' he asked.

'Will you kiss me?' The question startled him and he stared down at her.

'What?'

'Please.' She glanced up at him, and he gave a slow nod. Pete leant down to Petal, lips brushing hers. He held her closer to him, sucking a little on her bottom lip before she pulled away. 'Thanks.'

'What was that about?' Petal shrugged.

'Just a friendly kiss' she laughed. They had stopped dancing, their hands swinging gently between them. Pete gave a smile, pulling her into a hug. He noticed Charlotte and Mike across the room, but he turned away.

'Come on, before Swill eats all the food.'

'I'm just going to go to the toilet,' said Petal, squeezing his hand. 'I'll catch you up.' Pete nodded as the dark girl turned away and disappeared. Petal walked slowly to the toilets. She pushed open the door, moving over to the mirror and smiling a little at the taste of Pete on her lips.

'You little bitch,' hissed Charlotte, as she burst into the toilets. Petal turned to face the brunette, a frown on her face.

'What?'

'What the fuck were you doing kissing Pete? Don't you realize he has better taste than you?'

'What? Like you?' This was the first time Petal had ever back chatted to Charlotte. The older girl squared her shoulders and stepped forward.

'Excuse me?'

'I... it's...' stammered Petal, stepping back. Charlotte reached out to grab her.

'Oi,' snapped Kathy, standing by one of the stalls. 'Leave 'er alone.' Charlotte swung around.

'Or what? You'll get Bov on me?'

'Somehow, I don't need Bovver to fight my battles.' Kathy stepped forward, threateningly and even Charlotte shifted away. 'Now, fuck off.' Charlotte glanced, seething, at Petal, before sweeping out the toilets. Kathy watched her go, before going to the taps and washing her hands. She dried them on the paper towels before walking out also. Petal didn't move the whole time.

Pete grinned at Swill as he came over with yet more sandwiches, biting into one as he sat down. 'Hungry?'

'Ravenous,' he replied. Bovver shook his head, pulling a face.

'Don't speak with your mouth full, you dirty twat,' he muttered. Swill blinked at him for a moment, looking hurt, before he looked away, sulky. Dave gave a laugh as he walked towards them, holding Petal by the hand. There was a sudden wail behind them and they turned to see Miss Martins crying, her hand cupped over her mouth as she sobbed. Kathy got to her feet, putting a comforting arm around her.

'Don't cry, miss,' she said.

'It's just… I've known you since you lot started and … I can't believe you're leaving already!' Kathy nodded in agreement, murmuring words of comfort to her.

'We'll come back and visit,' Kathy said eagerly. 'Like we could forget you lot!' Miss Martins gave a sniff and wiped her nose on the back of her hand.

'Of course, I'm just being stupid.'

'Nah, you're not. I'd cry too, but I don't want to smudge my make-up.' The two laughed, before Miss Martins walked off to get a 'pick-me-up.'

'Wish she'd get me one,' muttered Bov. Kathy rolled her eyes, taking her seat between him and Keith.

'Just go nab one from the teacher's table,' said Ike, eyeing up a blonde dancing with a red head.

'Might just do that,' Bovver yawned, glancing around, stealing a kiss from Kathy and moving off after Miss Martins.

Pete lay on Primrose Hill, yawning as he stared at the rising sun.

'I'm so tired,' yawned Kathy who was lying across Bovver's chest. Swill was leant against Dave, snoring softly.

'What time is it?' asked Petal.

'About half four,' replied Pete with a quick glance at his watch. Petal nodded, touching his hand briefly. She and Kathy hadn't spoken all night and the atmosphere was still a little tense. Dave moved to stand up, as Swill fell back with a snort as he jerked awake.

'Whaddadothatfor?' he blurted out, sitting up and rubbing his eyes.

'Time to wake up, Sleeping Beauty,' Dave said, stretching. Swill flicked him the finger.

'It's only morning when you're mother comes up with a bacon butty,' he muttered.

'Nah, it's usually morning for me when you're mum comes up for air.' The two stared at each other for a moment, before Swill jumped to his feet, tackling Dave to the floor.

'Come on, then, you little cunt!'

'Ah, you tease,' laughed Dave. Pete smiled at their banter, staring out over London. It was sort of saddening that he would be leaving this school, and the people he'd met. Ah, that sounded cheesy, he thought to himself. But it was true; even though it would be good to be rid of Charlotte, Mike and Ryan; tosspots.

Kathy gave a scream as Swill stumbled back and fell on her.

'Oh, get off you ox!' she laughed, kicking him away. Bov grinned, pulling Kathy closer to him before he sparked up and took a deep drag.

14th August

'Open it.'

'No, you open yours first.'

'No! You got yours first.'

Pete stared down at the envelope in his hand, hand trembling slightly. 'Fine,' he muttered, tearing it open. Bovver let out a shaky breath, before he too, opened his envelope. Pete ignored the letter that came with it, eager and nervous to get to his exam results. There was a couple of minutes silence as the two read.

Maths B, English C, Art D, R.E F, Music C, Graphics B, Science C, D, C, Workshop F and P.E B. Not bad; seven passes and only five fails. The blonde looked up at Bov, who had a slightly frown on his face.

'What didja get?' he asked Pete.

'Seven passes.'

'Oh.' Pete felt suddenly awkward. 'I got three.'

'Ah, mate, that's good. Least you got something.' Bovver shrugged, stuffing his results back in his envelope.

'I got an A in English,' said Bov, sliding away from the table. 'I'm going to go and post these to my mum,' he said, walking out the kitchen. Pete frowned. It didn't surprise him, he thought guilty. There was nothing much he could do about it though.

Maria arrived back home around an hour later, picking up the results that lay abandoned on the table. She smiled, moving into the living room. Steve looked up from the match he was watching.

'Where's Pete?'

'Dunno,' shrugged Steve, looking back at the TV. Maria nodded, folded up the sheet of paper and pocketing it. She'd catch him up later.

No one was home. Bovver peered through the dirty window and into the dark room. The sofa was on its side. A few photos were on the walls, but it just seemed empty. Paula didn't live here anymore; that much was obvious.

Bovver hated himself for the slight bit of worry he felt. Walking back to the path, glass crunched under his trainers. He looked back up at the house, before he stepped away, stuffing his results back in his pocket. He wasn't quite sure what he should do. Bovver sighed, sparking up and looking about. Why did he even want to see her? She had kicked him out long ago. He was a mistake, remember? Bov dawdled on the spot, trying to think of another reason why he should be there, but there was none, so he stalked off, cigarette warming his hand.

END NOTES: Ooh Where is Paula?