Page 17 of Baby Duke

Trent led me outside after the bell for recess rang. We were heading forThe Shed. Apparently, this was where the stoners went to take a hit.

We headed towards what looked to be an old sports shed, which Trent confirmed it was.

"The Shed is the only surviving building from the old school this one is built on top of. Double Bay High was not always for us rich pricks, you know?"

"No shit?" I laugh, taking the offered joint and lighter from Trent. Ducking my head, I stick the spiff between my lips, cover it with my hand, and light it up. It takes on the second spark, and I suck in a heavenly puff, the musky smoke spreading through my veins like wildfire.

"Nah, we used to be a public school. Welcome to all! Then the Dukes took over and made up some bullshit rules and policies. Now, if you aren't rich or smart as fuck, yourapplication doesn't make it past reception," Trent says, lighting up a second stick for himself.

"Fucking Dukes, hey?" I laugh.

There are a few people lounging in the sun by The Shed, and Trent is quick to introduce me.

"Roe, this is Enid and Blaire," he says, gesturing to two girls lying spread-eagled in the grass, heads resting on their backpacks and joints hanging from their mouths. They wave lazily at the introduction. "Derick, Max, and Reece," Trent continued as the boys in question gave me appreciative long looks.

"And those two practically fucking against the wall?" I ask, nodding towards the couple suction cupped to each other's faces, grinding on each other.

Trent scoffs, "How could I forget? That is Gigi and Ryan. They aren't stoners. They just come here to hook up, sometimes more."

I take a puff and say, "Classy," before blowing it out again.

We sit with our backs against the wall, a couple of meters away from Gigi and Ryan, who have progressed to third base. Trent is watching me keenly out of the corner of his eye. He wants to say something. No doubt it's something about West.

Just as he sucks in a deep breath and opens his mouth to speak, another voice cuts in.

"Roe! I have known you all of five minutes, yet I justknewI'd find you here," East calls as she makes her way over to where Trent and I sit, not even batting an eye at the couple groaning against the wall.

She is holding two Styrofoam cups, and I instantly groan.

"Please tell me that's coffee and that it's for me," I say, reaching out for the cup, not giving two shits that it's probably for one of her other friends.

East snorts and hands it over.

"Well, duh, I don't buy coffee for just anyone."

I moan at the first sip of blissfully bitter brew.

"You're an angel, you know that?"

"Sure do," she grins, holding out her hand for me to take. "Now come on, breaks almost over. Let's walk back together."

She hauls me to my feet with surprising strength.

"I'll catch you later, Trent," I say, hooking my arm through East’s as we stroll back towards the school.

"So," she says, "tell me about yourself, Roe? I need to know everything!"

I groan, "Please tell me you arenotsome school gossip blogger or something? 'Coz that shit won't fly with me."

East laughs. "Hell no! I just want to know your story. How you became such a badass bitch, you know?"

"Hmph," I guzzle some coffee while musing over how to answer her. "There isn't really much to tell. My parents were from opposite sides of the streets, so to speak. My dad's family disowned him when he fell in love with my mother because, you know, they were racist pricks. My mother didn't come from money, so she was used to living tough. My dad, though, struggled with the new lifestyle. When mom died, he pretty much just gave up on living."

"How old were you when she died?" East asked.

"Eight."

East whistled. "That sucks."

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