Page 34 of The Dead Ex

But the bathroom doorwas locked. There was always someone there because there were so many of them. You just had to cross your legs. If you could.

‘IF YOU LOT AREN’T DOWN HERE NOW, YOU WON’T GET NOTHING TO EAT!’ roared Mrs W from downstairs.

‘C’mon.’ Dawn was pulling her by the hand. ‘Not that it’s worth rushing for.’

‘The cereal’s all gone,’ moaned ginger Darren.

‘That’s because someone here’s had more than theirfair share.’

‘Yeah. Your own brat,’ murmured Dawn. ‘He nicks ours when he’s got his own.’

‘What’s that you’re saying?’

Dawn put her chin up defiantly. ‘Nothing.’

Instead, there was toast. One cold slice each. Scarlet ate her piece slowly, chewing each mouthful the way she and Mum always did when there wasn’t much to eat. Then she put her hands on her lap to show she had finished.

‘Posh manners,’sniggered Darren.

‘Fuck off,’ said Dawn.

‘Your new best friend, is she?’

‘I’m training her. And I don’t want her upset.’

‘Training me for what?’ asked Scarlet.

Dawn made a ‘shut up’ face just as Mrs W came back in the room.

‘What are you lot talking about?’

Nervously, she put up her hand. ‘Please, Mrs Walters. Can you tell me when I’m going to see Mum?’

‘When the Social says you can. Nowget out of here. All of you.’

‘But it’s too early for the bus.’

‘Tough. I’m going out.’

It was freezing, waiting at the bus stop.

‘Someone stinks,’ said Darren. ‘Ugh! The new girl’s pissed herself again.’

‘Stinky Scarlet. Stinky Scarlet!’

Soon everyone was saying it over and over again.

No one wanted to sit next to her. As soon as they reached school, she ran behind some bushes and peeledoff her pants. That was better. Then she followed the trail of children through the gates. It was big – like her old school – and the classes were ginormous. ‘Cos of the cuts, we’re divided into abilities and not age,’ explained her friend. ‘Looks like I’m in the same class as you for maths.’ She tugged at her arm. ‘I’m bloody hopeless so we’ll sit at the back. Come on.’

At last! Something funto do. ‘Fuck, you’re quick,’ said Dawn when Scarlet had finished her worksheet. ‘Can you do mine for me too?’

Luckily, there was so much noise that the teacher couldn’t hear her.

‘Who can tell me the answer to number one?’

‘Eleven.’

The teacher looked surprised. ‘Well done, Dawn. And number two?’