SOMEONE DIFFERENT by Kate Hanney Read Free Book Online Page B

him?’
    I couldn’t help smiling a bit; everything was so simple to Billy.
    ‘Well?’
    Well, I thought, because when he’s like that, he makes me feel like I’m five again. But I didn’t say it.
    Billy looked at me then jumped up. ‘In fact, where is he? I’ll do it. Somebody’s gotta show him he can’t keep gettin’ away with it.’
    ‘Billy, leave it, yeah? It’ll be OK.’
    He stuffed his hands in his pockets. ‘But, Jay –’
    ‘You know it’s best to just leave him to come round. I don’t wanna go makin’ it any worse, do I?’
    It was quiet for a bit, then Billy shook his head again and sat back down. ‘Was he alright with ya this mornin’?’
    I nodded. ‘Yeah, proper nicey-nicey. Phoned school an’ everythin’ to tell ’em I were ill.’
    ‘That’s only cos he dun’t want nobody comin’ round an’ seein’ ya like that.’
    ‘I know. But it’ll be better in a few of days.’ I leaned against the arm of the chair. ‘So, what’s it been like at school then? Anythin’ new happened?’
    ‘Nah. Oh, except ....’ A huge grin spread across Billy’s face. ‘Latina Mason were shaggin’ this Year Ten lad in exchange for fags right, and they got caught behind C block by that RE teacher that always stinks of bud. The kid’s zippin’ his trousers up and she’s busy pullin’ her skirt down, when the pack of Regals falls out of her coat pocket. Latina turns to the teacher an’ says, “Oh, sir, ya won’t tell my mum I smoke, will ya?”’
    Billy laughed out loud and I joined in, until the pain in my cheek made me hold my breath.
    A few seconds later he stood up. ‘You’ll not be goin’ again tomorrow then, will ya?’ he said as he got to the door.
    ‘Doubt it.’
    ‘But you’ll be back up at them stables on Thursday though, eh?’
    ‘I’m not sure.’
    ‘Not sure , my arse. You wouldn’t miss the chance to see that lass for all the weed at Patsy’s. I’ll see ya at the bus stop at half eight, yeah?’
    I smiled. ‘Yeah, OK.’
    He went out into the hallway, then turned back and looked at me. ‘Jay ... you will be alright, won’t ya?’
    ‘Course. He’ll be on his best behaviour for a bit now.’
    Billy nodded and went.
    I walked into the kitchen and got a can of Carling. He was right; I wouldn’t have missed the chance to see her for anything. And somehow, looking forward to that, meant everything else didn’t seem so bad.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    10 – Anna
     
    All day at school on Tuesday I felt like a butterfly trapped in a jam jar. I stared out through the glass, flitted from one place to another, then flapped like crazy when I eventually got released.
    The second I arrived home I ran upstairs and got changed. Would Mum notice if I put my new D & G jeans on? I decided to risk it. I took the scrunchie out of my hair and brushed so it hung down over my shoulder.
    ‘That was quick,’ Mum said , as I reached the bottom of the stairs. ‘Are you going straight down to the yard?’
    ‘Yes.’ I opened the front door.
    ‘Oh, I’m so pleased that little accident yesterday hasn’t put you off. Go on then, I can tell you can’t wait to see Tia.’
    I made myself walk steadily so I wasn’t all flustered when I got there. But, guess what? It wouldn’t have mattered if all I’d been wearing was my Prada bikini – he wasn’t there.
    Becky saw me hovering. ‘You’re down early.’
    ‘Erm, yes. I ...’
    ‘All on my own I am this afternoon. Jenna’s ill, it’s Cathy’s day off, and the work experience lads aren’t back until Thursday.’
    ‘Oh.’ My face dropped like a pebble in the sea, and it took me two or three seconds to recover. I looked back at Becky quickly. ‘Is there anything I can do to help?’
    ‘Ooh, you couldn’t make me a cuppa could you, love? I haven’t had one all day.’
    ‘Sure.’
    I put the kettle on in the office and washed out Becky’s enormous, tea-stained mug.