"Thorn, how was the Wyoming Stock Growers association useful to the
cattlemen?" Miss Clancy asked.
Thorn looked up at the sound of her name "What?...huh?" she said confused. All she had heard was "Thorn how was the blah blah blahs blah useful to the blah". She had seriously tried to concentrate but that never really worked out for her. Ever. So instead she had been writing notes to Mariah who was sat at a different desk with Ray.
Miss Clancy is really strict but the thing she hates in her lessons above everything else is when pupils aren't paying attention. Thorn suddenly realised Mr Hills was staring at the scraps of paper in front of her, covered with her untidy scribble and Mariahs looping handwriting. She frantically collected them up. She would rather run through the school naked then let Miss Clancy read those notes aloud, which she had a sneaking suspicion she would of done. They had been writing to each other about the Mads/Tala/June situation.
Miss Clancy shook her head at Thorn visibly exasperated, however she didn't bother to try and punish her for it, it never made any difference before. If you set Thorn a detention she would either forget she had one or forget where it was being held. If you made her write lines she'd finish quickly, and the teacher would be left with barely legible scrawl. Thats why most teachers dont try and discipline her unless she has pushed them too far. Like her first week back at school when she got about three detentions.
Annoyed and obviously wanting to punish someone Miss Clancy whirled on Mads and Kai. They had been having a private conversation, neither of them had their work books open. Miss Clancy said in her sternest voice "You two have been talking all through my lesson, so neither of you will have any idea of what i just asked Thorn, will you?"
"The cattlemen set up the influential Wyoming Stock Growers association, through this they could control the financial policy of the territory and have laws passed that would serve their own interests" Mads said simply and quickly, then yawned looking bored.
"What she said" Kai said pointing at Mads.
Miss Clancy sighed "Well, Mads and Kai you two may be able to learn while having your own conversation but there are others who can't". She needn't of bothered, Kai and Mads were already deep in conversation again.
Thorn sighed she had thought this term they had been studying the Second World War. What the hell had she been doing in this lesson for the last few weeks.
Thorn sank back into her stupor. She decided to just do what she does best; daydream.
Twenty minutes later;
Thorn was suddenly aware of the people around her scribbling down notes. For the past few minutes she had been thinking about lunch in great detail. She was particularly hungry today because she had no breakfast. Will, her pig of a brother, finished the milk and just about every other edible thing in her house.
Miss Clancy caught the classes attention again "I have an essay project for you class, that you will work in pairs on. I will be assigning you your partners" she said before a chorus of groans. Some moaned about having their groups chosen for them others about wanting to work alone.
"If you remember last time you chose your own pairs not much work was done. Tala and Kai your four week project was exactly four sentences long." Kai and Tala smirked at the memory "Thorn, your last individual project you obviously put a lot of effort in, it's just a shame that we weren't studying the Romans at the time" Miss Clancy said to a rapidly pinkening Thorn.
Having silenced her classes protests Miss Clancy began to go through the partners.
"Thorn Beckford and" Miss Clancy scanned her list while Thorn sat with increasing dread. "Kai Hiwitari" Thorns worst fears were confirmed, she could see Kai turning round to smirk at her.
"Madelaine Hiwitari and" Miss Clancy once again checked her list "Tala Valkov". Mads looked as happy about her partner as Thorn felt about hers.
Mads looked completely mortified whereas Tala looked totally unemotional. Thorn could see Kai whisper something in Mads ear, it obviously had a soothing effect because she visibly calmed down. Kai and Mads had made up after their bust up in the mall. They seemed to have agreed to disagree about June and Tala. Thorn frowned or was it disagreed to agree.
Miss Clancy seemed to have suceeded in pairing everyone with people they didn't want to work with. Mariah actually screamed "Why me" when she was paired with Tyson. Then she didn't look at all pleased when Ray was paired with one of Whoreleens flirty friends.
Thorn sighed, she'd rather be paired with anyone than Kai. Even Tyson.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"I hate Miss Clancy, shes almost making me wish i chose geography" Thorn groaned depressed. Last year all the students in her year had been able to give up either history or geography. Some people like Mads and Kai decided to keep geography and history but give up a subject like music.
Mariah laughed so hard she almost fell off Ray's lap. It was breaktime and they were all sat in their usual spot. "Thorn you hated geography, and you were awful at it" Mariah said grinning.
Thorn frowned "I wasn't that bad".
It was Ray who laughed now "Do you remember all the geography trips we went on?".
"Like the one where Thorn lost her footing and rolled down a hill" Mads said smirking.
"Or how about the time we went orienteering, and Thorn got lost for an hour". Thorn spun around to find Kai standing behind her.
"I'll have you know that my compass was broken" she said coldly to Kai "and i only fell down the hill because someone jumped out from behind a tree at me" she said pointedly to him.
"Yeah sure" Kai said sarcastically.
"Wheres Tala?" Thorn asked "Its unusual to see you without your boyfriend".
Kai rolled his eyes and then gasped "That explains why i've always been attracted to you".
"Are you trying to say i'm a boy?" Thorn asked heatedly.
"No" Kai began "I'm not trying. You are a boy"
"I am not a boy" Thorn said slowly through gritted teeth. Kai just smirked at her before turning to talk to Ray and Mariah. Thorn stood there fuming, glaring at Kai's back.
After several minutes, Thorn was still glaring at Kai. He was still stood there talking to her friends. She was starting to feel very left out of their conversation. She wandered off alone she didn't think anyone had even noticed her leaving. She walked around a corner of the school away from her friends and sat on the steps leading to the scince block.
"What do you want?" Thorn snarled.
Kai smiled unfazed "It was you i came to talk to in the first place".
Thorn scowled "To tell me i'm a boy?".
Kai sighed and sat down next to her "I'm sorry, OK? You are a girl".
Thorn was slightly stunned that was the first time Kai had ever apologised to her. "So what did you want to talk to me about?" she asked him.
"Two things", he began "First of all, we have to decide when we're going to work on the essay"
Thorn was blank, "Essay?"
Kai laughed "The one we were set just this morning".
Thorn continued staring blankly at him. "Oh yeah i remember now" Thorn said nodding.
"You can't remember the essay can you?" Kai said sounding serious although Thorn was sure he was smiling.
Thorn didn't answer. " 'The Johnson County War is an example of a problem with..." Kai broke off when Thorn frowned at him confused. "Well it doesn't matter, we should just decide when we should work on it".
Thorn shrugged "What about today?"
"Sure, after school my place?"
"Okay" Thorn replied.
"Okay" Kai said softly. They sat like that in companiable silence for the rest of break, both wanted to say something to the other but not knowing how to put it into words.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"So where did you and Kai sneak off to" Mariah whispered to Thorn, grinning insanely.
Thorn rolled her eyes "We were just talking about the History homework" She whispered back. They were supposed to be doing PE but neither had felt like doing it. Mariah had pretended that she had forgotten her kit. Thorn used her acting skills to pretend she pulled a muscle in her leg. It fooled just about everyone except Kai, Thorn could tell that he wasn't fooled by the knowing smirk.
"Yeah right" Mariah whispered disbelievingly.
"Do you know what, i think i'm going to tell Miss that my leg has miraculously healed. I would much rather be doing PE than be grilled by you". Thorn said quickly looking like she was about to leave. She didn't really want to do PE without Mariah, there was no one else in her group she would want to talk to. Mads and Becca have PE on a Tuesday in the all girls group. Max, Tyson, Ray have PE on Wednesday in the all boys group. Thorn and Mariah have PE in the mixed group with Tala and Kai. Thorn had no idea why they split the year group up in three for PE.
"Okay, okay sorry" Mariah said quickly "Anyway you dont like what their doing in PE right now". Thorn was pissed off at her friend, but she had to admit she was right. Everyone seemed to be either climbing the ropes or playing badminton. Thorn is very good at PE but only at things like running, hurdles, basketball. She has a complete lack of upper body strength, so she can't climb ropes or throw javelins well. Although weirdly shes excellent at discus probably due to her long arms and good technique. She also hasn't got very good hand eye coordination. Everytime she plays baseball she misses the ball and ends up hitting some innocent bystander.
Mariah noticing Thorn looked pissed off, for once, wisely decided to change the subject. "What lesson does Mads have right now?" she asked.
"I think she has art with Becca" Thorn answered. "Why do you ask?".
Mariah shrugged then brightened up "Hey what about going to the mall after school, it is Friday after all".
"Erm i cant" Thorn said awkwardly praying that Mariah wouldn't ask her why.
"How come?"
"Me and Kai are starting the history homework today" Thorn said before instantly regretting it. 'Why didn't i just lie', Thorn thought to herself glumly as soon as she saw Mariahs gloating expression.
"See!" she screamed loudly everyone turning around to look at her "You cant tell me theres nothing going on between you and....". Thorn jumped forward and covered her friends mouth before she could utter the name. Thorn was aware of every single person in the room watching them, including Kai and Tala.
After a moment Thorn removed her hand, glaring furiously at her friend. "What?" whispered Mariah obviously confused at her friends anger.
"Just shut up" Thorn whispered annoyed.
"Look, i'm just saying that you seem a bit eager to do work. Which is a very new thing for you. Never in all the time i've known you have you started homework on the night you've got it and neither for that matter has Kai. For people who try to make out that they dont like each other you and Kai dont seem to mind spending time with each other." Mariah paused to take a breath.
"Maybe i've just decided to make more of an effort with my studies" Thorn said before Mariah could start up again.
Mariah ignored the comment "Its blatantly obvious that you two are attracted to each other".
"Whatever" Thorn muttered she really couldn't be bothered to argue. What Mariah was saying was just ridiculous. "Just because every other girl in this school drools over Kai doesn't mean i have to as well.".
Mariah rolled her eyes "Every other girl has eyes".
Thorn sighed "Fine hes not repulsive but his personality is". She glanced over at Kai, who was leant against a wall at the far end of the room, talking to Tala. As if sensing her gaze on him he turned round and gazed straight at her, a smirk on his lips.
Mariah had obviously noticed the eye contact because she was grinning from ear to ear when Thorn turned to her. "Okay i wont say anything more" Mariah said with a triumphant look on her face.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Thorn wandered out of the gym slowly, taking her time. Mariah had already rushed off to the changing rooms as soon as the bell went, she had to see one of her teachers about something. As she walked out someone barged roughly past her throwing her into the wall hard. It was Kathy Brookes, since forever Kathy had held some sort of grudge against her. Thorn hated her even more than Kai. Kathy had only been allowed back into school today, she had been suspended for a month for attacking some first year.
Kathy made Whoreleen look like a brain surgeon. She was surly looking with long dark purple hair and a face like a pug, Thorn would say. She also has loads of piercings, some you cant see with her clothes on. Although Thorn didn't doubt that many people had seen them. Kathy was after all rumoured to be the school bike. She would sleep with anyone anywhere. Even in broom closets at school, or so it was rumoured.
Thorn was about to go give Slutty Brookes a piece of her mind, she wouln't be intimidated by that ho, when someone grabbed her arm and began to lead her away from the changing rooms without a word. Kai.
"Kai would" Thorn began but stopped at the look he gave her.
Thorn suddenly realised why he wanted her to be quiet, they were following someone, all she saw was a flash of red. As they rounded a corner, Thorn saw Tala, carrying assorted equipment, open a door and go in. The PE equipment cupboard. In a flash, Kai had rushed forward and locked the door.
"Why have you locked Tala in a cupboard" Thorn asked confused.
"Not just Tal" Kai said smirking.
A moment later there was a lot of pounding on the door. She could hear two voices in there bickering. Two familiar voices.
"Is Mads in there too?" Thorn asked Kai, grinning.
Her question was answered by Mads familiar voice screaming "KAI".
Thorn was still sligthly confused "So why did i have to be here?".
"Because i don't want to be the only one blamed" Kai answered smirking.
At that moment Tala could be clearly heard "Thorn is that you?".
Mads was slightly more dramatic "WHEN I GET OUT OF HERE I'M GOING TO RIP YOU BOTH LIMB TO LIMB."
"I think we should go" Thorn whispered, slightly scared, to Kai.
He nodded and turned to leave but Thorn grabbed him and pulled him back. "Wait, how long are they going to be in there for?".
Kai shrugged "The next PE lesson is after lunch".
"They'll be hungry" Thorn, she gave him the puppy dog eyes until he gave in.
"Fine" he said smirking, before slotting a packet of chewing gum under the door.
"Good enough?"
"Sure" Thorn answered grinning.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Christina Aguleara, i didn't know you were a fan, Kai" Thorn said grinning. She had been looking through the CDs in his car. It was the end of day and Kai was driving her to the mansion to start their history work.
Kai scowled at her "It's Becca's. Like i would listen to that wailing out of choice"
"Wailing? Kai its called singing"
"She drags out every note as if to prove she can sing. One time i swear a song finished and she'd only sung one word the whole time"
Thorn shrugged "I'm not really a fan either".
Kai shuddered "Dorleen likes the same music as Becks, they used to play it constantly. It really grates after a while".
Thorn sat silent for a minute, she wanted to ask him something but she didn't know how to put it. "Have you spoken to Whoreleen since you split up".
Kai shook his head, then smirked. "We didn't do that much talking when we were actually dating."
"Why did you even date her for so long?" Thorn asked confused. Mads had always said that Kai could do better and Thorn had to agree that it was true.
Kai glanced at her quickly and then shrugged. Thorn felt embarrassed about prying it wasn't her place to ask. Wanting to break the silence Thorn said the first thing that popped in to her head. "You just need to find the right girl".
Kai smiled secretively "Maybe i already have".
"Who?" Thorn asked. She hadn't been expecting that answer, she knew he wasn't dating anyone right now. Mads and Becca hadn't said anything neither had Tala. Kai didn't answer. "Do i know her?" Thorn asked thinking hard about who it could be.
Kai laughed "Very well".
Thorn sat concentrating thinking through all the possibilities. "It's not Mariah is it because".
Kai laughed and cut her off "No its not Mariah. Believe me you will never guess who it is". Well whoever it was Kai must like them a whole lot Thorn thought to herself.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"You ate the whole tub of pringles by yourself in five minutes" Kai asked in disbelief, as he picked up the empty tube.
"Erm no" Thorn said sheepishly. Kai chuckled and sat down next to her on the couch. "It was Prickles" Thorn protested pointing to the cat curled up on her lap. As if realising she was being accused by her chair Prickles got up and wandered onto Kais lap.
Kai grinned "Prickles may be a lot like you but the one thing that she doesn't have is your huge appetite". Prickles hearing Kai defend her, purred loudly and nuzzled his hand.
Thorn glanced at her watch and gasped "Crap its nine o clock i should be getting home".
Kai laughed and rolled his eyes "First of all your watch is broken, its actually only six o clock. Secondly you still read it wrong, i don't know where you got nine from. Both of the hands are pointed to twelve".
"Oh right" Thorn said embarrassed. She had been in his home for two hours and they hadn't even begun work on the essay. They had spent the whole time talking. Kai reached out to get his drink, as he did so his arm brushed along Thorns arm. Thorn winced and hissed slightly recoiling.
"Whats wrong?" Kai asked sounding worried.
"Its nothing" Thorn breathed. She took her jumper off to inspect her arm, there was a long purple bruise down the side of her left arm. Kai gently took her arm to look closely at the bruising. Thorn was surprised at his gentleness frankly she had expected him wanting to make her other arm match.
"I didn't do this did i?" Kai asked. Thorn looked up at him seeing an almost earnest look on his face. He must of thought he had done it when he grabbed her arm.
"No no no" Thorn said quickly "It was Kathy Brookes, she barged past me after PE".
Thorn was surprised to see Kai looking angry at this. "It was nothing Kai really, you know me i bruise like peach".
Kai shuddered "I hate Kathy. Shes such a coward. She wouldn't dare do anything to you if Mads was around".
Thorn raised an eyebrow "You hate Kathy? Well at least she has some benefits".
"What that shes easy?" Kai asked looking revolted. At Thorns unbelieving stare he said defensively "I'm actually one of the few guys in our year" and then corrected himself "school, that hasn't experienced some of her broom closet service".
Thorn was way shocked she pretty much expected Kai to be top of the list. "What about Tala?" she asked.
"Yeah, a few times. Most go to her when they've got an itch they can't scratch. Shes very obliging apparantly".
"Why not you?"
"Believe me, shes always trying it on with me but shes just too much of a ho. Even for me" he said grinning.
Thorn grinned as well, it was nice to know there was some one who disliked Kathy even more than herself. Thorn suddenly felt underdressed. She had only been wearing a low cut stappy top underneath her jumper. She picked up her jumper and managed to ease it on to one half of her, it hurt too much to put her bruised arm through the sleeve. She felt stupid, half wearing her jumper with her hair in a complete mess. She continued to try and sleeve her arm. Prickles was awoken by a loud curse from Thorn, she jumped off Kai and wandered to the other side of the room settling down next to Sab and Raph.
Kai sat watching her struggle in amusement. "Little help" Thorn said in a muffled voice, she had somehow managed to get her head caught in a sleeve. Kai chuckled and gently managed to get the jumper back off her.
"Why are you trying to put it on anyway" Kai asked her about the jumper.
"I'm a little cold" Thorn commented.
"Oh right" Kai said smirking suddenly noticing her top.
Thorn stiffened slightly "Kai are you looking down my top?".
Kai was unashamed to say the least "Yeah", he commented casually smirking "Turns out your definitly not a boy".
Thorn felt herself blush, 'damn pale skin' she thought to herself annoyed. "Well quit it" Thorn snapped.
Kai rolled his eyes but he did turn away. Oddly instead of moving away from him Thorn moved closer. Kai turned around to stare down at her, their eyes locked. Thorn gasped she had suddenly felt as if an electric current had passed between them. He was gazing straight at her intently a lock of hair flopping in his eyes.
As if in a dream, Thorn reached out and brushed the strand out of his eyes. She left her hand resting on the back of his neck. Breathing quickly Thorn moved slightly so she was sitting right on his lap. She could see the surprise in his eyes, and smirked slightly.
Thorn was suddenly aware of hearing the familiar sound of footsteps from outside the room. She was in such a hurry to get off Kai that she ended up falling off the side of the sofa.
"Hey Kai have you.." Becca started as she opened the door leading to his bedroom. She stopped at when she saw Thorn in a crumpled heap on the floor. Thorn got up swaying slightly looking dizzy. She started to fall slightly but Kai expertly caught her.
"Sorry didn't mean to interrupt" Becca said with a twinkle in her eye. Thorn who looked very flushed jumped away from Kai quickly.
"You weren't interrupting anything" Thorn said quickly.
Becca was about to say something to Kai when she noticed what Thorn was wearing. "Whoah Thorn, your wonders without the bra" Becca said giggling. Thorn felt herself redden again knowing Kai was smirking behind her.
'Okay i really need to get a shirt or something' Thorn thought to herself.
"So what did you want Becks?" Kai asked his cousin.
"Oh nothing, i was just wondering if you've seen Mads. I dont think shes come home yet" Becca said simply.
Kai and Thorn exchanged worried glances. "Erm Becca" Thorn asked "Was there a PE class this afternoon?".
Becca thought hard "After your lesson?". Thorn nodded. "Yeah i think so" Becca answered. Thorn was relieved, for a moment there she had been worried that Tala and Mads were still locked in the PE equipment room.
Thorn looked around her, Kai had dissapeared. A few moments later he reappeared "Tala hasn't been home" he said.
Thorn shook her head "Its okay, Becca said there was PE this afternoon, they must of been let out".
"Erm okay i have no idea what the hell your talking about" Becca said confused, she was about to leave when she suddenly realised something "Oh wait the first years went on a school trip today".
It was Thorn who looked confused now "Huh?"
"So they didn't have PE this afternoon" Becca said casually before walking out of the room.
"Oops" Thorn mumbeled.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"I AM GOING TO KILL THEM" Mads screamed banging on the door with her fists.
Tala didn't reply he was sat on a box of bean balls. He hadn't spoken to Mads for the entire time they had been in here. Which had been for five hours according to his watch. Mads hadn't noticed as she had spent the whole time screaming and hitting the door.
Tala sighed "Its not going to work, its past six o clock, the school will be empty".
Mads looked shocked as if it had only just hit her "but its Friday that means..".
"We'll be here for the whole weekend" Tala finished the sentence for her.
Mads gave up on the screaming she was getting a sore throat as it was. "I'm so hungry" she moaned. Tala stretched out his hand and offered her a stick of gum. Mads glowered at him "I dont really think thats going to satisfy".
"Well its all we've got" Tala said calmly.
"I really dont think a packet of gum will last the whole weekend" Mads said furiously.
"We'll just have to ration it" Tala suggested.
"Ration it?" Mads nearly screamed "What? A nibble of chewing gum every five hours. I feel sorry for the next person who opens this cupboard because there going to see two corpses".
"At least we have drinks" Tala said trying to look on the bright side which frankly was pretty dull. Tala and Mads had thankfully both had drinks in their bags, but no food.
Mads didn't answer she just glared at the wall. "Well Kai or Thorn might realise whats happened and find us".
Mads snorted disbelievingly. "Thorn probably forgot we were in here five minutes after walking away, and Kai. Well if you hadn't realised my cousin is kind of evil".
Mads had figured out what was happening too late, Kai had already locked the door. She had been sat in art, when Becca had got a text from Kai saying that he needed to see Mads. At the same time Kai had volunteered Tala to put away the last of the equipment. That was how they had both ended up in the equipment store at the same time. Then Kai must of used his own key to lock the door. In their first year at Hellingfield Kai had managed to steal some sort of master key for the school that could lock any door on the inside. He had said it came in handed when he needed 'privacy'. Now for some weird reason he had decided to give Tala and Mads some privacy.
Mads was wondering aloud what the point was of locking the pair of them in a cupboard. Tala sighed "Isn't it obvious, he wants us to sort things out. I'm Kai's best friend and your his cousin, hes stuck in the middle of us".
"Your the one thats made this awkward. Why couldn't we just go back to how it was? Your the one whos been ignoring me" Mads accused.
"It can't go back to how it was can it? because that would mean i'd still have some hope that something might happen between us but you straightened that one out. I mean nothing to you." Tala said not looking at her.
"Yeah and it took you such a long time to get over me didn't it?. What was it a week?" Mads scoffed "Yeah, i know about June".
"I only started to date her to forget about you"
"Well it looks like you suceeded pretty easily" Mads said bitterly.
"Just because i'm with June doesn't mean i'm not still in..." Tala broke off and looked away.
"What were you going to say" Mads asked.
"It doesn't matter does it? because i mean nothing to you" Tala said coldly.
Mads didn't reply she just sat down on an upturned crate facing away from him. They both sat down metres apart glowering at the wall.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * *
"Your standing on my toes" Kai muttered through the darkness. They were stood outside the gates of their school. Even though it was only around half six it was already extremely dark.
"Oops sorry" Thorn whispered moving away from him.
"Were going to have to climb over" Kai told her.
"What? I cant do that. As you already know, i don't have any upper body strength" Thorn yelped.
"Then what are you doing here, did you think the gates would just be wide open or something" Kai snapped.
Thorn pulled her black balaclava down. She had changed into black clothing for stealth, she really didn't want to be caught breaking into her own school. She was wearing Becca's black pants and one of Kai's shirts. It was the only thing she could put on without her arm hurting.
"Give me a boost then" Thorn said grinning.
Kais stood in front of her, using her ample gymnastic skills she clambered up his back and stood on his shoulders. She made sure that as she went she did it as clumbsily and roughly as she could. She actually heard him growl as she stood on his shoulder.
"Take your time" Kai muttered darkly as she continued to stand on his shoulders.
"Dont worry i will". A few seconds later and the weight on Kai's shoulders had disappeared. He clearly heard a thud and could faintly see a bundle on the floor which he assumed was Thorn.
"Are you okay?" Kai whispered.
"Yeah, i just think i've broken my legs" Thorn muttered. Kai chuckled and in a moment he was standing next to her.
"How come you landed on your feet" Thorn said darkly as she got to her feet slowly.
"Well i jumped down, you fell" he answered.
As they walked along to the main doors to the school, Thorn looked around her worried. "Don't they have CTCV cameras here" she whispered to Kai urgently.
"It's CCTV cameras moron" he whispered back.
Thorn frowned and hit him. However in the darkness Thorn missed completly and hit the wall, hard. Thorn whimpered, sure that her hand was grazed.
Kai didn't seem to have noticed. "There aren't any security cameras" he said firmly.
They reached the main doors. "Can't you use your magic key or something" Thorn asked as they studied the lock.
Thorn could practically hear Kai rolling his eyes. "It's a master key. It only works for the doors inside".
"Well then how are we going to get in?" Thorn moaned.
Kai thought for a moment "Theres a window with a broken lock, on the other side of the school".
Thorn followed him to where the window should be. Thorn looked around her "Kai i can't see any broken windows".
Kai smirked and pointed up. "Kai thats a third floor window" Thorn moaned she had no idea how they were going to get up there.
Kai decided to show her first. He easily climbed up a drainpipe at the side of the building and then shimmied along a ledge, making it look simple. Thorn sighed this was not good.
"About time" Kai smirked as Thorn fell through the window. He was sat on a desk waiting for her.
"I'm scared of heights" Thorn said glaring at him "as you well know".
Kai grinned "As i was sitting here, i suddenly realised theres a window thats never locked, on the ground floor. Oh well".
Thorn growled "So you let me risk my life when we could of got in easily".
"Pretty much" Kai said smiling as he unlocked the classroom door. Thorn glowered at Kai's back as she followed him through the building.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"They're going to kill us you know?" Thorn said quietly as they stared silently at the door in front of them. Kai didn't answer he was also staring at the door immobile.
"I wouldn't mind being killed by them if you had allowed me to vandalise Kathy's locker" Thorn sulked.
Kai rolled his eyes "We'll do that on the way back".
"There is no way back Kai, when we open that door their going to beat us to death with baseball bats. They have a whole arsenal of sporty weapons in there" Thorn commented fearfully.
"It's very quiet in there" Kai whispered to her.
"Hopefull they've killed each other" Thorn muttered.
"Okay i'll unlock the door and then we run" Kai said.
Thorn shook her head "New plan, i run then you unlock the door".
Kai glared at her and pulled her along with him. They were right next to the door now. Kai was about to put his ear to the door when Thorn pulled him away. "Do you remember that scene in scream where the guy puts his ear next to the wall?...
Kai slowly turned the key in the lock and then backed away quickly. A furious looking Mads burst out wielding a hockey stick followed by a grim faced Tala.
Kai and Thorn glanced at each other momentarily before simultaneously making a run for it. Thorn sprinted along slightly behind Kai. The fact that she had felt a hockey stick hit her leg, made her assume Mads was right behind her.
Thorn would of sighed if she had enough breath. In a week it would be her birthday. She didn't feel particularly mature being chased through her empty school by her hockey wielding maniac of a best friend, while she was dressed as a ninja. And she didn't even get a chance to spray paint Kathy Brooke's locker.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
My computer wouldn't let me go online for a while so i couldn't update. I was originally going to post the halloween party chapter first but i had a sudden plot change so i had to do this chapter first. I have exams so i probably wont post the next chapter for several weeks.
In the next chapter Mads and Tala make some sort of drunken progress, whereas Thorn and Kai's progress is completely destroyed. Kai does stupid things when hes drunk.
REVIEW!!!
Thorn looked up at the sound of her name "What?...huh?" she said confused. All she had heard was "Thorn how was the blah blah blahs blah useful to the blah". She had seriously tried to concentrate but that never really worked out for her. Ever. So instead she had been writing notes to Mariah who was sat at a different desk with Ray.
Miss Clancy is really strict but the thing she hates in her lessons above everything else is when pupils aren't paying attention. Thorn suddenly realised Mr Hills was staring at the scraps of paper in front of her, covered with her untidy scribble and Mariahs looping handwriting. She frantically collected them up. She would rather run through the school naked then let Miss Clancy read those notes aloud, which she had a sneaking suspicion she would of done. They had been writing to each other about the Mads/Tala/June situation.
Miss Clancy shook her head at Thorn visibly exasperated, however she didn't bother to try and punish her for it, it never made any difference before. If you set Thorn a detention she would either forget she had one or forget where it was being held. If you made her write lines she'd finish quickly, and the teacher would be left with barely legible scrawl. Thats why most teachers dont try and discipline her unless she has pushed them too far. Like her first week back at school when she got about three detentions.
Annoyed and obviously wanting to punish someone Miss Clancy whirled on Mads and Kai. They had been having a private conversation, neither of them had their work books open. Miss Clancy said in her sternest voice "You two have been talking all through my lesson, so neither of you will have any idea of what i just asked Thorn, will you?"
"The cattlemen set up the influential Wyoming Stock Growers association, through this they could control the financial policy of the territory and have laws passed that would serve their own interests" Mads said simply and quickly, then yawned looking bored.
"What she said" Kai said pointing at Mads.
Miss Clancy sighed "Well, Mads and Kai you two may be able to learn while having your own conversation but there are others who can't". She needn't of bothered, Kai and Mads were already deep in conversation again.
Thorn sighed she had thought this term they had been studying the Second World War. What the hell had she been doing in this lesson for the last few weeks.
Thorn sank back into her stupor. She decided to just do what she does best; daydream.
Twenty minutes later;
Thorn was suddenly aware of the people around her scribbling down notes. For the past few minutes she had been thinking about lunch in great detail. She was particularly hungry today because she had no breakfast. Will, her pig of a brother, finished the milk and just about every other edible thing in her house.
Miss Clancy caught the classes attention again "I have an essay project for you class, that you will work in pairs on. I will be assigning you your partners" she said before a chorus of groans. Some moaned about having their groups chosen for them others about wanting to work alone.
"If you remember last time you chose your own pairs not much work was done. Tala and Kai your four week project was exactly four sentences long." Kai and Tala smirked at the memory "Thorn, your last individual project you obviously put a lot of effort in, it's just a shame that we weren't studying the Romans at the time" Miss Clancy said to a rapidly pinkening Thorn.
Having silenced her classes protests Miss Clancy began to go through the partners.
"Thorn Beckford and" Miss Clancy scanned her list while Thorn sat with increasing dread. "Kai Hiwitari" Thorns worst fears were confirmed, she could see Kai turning round to smirk at her.
"Madelaine Hiwitari and" Miss Clancy once again checked her list "Tala Valkov". Mads looked as happy about her partner as Thorn felt about hers.
Mads looked completely mortified whereas Tala looked totally unemotional. Thorn could see Kai whisper something in Mads ear, it obviously had a soothing effect because she visibly calmed down. Kai and Mads had made up after their bust up in the mall. They seemed to have agreed to disagree about June and Tala. Thorn frowned or was it disagreed to agree.
Miss Clancy seemed to have suceeded in pairing everyone with people they didn't want to work with. Mariah actually screamed "Why me" when she was paired with Tyson. Then she didn't look at all pleased when Ray was paired with one of Whoreleens flirty friends.
Thorn sighed, she'd rather be paired with anyone than Kai. Even Tyson.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"I hate Miss Clancy, shes almost making me wish i chose geography" Thorn groaned depressed. Last year all the students in her year had been able to give up either history or geography. Some people like Mads and Kai decided to keep geography and history but give up a subject like music.
Mariah laughed so hard she almost fell off Ray's lap. It was breaktime and they were all sat in their usual spot. "Thorn you hated geography, and you were awful at it" Mariah said grinning.
Thorn frowned "I wasn't that bad".
It was Ray who laughed now "Do you remember all the geography trips we went on?".
"Like the one where Thorn lost her footing and rolled down a hill" Mads said smirking.
"Or how about the time we went orienteering, and Thorn got lost for an hour". Thorn spun around to find Kai standing behind her.
"I'll have you know that my compass was broken" she said coldly to Kai "and i only fell down the hill because someone jumped out from behind a tree at me" she said pointedly to him.
"Yeah sure" Kai said sarcastically.
"Wheres Tala?" Thorn asked "Its unusual to see you without your boyfriend".
Kai rolled his eyes and then gasped "That explains why i've always been attracted to you".
"Are you trying to say i'm a boy?" Thorn asked heatedly.
"No" Kai began "I'm not trying. You are a boy"
"I am not a boy" Thorn said slowly through gritted teeth. Kai just smirked at her before turning to talk to Ray and Mariah. Thorn stood there fuming, glaring at Kai's back.
After several minutes, Thorn was still glaring at Kai. He was still stood there talking to her friends. She was starting to feel very left out of their conversation. She wandered off alone she didn't think anyone had even noticed her leaving. She walked around a corner of the school away from her friends and sat on the steps leading to the scince block.
"What do you want?" Thorn snarled.
Kai smiled unfazed "It was you i came to talk to in the first place".
Thorn scowled "To tell me i'm a boy?".
Kai sighed and sat down next to her "I'm sorry, OK? You are a girl".
Thorn was slightly stunned that was the first time Kai had ever apologised to her. "So what did you want to talk to me about?" she asked him.
"Two things", he began "First of all, we have to decide when we're going to work on the essay"
Thorn was blank, "Essay?"
Kai laughed "The one we were set just this morning".
Thorn continued staring blankly at him. "Oh yeah i remember now" Thorn said nodding.
"You can't remember the essay can you?" Kai said sounding serious although Thorn was sure he was smiling.
Thorn didn't answer. " 'The Johnson County War is an example of a problem with..." Kai broke off when Thorn frowned at him confused. "Well it doesn't matter, we should just decide when we should work on it".
Thorn shrugged "What about today?"
"Sure, after school my place?"
"Okay" Thorn replied.
"Okay" Kai said softly. They sat like that in companiable silence for the rest of break, both wanted to say something to the other but not knowing how to put it into words.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"So where did you and Kai sneak off to" Mariah whispered to Thorn, grinning insanely.
Thorn rolled her eyes "We were just talking about the History homework" She whispered back. They were supposed to be doing PE but neither had felt like doing it. Mariah had pretended that she had forgotten her kit. Thorn used her acting skills to pretend she pulled a muscle in her leg. It fooled just about everyone except Kai, Thorn could tell that he wasn't fooled by the knowing smirk.
"Yeah right" Mariah whispered disbelievingly.
"Do you know what, i think i'm going to tell Miss that my leg has miraculously healed. I would much rather be doing PE than be grilled by you". Thorn said quickly looking like she was about to leave. She didn't really want to do PE without Mariah, there was no one else in her group she would want to talk to. Mads and Becca have PE on a Tuesday in the all girls group. Max, Tyson, Ray have PE on Wednesday in the all boys group. Thorn and Mariah have PE in the mixed group with Tala and Kai. Thorn had no idea why they split the year group up in three for PE.
"Okay, okay sorry" Mariah said quickly "Anyway you dont like what their doing in PE right now". Thorn was pissed off at her friend, but she had to admit she was right. Everyone seemed to be either climbing the ropes or playing badminton. Thorn is very good at PE but only at things like running, hurdles, basketball. She has a complete lack of upper body strength, so she can't climb ropes or throw javelins well. Although weirdly shes excellent at discus probably due to her long arms and good technique. She also hasn't got very good hand eye coordination. Everytime she plays baseball she misses the ball and ends up hitting some innocent bystander.
Mariah noticing Thorn looked pissed off, for once, wisely decided to change the subject. "What lesson does Mads have right now?" she asked.
"I think she has art with Becca" Thorn answered. "Why do you ask?".
Mariah shrugged then brightened up "Hey what about going to the mall after school, it is Friday after all".
"Erm i cant" Thorn said awkwardly praying that Mariah wouldn't ask her why.
"How come?"
"Me and Kai are starting the history homework today" Thorn said before instantly regretting it. 'Why didn't i just lie', Thorn thought to herself glumly as soon as she saw Mariahs gloating expression.
"See!" she screamed loudly everyone turning around to look at her "You cant tell me theres nothing going on between you and....". Thorn jumped forward and covered her friends mouth before she could utter the name. Thorn was aware of every single person in the room watching them, including Kai and Tala.
After a moment Thorn removed her hand, glaring furiously at her friend. "What?" whispered Mariah obviously confused at her friends anger.
"Just shut up" Thorn whispered annoyed.
"Look, i'm just saying that you seem a bit eager to do work. Which is a very new thing for you. Never in all the time i've known you have you started homework on the night you've got it and neither for that matter has Kai. For people who try to make out that they dont like each other you and Kai dont seem to mind spending time with each other." Mariah paused to take a breath.
"Maybe i've just decided to make more of an effort with my studies" Thorn said before Mariah could start up again.
Mariah ignored the comment "Its blatantly obvious that you two are attracted to each other".
"Whatever" Thorn muttered she really couldn't be bothered to argue. What Mariah was saying was just ridiculous. "Just because every other girl in this school drools over Kai doesn't mean i have to as well.".
Mariah rolled her eyes "Every other girl has eyes".
Thorn sighed "Fine hes not repulsive but his personality is". She glanced over at Kai, who was leant against a wall at the far end of the room, talking to Tala. As if sensing her gaze on him he turned round and gazed straight at her, a smirk on his lips.
Mariah had obviously noticed the eye contact because she was grinning from ear to ear when Thorn turned to her. "Okay i wont say anything more" Mariah said with a triumphant look on her face.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Thorn wandered out of the gym slowly, taking her time. Mariah had already rushed off to the changing rooms as soon as the bell went, she had to see one of her teachers about something. As she walked out someone barged roughly past her throwing her into the wall hard. It was Kathy Brookes, since forever Kathy had held some sort of grudge against her. Thorn hated her even more than Kai. Kathy had only been allowed back into school today, she had been suspended for a month for attacking some first year.
Kathy made Whoreleen look like a brain surgeon. She was surly looking with long dark purple hair and a face like a pug, Thorn would say. She also has loads of piercings, some you cant see with her clothes on. Although Thorn didn't doubt that many people had seen them. Kathy was after all rumoured to be the school bike. She would sleep with anyone anywhere. Even in broom closets at school, or so it was rumoured.
Thorn was about to go give Slutty Brookes a piece of her mind, she wouln't be intimidated by that ho, when someone grabbed her arm and began to lead her away from the changing rooms without a word. Kai.
"Kai would" Thorn began but stopped at the look he gave her.
Thorn suddenly realised why he wanted her to be quiet, they were following someone, all she saw was a flash of red. As they rounded a corner, Thorn saw Tala, carrying assorted equipment, open a door and go in. The PE equipment cupboard. In a flash, Kai had rushed forward and locked the door.
"Why have you locked Tala in a cupboard" Thorn asked confused.
"Not just Tal" Kai said smirking.
A moment later there was a lot of pounding on the door. She could hear two voices in there bickering. Two familiar voices.
"Is Mads in there too?" Thorn asked Kai, grinning.
Her question was answered by Mads familiar voice screaming "KAI".
Thorn was still sligthly confused "So why did i have to be here?".
"Because i don't want to be the only one blamed" Kai answered smirking.
At that moment Tala could be clearly heard "Thorn is that you?".
Mads was slightly more dramatic "WHEN I GET OUT OF HERE I'M GOING TO RIP YOU BOTH LIMB TO LIMB."
"I think we should go" Thorn whispered, slightly scared, to Kai.
He nodded and turned to leave but Thorn grabbed him and pulled him back. "Wait, how long are they going to be in there for?".
Kai shrugged "The next PE lesson is after lunch".
"They'll be hungry" Thorn, she gave him the puppy dog eyes until he gave in.
"Fine" he said smirking, before slotting a packet of chewing gum under the door.
"Good enough?"
"Sure" Thorn answered grinning.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Christina Aguleara, i didn't know you were a fan, Kai" Thorn said grinning. She had been looking through the CDs in his car. It was the end of day and Kai was driving her to the mansion to start their history work.
Kai scowled at her "It's Becca's. Like i would listen to that wailing out of choice"
"Wailing? Kai its called singing"
"She drags out every note as if to prove she can sing. One time i swear a song finished and she'd only sung one word the whole time"
Thorn shrugged "I'm not really a fan either".
Kai shuddered "Dorleen likes the same music as Becks, they used to play it constantly. It really grates after a while".
Thorn sat silent for a minute, she wanted to ask him something but she didn't know how to put it. "Have you spoken to Whoreleen since you split up".
Kai shook his head, then smirked. "We didn't do that much talking when we were actually dating."
"Why did you even date her for so long?" Thorn asked confused. Mads had always said that Kai could do better and Thorn had to agree that it was true.
Kai glanced at her quickly and then shrugged. Thorn felt embarrassed about prying it wasn't her place to ask. Wanting to break the silence Thorn said the first thing that popped in to her head. "You just need to find the right girl".
Kai smiled secretively "Maybe i already have".
"Who?" Thorn asked. She hadn't been expecting that answer, she knew he wasn't dating anyone right now. Mads and Becca hadn't said anything neither had Tala. Kai didn't answer. "Do i know her?" Thorn asked thinking hard about who it could be.
Kai laughed "Very well".
Thorn sat concentrating thinking through all the possibilities. "It's not Mariah is it because".
Kai laughed and cut her off "No its not Mariah. Believe me you will never guess who it is". Well whoever it was Kai must like them a whole lot Thorn thought to herself.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"You ate the whole tub of pringles by yourself in five minutes" Kai asked in disbelief, as he picked up the empty tube.
"Erm no" Thorn said sheepishly. Kai chuckled and sat down next to her on the couch. "It was Prickles" Thorn protested pointing to the cat curled up on her lap. As if realising she was being accused by her chair Prickles got up and wandered onto Kais lap.
Kai grinned "Prickles may be a lot like you but the one thing that she doesn't have is your huge appetite". Prickles hearing Kai defend her, purred loudly and nuzzled his hand.
Thorn glanced at her watch and gasped "Crap its nine o clock i should be getting home".
Kai laughed and rolled his eyes "First of all your watch is broken, its actually only six o clock. Secondly you still read it wrong, i don't know where you got nine from. Both of the hands are pointed to twelve".
"Oh right" Thorn said embarrassed. She had been in his home for two hours and they hadn't even begun work on the essay. They had spent the whole time talking. Kai reached out to get his drink, as he did so his arm brushed along Thorns arm. Thorn winced and hissed slightly recoiling.
"Whats wrong?" Kai asked sounding worried.
"Its nothing" Thorn breathed. She took her jumper off to inspect her arm, there was a long purple bruise down the side of her left arm. Kai gently took her arm to look closely at the bruising. Thorn was surprised at his gentleness frankly she had expected him wanting to make her other arm match.
"I didn't do this did i?" Kai asked. Thorn looked up at him seeing an almost earnest look on his face. He must of thought he had done it when he grabbed her arm.
"No no no" Thorn said quickly "It was Kathy Brookes, she barged past me after PE".
Thorn was surprised to see Kai looking angry at this. "It was nothing Kai really, you know me i bruise like peach".
Kai shuddered "I hate Kathy. Shes such a coward. She wouldn't dare do anything to you if Mads was around".
Thorn raised an eyebrow "You hate Kathy? Well at least she has some benefits".
"What that shes easy?" Kai asked looking revolted. At Thorns unbelieving stare he said defensively "I'm actually one of the few guys in our year" and then corrected himself "school, that hasn't experienced some of her broom closet service".
Thorn was way shocked she pretty much expected Kai to be top of the list. "What about Tala?" she asked.
"Yeah, a few times. Most go to her when they've got an itch they can't scratch. Shes very obliging apparantly".
"Why not you?"
"Believe me, shes always trying it on with me but shes just too much of a ho. Even for me" he said grinning.
Thorn grinned as well, it was nice to know there was some one who disliked Kathy even more than herself. Thorn suddenly felt underdressed. She had only been wearing a low cut stappy top underneath her jumper. She picked up her jumper and managed to ease it on to one half of her, it hurt too much to put her bruised arm through the sleeve. She felt stupid, half wearing her jumper with her hair in a complete mess. She continued to try and sleeve her arm. Prickles was awoken by a loud curse from Thorn, she jumped off Kai and wandered to the other side of the room settling down next to Sab and Raph.
Kai sat watching her struggle in amusement. "Little help" Thorn said in a muffled voice, she had somehow managed to get her head caught in a sleeve. Kai chuckled and gently managed to get the jumper back off her.
"Why are you trying to put it on anyway" Kai asked her about the jumper.
"I'm a little cold" Thorn commented.
"Oh right" Kai said smirking suddenly noticing her top.
Thorn stiffened slightly "Kai are you looking down my top?".
Kai was unashamed to say the least "Yeah", he commented casually smirking "Turns out your definitly not a boy".
Thorn felt herself blush, 'damn pale skin' she thought to herself annoyed. "Well quit it" Thorn snapped.
Kai rolled his eyes but he did turn away. Oddly instead of moving away from him Thorn moved closer. Kai turned around to stare down at her, their eyes locked. Thorn gasped she had suddenly felt as if an electric current had passed between them. He was gazing straight at her intently a lock of hair flopping in his eyes.
As if in a dream, Thorn reached out and brushed the strand out of his eyes. She left her hand resting on the back of his neck. Breathing quickly Thorn moved slightly so she was sitting right on his lap. She could see the surprise in his eyes, and smirked slightly.
Thorn was suddenly aware of hearing the familiar sound of footsteps from outside the room. She was in such a hurry to get off Kai that she ended up falling off the side of the sofa.
"Hey Kai have you.." Becca started as she opened the door leading to his bedroom. She stopped at when she saw Thorn in a crumpled heap on the floor. Thorn got up swaying slightly looking dizzy. She started to fall slightly but Kai expertly caught her.
"Sorry didn't mean to interrupt" Becca said with a twinkle in her eye. Thorn who looked very flushed jumped away from Kai quickly.
"You weren't interrupting anything" Thorn said quickly.
Becca was about to say something to Kai when she noticed what Thorn was wearing. "Whoah Thorn, your wonders without the bra" Becca said giggling. Thorn felt herself redden again knowing Kai was smirking behind her.
'Okay i really need to get a shirt or something' Thorn thought to herself.
"So what did you want Becks?" Kai asked his cousin.
"Oh nothing, i was just wondering if you've seen Mads. I dont think shes come home yet" Becca said simply.
Kai and Thorn exchanged worried glances. "Erm Becca" Thorn asked "Was there a PE class this afternoon?".
Becca thought hard "After your lesson?". Thorn nodded. "Yeah i think so" Becca answered. Thorn was relieved, for a moment there she had been worried that Tala and Mads were still locked in the PE equipment room.
Thorn looked around her, Kai had dissapeared. A few moments later he reappeared "Tala hasn't been home" he said.
Thorn shook her head "Its okay, Becca said there was PE this afternoon, they must of been let out".
"Erm okay i have no idea what the hell your talking about" Becca said confused, she was about to leave when she suddenly realised something "Oh wait the first years went on a school trip today".
It was Thorn who looked confused now "Huh?"
"So they didn't have PE this afternoon" Becca said casually before walking out of the room.
"Oops" Thorn mumbeled.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"I AM GOING TO KILL THEM" Mads screamed banging on the door with her fists.
Tala didn't reply he was sat on a box of bean balls. He hadn't spoken to Mads for the entire time they had been in here. Which had been for five hours according to his watch. Mads hadn't noticed as she had spent the whole time screaming and hitting the door.
Tala sighed "Its not going to work, its past six o clock, the school will be empty".
Mads looked shocked as if it had only just hit her "but its Friday that means..".
"We'll be here for the whole weekend" Tala finished the sentence for her.
Mads gave up on the screaming she was getting a sore throat as it was. "I'm so hungry" she moaned. Tala stretched out his hand and offered her a stick of gum. Mads glowered at him "I dont really think thats going to satisfy".
"Well its all we've got" Tala said calmly.
"I really dont think a packet of gum will last the whole weekend" Mads said furiously.
"We'll just have to ration it" Tala suggested.
"Ration it?" Mads nearly screamed "What? A nibble of chewing gum every five hours. I feel sorry for the next person who opens this cupboard because there going to see two corpses".
"At least we have drinks" Tala said trying to look on the bright side which frankly was pretty dull. Tala and Mads had thankfully both had drinks in their bags, but no food.
Mads didn't answer she just glared at the wall. "Well Kai or Thorn might realise whats happened and find us".
Mads snorted disbelievingly. "Thorn probably forgot we were in here five minutes after walking away, and Kai. Well if you hadn't realised my cousin is kind of evil".
Mads had figured out what was happening too late, Kai had already locked the door. She had been sat in art, when Becca had got a text from Kai saying that he needed to see Mads. At the same time Kai had volunteered Tala to put away the last of the equipment. That was how they had both ended up in the equipment store at the same time. Then Kai must of used his own key to lock the door. In their first year at Hellingfield Kai had managed to steal some sort of master key for the school that could lock any door on the inside. He had said it came in handed when he needed 'privacy'. Now for some weird reason he had decided to give Tala and Mads some privacy.
Mads was wondering aloud what the point was of locking the pair of them in a cupboard. Tala sighed "Isn't it obvious, he wants us to sort things out. I'm Kai's best friend and your his cousin, hes stuck in the middle of us".
"Your the one thats made this awkward. Why couldn't we just go back to how it was? Your the one whos been ignoring me" Mads accused.
"It can't go back to how it was can it? because that would mean i'd still have some hope that something might happen between us but you straightened that one out. I mean nothing to you." Tala said not looking at her.
"Yeah and it took you such a long time to get over me didn't it?. What was it a week?" Mads scoffed "Yeah, i know about June".
"I only started to date her to forget about you"
"Well it looks like you suceeded pretty easily" Mads said bitterly.
"Just because i'm with June doesn't mean i'm not still in..." Tala broke off and looked away.
"What were you going to say" Mads asked.
"It doesn't matter does it? because i mean nothing to you" Tala said coldly.
Mads didn't reply she just sat down on an upturned crate facing away from him. They both sat down metres apart glowering at the wall.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * *
"Your standing on my toes" Kai muttered through the darkness. They were stood outside the gates of their school. Even though it was only around half six it was already extremely dark.
"Oops sorry" Thorn whispered moving away from him.
"Were going to have to climb over" Kai told her.
"What? I cant do that. As you already know, i don't have any upper body strength" Thorn yelped.
"Then what are you doing here, did you think the gates would just be wide open or something" Kai snapped.
Thorn pulled her black balaclava down. She had changed into black clothing for stealth, she really didn't want to be caught breaking into her own school. She was wearing Becca's black pants and one of Kai's shirts. It was the only thing she could put on without her arm hurting.
"Give me a boost then" Thorn said grinning.
Kais stood in front of her, using her ample gymnastic skills she clambered up his back and stood on his shoulders. She made sure that as she went she did it as clumbsily and roughly as she could. She actually heard him growl as she stood on his shoulder.
"Take your time" Kai muttered darkly as she continued to stand on his shoulders.
"Dont worry i will". A few seconds later and the weight on Kai's shoulders had disappeared. He clearly heard a thud and could faintly see a bundle on the floor which he assumed was Thorn.
"Are you okay?" Kai whispered.
"Yeah, i just think i've broken my legs" Thorn muttered. Kai chuckled and in a moment he was standing next to her.
"How come you landed on your feet" Thorn said darkly as she got to her feet slowly.
"Well i jumped down, you fell" he answered.
As they walked along to the main doors to the school, Thorn looked around her worried. "Don't they have CTCV cameras here" she whispered to Kai urgently.
"It's CCTV cameras moron" he whispered back.
Thorn frowned and hit him. However in the darkness Thorn missed completly and hit the wall, hard. Thorn whimpered, sure that her hand was grazed.
Kai didn't seem to have noticed. "There aren't any security cameras" he said firmly.
They reached the main doors. "Can't you use your magic key or something" Thorn asked as they studied the lock.
Thorn could practically hear Kai rolling his eyes. "It's a master key. It only works for the doors inside".
"Well then how are we going to get in?" Thorn moaned.
Kai thought for a moment "Theres a window with a broken lock, on the other side of the school".
Thorn followed him to where the window should be. Thorn looked around her "Kai i can't see any broken windows".
Kai smirked and pointed up. "Kai thats a third floor window" Thorn moaned she had no idea how they were going to get up there.
Kai decided to show her first. He easily climbed up a drainpipe at the side of the building and then shimmied along a ledge, making it look simple. Thorn sighed this was not good.
"About time" Kai smirked as Thorn fell through the window. He was sat on a desk waiting for her.
"I'm scared of heights" Thorn said glaring at him "as you well know".
Kai grinned "As i was sitting here, i suddenly realised theres a window thats never locked, on the ground floor. Oh well".
Thorn growled "So you let me risk my life when we could of got in easily".
"Pretty much" Kai said smiling as he unlocked the classroom door. Thorn glowered at Kai's back as she followed him through the building.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"They're going to kill us you know?" Thorn said quietly as they stared silently at the door in front of them. Kai didn't answer he was also staring at the door immobile.
"I wouldn't mind being killed by them if you had allowed me to vandalise Kathy's locker" Thorn sulked.
Kai rolled his eyes "We'll do that on the way back".
"There is no way back Kai, when we open that door their going to beat us to death with baseball bats. They have a whole arsenal of sporty weapons in there" Thorn commented fearfully.
"It's very quiet in there" Kai whispered to her.
"Hopefull they've killed each other" Thorn muttered.
"Okay i'll unlock the door and then we run" Kai said.
Thorn shook her head "New plan, i run then you unlock the door".
Kai glared at her and pulled her along with him. They were right next to the door now. Kai was about to put his ear to the door when Thorn pulled him away. "Do you remember that scene in scream where the guy puts his ear next to the wall?...
Kai slowly turned the key in the lock and then backed away quickly. A furious looking Mads burst out wielding a hockey stick followed by a grim faced Tala.
Kai and Thorn glanced at each other momentarily before simultaneously making a run for it. Thorn sprinted along slightly behind Kai. The fact that she had felt a hockey stick hit her leg, made her assume Mads was right behind her.
Thorn would of sighed if she had enough breath. In a week it would be her birthday. She didn't feel particularly mature being chased through her empty school by her hockey wielding maniac of a best friend, while she was dressed as a ninja. And she didn't even get a chance to spray paint Kathy Brooke's locker.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
My computer wouldn't let me go online for a while so i couldn't update. I was originally going to post the halloween party chapter first but i had a sudden plot change so i had to do this chapter first. I have exams so i probably wont post the next chapter for several weeks.
In the next chapter Mads and Tala make some sort of drunken progress, whereas Thorn and Kai's progress is completely destroyed. Kai does stupid things when hes drunk.
REVIEW!!!