Page 18 of The Black Flamingo

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Mýa, and Pink, and Lil’ Kim’s rap.

A big group of girls, and some boys,

gather around; some giggle but most cheer.

I hear a wolf whistle and I think

it comes from either Jamal or Toby.

I direct the song to Callum, who is at the back

of the crowd. When I point at him, they all

turn around. He shakes his head. Walks away.

The bell rings and everyone starts heading

into school. Emily grabs my navy-blue blazer.

I turn back to face her. “What’s up?”

She looks down at her Mary Janes, then back up.

“Do you know what the French words mean?”

she asks.

I shake my head. She whispers

in my ear, a new truth. I never knew it was

about more than kissing.

It’s non-uniform day.

Mum has picked out a brand-new Levi’s denim

jacket. It’s stiff and uncomfortable.

I take it off at the start of the day, hang it

on my cloakroom hook.

When I go back

before home time, it’s gone.

At the school gate I say, “Mummy,

I think someone took my jacket by mistake.”

She shouts, “What do you mean

someone took it? You stupid boy,

you have to look after your things!

Do you know how much it cost?”

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