Page 41 of Tricky Girls

Immediately my hackles are up, stomach tensed against what’s about to transpire.

The other two don’t even raise their heads and I try affecting their air of nonchalance.

But then Nic enters the lounge, brown eyes spotting mine. She doesn’t glare like Haz does, doesn’t slit her eyes. But you canfeel the fire in them, her entire body bristling like she’s about to punch me.

And given our recent history, I can’t be sure she won’t.

‘It’s home time,’ she says, her quiet voice laced in warning.

‘Leave her,’ Haz mutters, eyes still on the TV.

Nic snaps her gaze to her. ‘I said it’s fucking home time.’

Haz sighs, her socked feet hitting the floor as she sits up. ‘And I said leave her. She’s had a fucking day of it.’

‘Not my problem.’ She points at the door. ‘Just get her out before I do.’

‘Chill, man,’ Elly pipes up. ‘It’s not just you who lives here.’

‘And I think you need to remember how it is you live here at all.’

‘Don’t be playing that fucking card,’ says Haz.

‘It’s cool.’ I raise my hands placatingly. ‘You said that room’s set up right? I’m honestly knackered. Might just grab a shower and crash if that’s alright.’

Haz gets to her feet. ‘Sure. Come on. I’ll show you.’ She glares at Nic. ‘Sort your fucking attitude out or there’s going to be problems.’

Everything gets louder at night. Lying in the small single bed of their spare room-cum-gym, I’m besieged with images of Ryan and Natasha, his furious voice cutting through me.

It’s peaceful in the lodge itself. No hordes of noisy freshers, no wind. Just quiet music sounding from above me. Nic’s room, but I don’t want to be thinking about her. I imagine everyone’s charging up for the sports night out tomorrow.

Now I’m alone with nothing to do but think, the tears come a bit easier.

Doesn’t help that I texted Mum today, only for my message to go unanswered. I know she hates me but to be so obviously reminded hurts.

That’s three of them now. Mum, Ryan, Nic.

Just a shitty-ass day all round.

I’m scrubbing the tears from my face when a knock sounds at the door, followed by a shaft of hallway light.

‘Hey,’ Elly whispers.

‘Hey.’

‘Can I come in?’

‘Depends on your intentions.’

The light disappears but I feel her in the room.

‘A heart to heart? Maybe a spoon if you’re up for it?’

I smile in the dark. Already the heaviness in my chest is dissipating. Bloody good distractions, these girls. ‘I might allow that.’

‘Sweet. I’m clothed, promise.’

‘I believe you. Not sure I would Haz though.’

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