scene thirty-nine - skive - year nine

“Hey, kid—Jey, was it? What’re you doin’, in my spot?”

Startled, they jumped out of their skin, spinning around and preparing a million excuses and/or a speedy getaway, only to see a face crowned by a bleached-blond mane which instantly, for some reason, both put them at ease and on edge at the same time, if that was even possible. There was a smile in his eyes, and a wider grin on his lips, as he stood back, looking them up and down for a few moments.

“Didn’t take you for the skiving type, kid.” Raising his eyebrows, he continued to smile, clearly enjoying himself. “What’s so bad about Year Seven PE, then?”

“Just… doesn’t matter.” Shaking their head, they kicked at the concrete ground a little, keeping their eyes down. They thought that hiding out behind the Gym would keep them safe from prying eyes, but apparently not. “I thought Year Eleven PE was just a, you know-”