Kirsty was exhausted. Today was her first day at the diner, and despite serving ill-mannered tourists all day; she was paid a crisp $90 for a hard days work. Hopefully there would be many more, she'd been offered a part-time position Mondays to Fridays, eight hours a day, ten bucks an hour. She couldn't wait to tell Kane before he went to work at the bar. They'd hardly have time to spend together, now he was working from six till late. It would be so lonely without him. Still, if it meant more money, the closer Kirsty would be to achieving her dream. In order to accomplish you had to sacrifice. She ran into the now familiar caravan park, but to her dismay Kane wasn't there. She sat on the step of the caravan, where her thoughts were interrupted by a voice.
"Hi." It was the girl, obviously the daughter of Andrea. They had the same suspecting look about them.
"Hi, " replied Kirsty.
"So, what exactly are you doing here? You look way too young to be living with your boyfriend. Shouldn't you be at school?"
Kirsty didn't want to think about school. So many bad experiences. She was better off here.
"No, I don't go to school and I'm old enough to do what I want." That wasn't strictly true. Sure, she'd be 16 soon, but being 16 wouldn't make her an adult. She was technically still the property of her parents. Stop, she thought. It was different now. She was in control.
"Hmmmm, that's strange Kirsty, Kirsty Sutherland. Why does that sound familiar?" Kirsty shuddered. Maybe she'd heard a television appeal. "Oh yeah, I knew a Kirsty once. I'm Jayne by the way." Jayne sat on the floor beside Kirsty. She'd had her eye on them; she quite liked the boyfriend, but wanted to see if she could find out more about them first. Antagonizing Kirsty was her top priority.
"Nice to meet you Jayne, "said Kirsty with gritted teeth. She hated her already.
"So Kane's your boyfriend? He looks pretty old for you. How old are you exactly?"
"Look what is your problem? My life is none of your business, so keep your judging nose out of it!" Jayne was taken aback at the harsh tone in Kirsty's voice. She obviously had something to hide. Jayne smiled sweetly.
"I didn't mean anything by it." Kirsty's annoyance soon ended with the arrival of Kane. She sprung onto him, seeing Jayne in the corner of her eye, glaring.
"Kane, where you been?"
"I got us some dinner. I hope you like lasagne." Kirsty kissed him, not only to annoy Jayne, but because she loved him, especially at this moment. Dinner smelt great. Jayne sneaked away, she could tell she wasn't wanted. Kirsty and Kane slipped into the caravan, and fell onto the sofa. It was getting more heated than before, without the prying eyes. Kane broke away from the kiss, not wanting to get too heavy. He respected Kirsty.
"Wow, I've gotta go soon."
"Oh no, don't go." Kirsty couldn't bear to see him go. "I could hang around the bar, keep you company."
"No, no. I don't want you hanging around bars, it's not safe," said Kane firmly. He didn't want other guys leering at his girlfriend. "Plus, you're too young. You'll be fine here."
Kirsty was annoyed. It was lonely in the caravan; she didn't want Jayne talking to her again. Patronising her. Was being young and decisive such a crime?
***
The clock stuck eight. Two hours gone. Three to go. Kirsty had tidied the cramped caravan as much as she could. She'd put some flowers she'd found in a cracked jug. She'd cleaned the bathroom, something she'd never do at home. It was too boring without Kane. Kirsty went to her bag and started to unpack her clothes. Some jeans, t-shirts and a skirt. The skirt she'd worn to the concert, where Kane had looked at her with new eyes. Like he was proud of her. She put it on. That'd make her look eighteen at least. She'd go down to the bar and surprise Kane. Give him something worth waiting for.
Jayne had the same idea. She'd seen an opportunity in Kane, her friends had always told her she could get any man she wanted. The bar was a regular haunt of hers, and unlike the dreaded Kirsty, she was old enough to get in. She had an advantage. Sauntering over to him at the bar, she pouted. He wouldn't be able to resist her.
"Hi Kane, I didn't know you'd be here. I've been waiting to see you." Jayne stood upright, maximising her assets, highlighted in a low cut scarlet top.
Kane was flabbergasted. Maybe this would have tempted him before, but not anymore. He was different now. "Um hi, I didn't catch your name."
"Jayne. Jayne Moore. How about a vodka, in fact have one for yourself." Jayne leant in closer to him. "I think we know what we want."
"Listen Jayne, I'm very flattered but..."
"But your girlfriend?" She was annoyed.
"It's serious."
The hot climate of Holly Springs suited Kirsty's attire. She was getting closer now. To Kane. She'd spruced herself up, worn her hair loose. He wouldn't be angry. She knew him. Opening the door to the bar, she glanced at the over 18's sign. No one seemed to bat an eyelid. She panicked, where was Kane? She scoured the bar, finally seeing a flask of his tousled hair. She smiled a smile that quickly faded. Jayne. Leering at her boyfriend with her stupid low cut top and stupid pout. Kirsty ran out of the bar, hot fresh tears running down her face. Is that why he hadn't wanted her there? To chat up the locals. Especially Jayne. Kane shouted after her, but nothing could stop her. She finally knew how betrayal felt.