Messed Up

 

The next morning, I stare at my cereal and wonder if I can convince Mum I'm too sick for school. I'm in the middle of dragging a spoonful into my mouth when I hear a tap on the kitchen window. I look up – it's Mark, and he's grinning at me and beckoning me outside.

"A minute!" I mouth at him.

I bolt my brekkie, run to my bedroom, chuck on a clean uniform, and race down the hall and outside.

"Geez, took you long enough!" he says, smiling, "Come on, let's get walking!"

"Walk all the way?"

He...