Page 18 of Jain

“I might,” Kate said airily as Sarah and I exchanged a look.

Sarah had been quiet, picking at her food and sighing.

“What’s wrong with you? Why are you all broody?”Kate demanded as she flicked her hair over her shoulder with irritation.

“Why are you such a bitch?” I found myself saying, as her mouth fell open in surprise. “What if there’s something wrong with her? Why do you insist on telling us who to date, how to be—”

Kate stood up angrily, her eyes flashing.

“Do you know what? Maybe you will turn out just like your mother, and it will beentirelyyour fault.”

“Kate!” Sarah hissed as I lost the ability to speak.

How had I ever considered Kate, my friend?

I couldn’t even look at her as she walked away, and I shrugged off Sarah’s hand.

“It’s fine, she’s just a bitch, and I never realised until now.”

“She was out of order. I think she’s jealous,” Sarah murmured, her eyes softening as she looked at me.

“Jealous? Kate?”

Sarah shrugged, pushing her food away.

“You’ve got Harley tripping over himself to be with you. You’re now seeing Arden, who, as much as she claims is a waster, is totally gorgeous. You’re clever and beautiful, inside and out.”

“Sarah, stop. You’re making me blush.”

I reached out to hug her, grateful I had her by my side. We made our way to our respective classes, and I wondered what had crawled up Kate’s ass.

I didn’t see Arden that day at all, so I sent him a text telling him I had my tutorial and couldn’t see him after as my mum needed me home.

When I finally arrived at Mr Silver’s, he seemed tired and snappy.

“What is with everyone today?” I muttered as I sat down at my usual spot at his table.

He glared at me before handing me a test paper.

“This is a mock GCSE paper. I think you should attempt it at home, and we will go over it in the next session. Which will probably be our last session, seeing how you have improved.”

“Sir, are you ok?” I asked carefully, my eyes burning into his.

“Yes, I’m fine. Just a little tired,” he answered, in a tone I’d not heard him use before. He seemed quiet, yet his voice was soft.

“Well, when I say that to teachers, they tell me I should sleep at night.” I smiled as he chuckled softly, his grey eyes crinkling in the corners.

“Do you?” Mr Silver asked as my heart thudded against my chest.

“What?”

“Sleep at night.”

“Uh, yeah, of course... doesn’t everyone?” I answered, puzzled by the question.

“No, not everyone,” he said, his eyes suddenly holding my gaze for longer than necessary. “Some people spend time doing things they shouldn’t, despite knowing it’s probably wrong.”

I froze, convinced there was a hidden meaning there.