She grinned. ‘Will do.’
We headed out of the toilets together, going our separate ways at the end of the hall. As I walked towards the nurse’s office, making sure to slow my pace and hunch slightly, it occurred to me that this was the first time I’d ever tried to skip class at Esther’s. Surely a momentous occasion, never mind that it had taken me almost five years. I wanted to text Suzanne – You’re rubbing off on me! – but I clearly couldn’t right now.
As the nurse fussed over me, apparently not suspicious of my vague symptoms, I could only think about Suzanne. Suspension. What would that mean for her? Things between her and Sarah were strained enough already. If I was suspended, it would be a big deal, but for Suzanne it could be a disaster.
My phone buzzed again in my pocket, but I had to wait a few minutes until the nurse left the room before I could look.
14.38: Whoops. Sz jst txt me, v pissed off I told you. What did u say to her?
14.46: Literally just here if u need me.
14.48: Fucks sake, y does she have to be such a bitch. I didnt throw any chairs. As if I wouldn’t tell u!
14.49: She told me to leave her alone.
14.52: !! Unbelievable. K I actually hv to do some work now. Call me after school x
14.53: Will do xx
22.31: Have you heard from Suze?
22.32: No, have you?
22.33: No, I left a message just after 6, no reply. I text her like an hour ago, but no reply.
22.35: :/
Wednesday 11.49
From: Suzanne Watts {[email protected]}
To: Caddy Oliver {[email protected]}; Rosie Caron {[email protected]}
Hi guys,
Sorry for communication outage last night. I just really, really didn’t want to talk. I’m rubbish, I know.
Just wanted to give you an update. Things are fine, really. Sarah is steaming mad, but not at me(!!!). She’s at school right now trying to appeal the suspension. It probs won’t work but nice that shes trying. I thought she’d be so mad at me but she says a suspension is completely unnecessary, because of the circs, esp as Dylan just got a detention. She was like, you should have just ignored him. Tbh I think she was kind of distracted by finding out I’ve had sex. I was so upset I told her what he said – not all of it, but enough for her to get it. HER FACE. GOD. Now we’re both kind of pretending that bit of the conversation didn’t happen.
So anyway. She’s got a meeting with Mr Henriksen (thats our head of year, Cads), so we’ll see how it goes. If it doesnt work the suspension is for the rest of the week, so I’ll be back at school by Monday anyway. Sarah says I have to go to the cafe with her so she can keep an eye on me for the rest of the week, and I’m not allowed to see anyone, including you two. Thats basically my punishment, but it could be loads worse.
We’re still on for Lev’s party though, right? Thank God I didnt tell Sarah about it before, because she def wouldnt let me go if she knew. She just thinks I’m staying at yours on Saturday, Roz, which is basically true.
OK, that’s pretty much it. Send me lots of texts and stuff until the weekend otherwise I’ll be lonely :(
Lots of love xxxx
Wednesday 13.18
From: Rosie Caron {[email protected]}
To: Suzanne Watts {[email protected]}; Caddy Oliver {[email protected]}
Are you sure it’s a good idea to go to the party, Suze? Dylan will be there.
xx
Wednesday 13.20
From: Suzanne Watts {[email protected]}
To: Rosie Caron {[email protected]}; Caddy Oliver {[email protected]}
Why not?
Wednesday 13.22
From: Rosie Caron {[email protected]}
To: Suzanne Watts {[email protected]}; Caddy Oliver {[email protected]}
Suze, come on.
Wednesday 13.25
From: Suzanne Watts {[email protected]}
To: Rosie Caron {[email protected]}; Caddy Oliver {[email protected]}
Why should I not go because of him? He shouldn’t go coz of me.
Wednesday 13.30
From: Rosie Caron {[email protected]}
To: Suzanne Watts {[email protected]}; Caddy Oliver {[email protected]}
Maybe, but that’s not what will happen.
What if you go and get really upset or something? What if he’s a dick again?
Wednesday 13.32
From: Suzanne Watts {[email protected]}
To: Rosie Caron {[email protected]}; Caddy Oliver {[email protected]}
I’m not going to talk to him or anything, I’m not an idiot.
Wednesday 13.35
From: Rosie Caron {[email protected]}
To: Suzanne Watts {[email protected]}; Caddy Oliver {[email protected]}
I know, but you’ll be drunk, probs. What if he’s all nice to you and you think it’s a good idea to get back with him?
Wednesday 13.36
From: Suzanne Watts {[email protected]}
To: Rosie Caron {[email protected]}; Caddy Oliver {[email protected]}
Is that really what you think of me?
Wednesday 13.38
From: Rosie Caron {[email protected]}