Page 26

by C.J Duggan

***

It was Ellie's laughter that sent me in the opposite direction of the toilet blocks. I found her near the swimming pool talking to a couple of tall boys with towels draped around their necks, smiling down at Ellie.

"Tess! Come and meet Wes and Mark."

I didn't want to meet Wes and Mark. I just wanted to get to the shed, and I wanted Ellie in tow.

I offered a pleasant enough smile as I turned to Ellie. "They're waiting for us."

"Oh, right!" Ellie agreed (thank God!).

"Do you guys wanna come to a party?"

"Uh, Ellie, I don't think we're in a position to invite people," I whispered.

"Oh, it'll be fine." She waved me away, which really got my back up.

"Half of Onslow will be there, and the boys are staying at the caravan park anyway, right?"

I knew exactly what she was up to, and I did not like 'Operation Make Stan Jealous' one bit.

"Whatever! Do what you want, I know you will anyway," I snapped and walked off without so much as a backwards glance.

I loved Ellie, but she sure could infuriate me sometimes.