I go to the field out back. Light up another fag, scan the landscape. Groups of students dotted here and there. I really need something to take my mind off Freddy, anything.

I know where Cook will be. Either at his uncles or off buying some sort of drug for tonight. I could...just ring him, you know.

Maybe, he's too risky to be an anything. Then again, I like risky.

I get my mobile out and just as I begin to ring I notice something. Now, this is a better game to play. Might be more fun, more interesting. I can ring Cook anytime.

I hang up and begin to make my way towards the tree. Towards the 'loving' couple. Ha!

It's that girl and boy again and my cruel streak makes me feel like victimizing them. I don't really know why to be truthful. Maybe I'm jealous that they give off the persona that they are so content. Maybe I just want to toy with that a little.

I lean against the tree trunk, uncomfortably close, lazily dragging on my cigarette. They both look up at their intruder. I look back, "Want a smoke?"

"Um, no thanks. I don't." She answers. I can't say I am terribly surprised. She looks away.

He's still staring. I very slowly, very deliberately lick across my top lip. He frowns and looks away as well. Oh, I like a little challenge.

"I'm Effy."

This must be almost the most I have ever spoken in my life.

Only the girl looks up this time. I think I'm starting see a bit of annoyance creeping upon her features, but it's hard to tell.

"I know who you are. My big sister gave your brother a blowjob once, I walked in on it. Wasn't pleasant."

"Oh,"

"Take it you don't know who I am. Carmen. He's Daniel. He's new,"

He speaks, "Was it Kayleigh that did that? Glad she's fucked off to uni, annoying slag."

"Hey that's my sister, do you mind," she snaps, then she smiles, "Only I can say she's annoying slag."

I leave them to it for a bit, finish off smoking, contemplating how will I trap these new toys?

Riiight, next move.

"There's a rave going on down near the subway tonight. We're bringing some weed, some pills, you know. Wanna come? I'll meet you there about eleven?"

"Um...maybe. Why not?"

You'd be surprised, my lovely. Good answer.

***

I meet up with Panda after school, she natters on and on about her wonderful day of 'Thomas Love'. I tell her about the rave. I don't tell her who I've invited.

She seems keen but gives me a really wide-eyed look. "What if Freddy's there?"

"So?"

"Wouldn't it be awkward?"

"No."

She's quiet for a bit and then starts to talk about 'whizzer' pair of leggings that she got the other week and that she plans on wearing them, almost definitely.

I tune out a bit.