Chapter 45

  I don’t want to go to school today knowing I have to end things with Claire. Sometimes I have to wonder if it’s me who has a curse. Everyone who seems to care for me ends up hurt. I force my feet out of bed, knowing what needs to be done. I get myself dressed, wash my face in the basin, and head downstairs for breakfast. Everyone is already halfway through breakfast. I must have slept in. Everyone greets me except for Nina. Her eyes stare vacantly at her bowl of cereal as she swivels the milk around with her spoon, lost in thought. As soon as I sit down, she stands up and grabs her schoolbag to leave.

  ‘In a hurry?’ Leon asks her.

  ‘I’m meeting up with Moss so we can walk to school together.’

  ‘Okay, honey. You have a great day.’

  ‘Thanks, I will dad.’

  She runs out the door. Zak, May, and Josie are ready to leave. I grab my bag and join them.

  ‘Have you talked to Nina yet?’ I ask May.