Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Six


    Time felt as though it was going both far too fast and far too slow as Lila changed out of her hockey gear. A shower would''ve been nice, but she ultimately had hardly done anything noteworthy at the match today so she supposed she didn''t need one.


    What would their Mum even say? Lila imagined that it would be an apology. After seeing how Clare had reacted to their Mum during their fight, though, it would have to be a damn good apology for Lila to not feel aggrieved on her behalf.


    A soft knock sounded on Lila''s door as she rested her hockey stick in its usual place. She jumped – was that Mum?


    "Just me," Clare''s voice called out.


    "Come in."


    Clare sidled in, glancing around Lila''s room. "Ready?"


    "Sure," Lila nodded.


    Clare reached out for Lila''s arm, which she gave her. "We''ll be fine," Clare whispered, her voice wavering ever-so-slightly. Lila had the distinct impression that Clare was saying that for her own benefit rather than Lila''s.


    They headed down the stairs, slowing as they reached the living room. Lila had passed by it so quickly upon returning home that she didn''t know whether her Mum had been sitting there when she arrived. Now, there was no mistaking it – her Mum was sitting on the couch, watching a Filipino drama as usual. Lila''s Dad was also sitting in the living room, and once he spotted Lila and Clare, he wearily got to his feet.


    "Hi, girls," he said, his eyes resting on their Mum for a brief second. "Daniel and I are going to head out."


    "To do what?" Clare asked, her voice rising with panic.


    "Something. Watch a movie, paint dry, or grass grow," their Dad replied, his voice measured. "We''ll be back later."


    He headed past Lila and Clare, who continued to stand awkwardly by the stairs rather than fully enter the living room, and climbed the stairs. After a few moments of sustained, awkward silence, their Dad knocked on Daniel''s door.


    "… still don''t see why-"


    "You don''t want father-son time?"


    The voices of her Dad and brother were drifting towards them as they both traipsed down the stairs. Daniel seemed displeased by this turn of events, owing to the glower on his face, but their Dad was evidently ignoring this.


    "We''ll be going now. See you later," their Dad announced as he and Daniel passed Lila and Clare on the way to the garage. Lila wondered why Daniel seemed so unwilling, but she wouldn''t get the answer now.


    The door to the garage slammed shut, leaving Lila, Clare and their Mum in far more awkward silence than before – a feat that Lila hadn''t thought possible.


    She''d avoided looking at their Mum as much as she could but when their Mum rubbed her hands over her face, Lila couldn''t look anywhere else. Her skin seemed to have dulled in colour, her under-eyes a deep purplish grey, and any joy that her Mum usually possessed in her face had all but disappeared entirely. Clearly, she hadn''t been sleeping well over the past week and a bit.


    Lila relaxed the tension in her shoulders. While she was expecting an apology from their Mum, a small part of her had thought that it would be disingenuous and that their Mum would double down on what happened. Sometimes, their Mum could be quite stubborn when she had done something egregious. But, now that she was looking properly at their Mum, she had a feeling that it would at least be partly genuine.


    "Come, sit down," their Mum said softly, gesturing to the couch. She moved to sit in one of the armchairs as Clare gently tugged Lila along. They all tentatively sat. Lila nervously combed her fingers through the ends of her hair, waiting for their Mum to speak.


    Their Mum opened and closed her mouth several times before leaning forward and grabbing a glass of water from the coffee table. She drank it in one gulp before setting it back down again. Her eyes were shining in a way that Lila had never seen before – like there was a mixture of regret, sorrow and fear hidden within her dark brown irises.


    "Girls… I''m sorry," she said quietly, looking down at her hands. Lila felt Clare stiffen beside her, but she didn''t dare take her eyes off their Mum.


    "Your Mum… was very frightened," she whispered, now wringing her hands together. She took a deep breath before looking directly at Clare – something which Lila appreciated. "Clare, it''s not a life your Mum wants for you."


    Clare sighed, extricating her arm from Lila''s. "Mum-"


    "Because it''s a life your Mum had before."


    Lila''s heart dropped. What? Surely she misheard.


    "When Danilo was murdered," their Mum continued, her eyes flickering down to her knees, the shame almost billowing out from her like a cloak and engulfing her face in shadow, "and I became the eldest, we needed so much money – quickly. At first, I was just a dancer – but the money wasn''t enough. I had five younger siblings to help take care of. I had no idea how much money Danilo was giving to our family until he was gone. I''d taken it for granted and… found myself doing sex work."


    A lone tear descended their Mum''s face, and she quickly dotted it away with her hands. "It''s illegal. But the police never do anything about it. If they did, I don''t know how I could''ve helped my family. We didn''t need to be beggars, just. Christine…" She closed her eyes briefly, taking another deep breath. "Christine almost had to do it, too but I couldn''t let that happen. She would''ve only been 15 then. It''s… awful. Some nights, I was only a bar girl. I''d come home drunk, throw up as much as I could, and then sleep for a few hours before preparing for my studies. Even now, the thought of alcohol burns my throat and my liver is permanently damaged. Other nights, I would be a sex worker, with foreign and Filipino clients. Oftentimes, I did both jobs in one night, but I tried to get a schedule to… prepare my mind. It… was hard to know what kind of client I''d get. Many were violent, but those customers usually paid much better – and I needed it, for a family of eight plus Danilo''s debts, and my studies."


    Their Mum paused, brushing away another tear. "It''s… a common thing, for a white man to tell us girls that they''ll take us away, take care of us and our families, and buy us everything we need. They say just the right things to make us fall in love – with the idea of escaping that hell. Most girls believed them and went with them. Some came right back, working the same job without a word about the men who had taken them. A small amount… I never saw or heard from again, unless their deaths made the newspaper. One or two were forced into the same work in different countries. So when your father found me a couple of years after I started, I didn''t want to listen to his promises."


    The idea that their Dad had been a client was hard for Lila to comprehend. Lila had known – well, thought she''d known – that her parents had met at their Mum''s University.


    "He found me working as a bar girl. He''d buy me a drink, then drink it himself before his own as soon as possible. When he first did that, I thought ''what a crazy alcoholic''. Australians… have a reputation, but this was… different. When he finished the drinks, he said he first saw me at University, which shocked me. I kept it as separate as I could, my University life and my working life. He was on exchange there for extra credits and it turned out we shared a class. I think that''s when he started using his investigation skills, to find me outside of University," she gave a small, fond smile, as though the memory of their first encounter was a treasured one. "At first, I thought he was a stalker – but there was something genuine there. He said I was beautiful, but my mind was more so. He couldn''t understand why I was working the way I was. Eventually, I told him."


    She pursed her lips, stemming the tears that threatened to fall for a moment. "He said… he was poor now, but when he had a proper job, he''d come back for me. Somehow, he''d charmed me enough in those few weeks he was there to wait about a year for him. I graduated, but even the wage of an accountant wasn''t enough, so I still had some shifts. At that point, though, Christine could start work – legal, honest work – and it became a little easier…"


    Their Mum trailed off before she spoke again. "When he came back, he was a junior investigator under a private company. The money… wasn''t great, but it was much better than what I could earn. So, I went with him and I was free. Free to not force myself to do all of those things to survive. Australia is a country of opportunity, and I quickly found work as an accountant and was able to support my family back home. We''ve done well since."


    She exhaled deeply, looking between both Clare and Lila. "Clare, Lila… Mum doesn''t want you to live that life. Living in Australia means you don''t have to. Since I''ve stopped working in the Philippines, I''ve asked God for forgiveness every day – and I will, until I die. I will hate myself for living like that until I die. Sinning like that is a regret I''ll have to repent for, but it was the only thing I could do to keep my family alive. Living here, in this house, means you don''t need to, Clare."


    Clare didn''t respond. Lila chanced a peak at Clare and saw that she was stony-faced, her thoughts entirely unreadable from her expression.


    "When I saw that video, I thought… it was my fault, for having lived that life. That you''d gotten it from me. I tried to scare you away from it, even though I knew it was too late since you were already doing it. The shame I felt, seeing you like that… some of it is because I used to do it, too. I thought… how could I have ruined my daughter''s life before she was even born? How dare I? I''d pretended that my past life couldn''t hurt me and my family anymore, but… it did. In that moment, I hadn''t realised I could hate myself any more and-"


    Their Mum gave a hollow laugh, wiping yet more tears from her eyes. "Clare, I went too far. You''re my precious daughter – both of you – and I just want you to be safe. You don''t need the money. We have more than enough for you. Focus on your studies, and find good, honest work when you can. You can stay here until you''re thirty, forty, seventy – I don''t care. I said… you''re not fit to be my daughter, but Lila''s right. I was never fit to be your mother, since you ended up like this."


    The silence now was suffocating Lila. Their Mum seemed to be waiting for Clare''s response with more tears noiselessly rolling down her face.


    "Mum… I don''t work at Coolisimo for the money," Clare said in a low voice, fidgeting with her hands in her lap. "I work there because it makes me happy."


    Their Mum looked bewildered by this idea.


    "I get to dance and perform, which I love doing, and everyone there is so lovely. It''s fun – and I''ve felt so confident since I started. It makes me feel good and strong. Plus, I''m purely a dancer. Well, I also do some bartending shifts, but it''s not like being a bar girl. I can''t drink at all on shift, actually. It''s nothing like what you had to go through. I''m not forced into it – I know I don''t need the money, though it is a bonus. I… I''m not sorry for being a dancer at a nightclub. I''m not going to quit. It''s my life, Mum. I know… you want better for me, but I''ve been so happy there. My boss… I told him what happened, and he said he''d give me all the time in the world for me to be okay again. So I haven''t worked since our fight and… and I''ve been miserable without it."


    Lila held on to Clare''s hand, squeezing it for comfort. Clare gave Lila a watery smile before looking back at their Mum.


    "I tried going back on Thursday, but I couldn''t work, I was so anxious from our fight. At the same time… I''m upset because I want to go back. I want to work. I started working there because… well, I was at a really low point in my self-esteem and I applied because I thought I''d get rejected – then I could say that not even a nightclub wanted me. But I got the job and it''s been better than I''ve expected at every point – and I really enjoy it."


    Their Mum''s expression changed from bewilderment to contemplation. It seemed she was genuinely listening to what Clare was saying.


    "I don''t think the way you handled it was right, Mum," she added softly. "I can see why it went that way, though. I just… it''s very different, what happened to you and what''s happening with me. I don''t want to quit, and I don''t think I should have to. I want to keep being happy. And… I don''t think you''re unfit to be my mother, and it''s not your fault that I work at a nightclub. And if you think I''m ashamed of your past, I''m not."


    Clare paused, tightening her hold on Lila''s hand before speaking again.


    "T-There''s something else, too," Clare whispered. She looked at Lila, who had no idea what Clare was about to say next. "Another reason why I want to keep working there. I… met a guy there. His name is Alex and… and we''re in l-love."


    Lila was definitely not expecting that. Their Mum shifted in her seat, her eyes fixed on Clare.


    "Um… I don''t know where I''m going with this, but… but since you''ve been honest with us, I think… I should tell you about him and, well, I have felt some shame working as a dancer. Not enough to make me want to stop, but enough to feel like no one would properly love me, or want me, after knowing I''m an adult entertainer. But Alex… he wanted me even though he knew where I worked and persisted, despite everything. I''m really serious about him, and he''s serious about me. I-I''ve been wanting him to meet you and Dad, but I''ve also been scared about what you might think since he also works at Coolisimo. A?As a bartender."


    The fact that Clare felt the need to add that last sentence almost made Lila snort, given the briefest imagery of Alex with his flowing hair and bulging muscles swinging around a pole flashing in her mind''s eye, but she squashed the urge down as silence prevailed again.


    Their Mum rubbed her face with both hands before inhaling deeply. Then, she opened her arms, gesturing for Clare to come in for a hug. Clare slipped out of Lila''s grasp and did so, curling up onto the armchair and their Mum. It was at this point that both of them started to openly sob; which also made Lila cry, though she kept her sounds to herself. This conversation was mainly for Clare and their Mum, after all.


    They spent at least a couple minutes like this, with Clare clutching onto their Mum and their Mum placing her hand on the back of Clare''s head. Eventually, the tears for everyone involved subsided, though the sniffles persisted.


    Their Mum wiped away Clare''s tears before rubbing her nose against Clare''s cheek and kissing her forehead. "Clare… it''s hard for your Mum to just agree to you working there… but…" she sighed, expelling all the air from her lungs. "If you say that doing this makes you happy… then… I can''t take it away from you. You''re right – it''s your life, and even if I want to protect you, there''s not much I can do about it."


    Lila held her breath, waiting for their Mum to take it back. But she didn''t.


    "As soon as there''s trouble, please quit," their Mum murmured, caressing Clare''s head. "It''s still scary working at night like that."


    "We have really good security, Mum," Clare replied quietly. "Better than before."


    Lila figured that last comment was for her, rather than their Mum – perhaps a subtle warning that Lila and Asher wouldn''t be able to sneak in again; not that she wanted to.


    "I park at work, too – so I''m not out on the street after my shifts," Clare added softly.


    Their Mum sighed again before gently letting Clare go. "Okay."


    Lila pressed her lips together so that her smile wouldn''t appear on her face. It wasn''t the time.


    "As for you, Lila," their Mum said, turning to Lila as Clare made her way back to the couch, wiping at her eyes, "I don''t think I can handle two of my children doing this-"


    "Don''t worry, Mum. I''m sure Clare has fun and all that, but it''s not for me."


    Lila braced herself for a follow-up question, asking how she knew it wasn''t for her, but her Mum didn''t ask.


    "I love you both – dearly. All I ask is for both of you to be safe – not just at work. You must keep an eye on these boyfriends of yours, too. Any trouble, and you need to leave. And… use protection."


    Lila wasn''t quite sure what to say. She didn''t necessarily want to tell her Mum that she still wasn''t having sex with Asher since her Mum already knew she was on the Pill and would probably not believe her. She also didn''t want to ask her Mum what ''any trouble'' meant, considering all the things they did get up to, so she merely nodded in agreement.


    "So… when are we meeting Alex?" their Mum asked, a small smile on her face. She looked incredibly weary now, but she seemed interested, at least.


    Clare exchanged a look with Lila. "I… said I want you to meet him, but… I should warn you that, um, he probably doesn''t… look like a guy you want me to be with."


    Their Mum frowned. "Should you be-"


    "He''s really nice, but he''s got lots of tattoos and piercings and… long hair."


    "Ah. Well…" their Mum''s frown deepened before she shook her head, sighing yet again. "I''ve already said yes to you working at the nightclub, so… it''s too late to say no to him."


    Clare''s posture relaxed, though her voice was riddled with nerves. "Okay. Um… I''ll find some time for him to visit."


    "Asher should meet him too," their Mum nodded. "We''ll have a big dinner-"


    "No, I think it should just be Alex meeting the family, right?" Lila couldn''t keep the panic out of her words. She wasn''t sure if Alex and Asher meeting again would be a good idea – what if Alex let slip that they''d met before?


    Clare patted Lila''s knee. "I think it sounds like a great idea – a big family dinner, with Alex and Asher."


    "A-Are you sure?"


    "Dead sure," Clare replied, her severe gaze rooting Lila to the spot. "Less pressure for Alex, since there''s another partner there."


    "But-"


    "Tocino?" Clare asked, turning to their Mum. Their Mum beamed.


    "Of course," she nodded. "As long as you help make it."


    Lila sighed. She couldn''t deprive Asher of eating more tocino. Clare had checkmated her. Clare definitely knew it, too, with the smirk she was giving Lila.


    "Fine," Lila acquiesced tonelessly. "Can''t wait to meet him."


    Clare looked like she wanted to laugh, but held it in. The three of them sat in a much more natural, comfortable silence than before for a few minutes until their Mum spoke again.


    "Hungry?"


    "Yes," Lila and Clare simultaneously replied. They shared a quick grin before their Mum stood, shuffling over to the kitchen.


    "I''ll make some lunch," she called. "You two just sit down."


    "Should… we help Mum?" Lila whispered to Clare. Clare glanced over at where their Mum had disappeared before looking at Lila.


    "No. I think… she wants some time in the kitchen by herself."


    "You reckon?"


    "I would."


    "Even though you don''t really cook?"


    Clare gave her a withering look. "I may not cook much, but I do eat."


    Lila snorted. "True."


    Clare elbowed her in the side. Lila returned the favour, glad that Clare had some of her usual fire back.


    "So… what do you reckon?" Lila asked carefully. She saw Clare give her a sideways glance before falling deeper into the couch.


    "I… I think I''ll need a bit more time to really digest it all," Clare replied slowly. "But… for now… at least it makes sense. I can''t believe Mum went through all that."


    "Did you know about Uncle Danilo?"


    Clare blinked at Lila. "Yeah. Mum told me about him last year."


    "I see… she only told Daniel and me about him, I dunno, a few weeks ago now. So, I didn''t know if you knew."


    "I only found out because I saw a post on Uncle Andres'' Facebook page. It was all in Tagalog, but it was of a gravestone, so I asked Mum who it was for. She didn''t want to tell me at first but she then figured that I was old enough to know the story. She did ask me not to tell you two, since she thought you were too young to know."


    "Oh. I didn''t even know Uncle Andres had Facebook."


    "He posts, like, every day. Better off that you don''t, otherwise you''ll be flooded with his posts."


    "Noted."


    "I still don''t think Mum''s reaction was… the best," Clare murmured after a few moments. "Understandable, but… terrifying."


    "I was only there for the end so I didn''t see much, but I feel the same."


    "I''m glad you didn''t see much," Clare whispered, her eyes glassy. "I think… ultimately, I''ll be okay. We understand each other more now. Just… gotta think on it a bit."


    "You don''t have to force yourself to feel a particular way, sis. But at least she said you can keep working at Coolisimo and living here."


    Clare smiled with relief. "Yeah. She did."


    Contemplative silence settled over the two sisters as Lila tried to think about her own feelings on the matter. She''d likely need to think on it too, but, for now, the shame her Mum was still feeling, years – decades, most likely – on from that life had a heaviness that Lila wasn''t sure she''d ever be able to lift. The sacrifices her Mum had to make when she was about Clare''s age herself was something Lila felt grateful that she''d never have to endure. To be able to do all that, for the sake of her family – to Lila, that was a strength she didn''t think she could ever possess.


    She agreed with Clare, too. Lila also wasn''t ashamed of her Mum''s past. She had done what she needed to in order to survive. The fact that she could support such a large family and put herself through University in the Philippines was incredibly impressive, even if the money had come from ''sinful'' work. Not that Lila was particularly religious anyway…


    Come to think of it, Lila considered that her Mum''s past was probably a big part of the reason why her Mum was so religious – much more so than any of Lila''s Aunts or Uncles from the Philippines.


    Lila continued to ruminate over what her Mum had said until lunch – a humble batch of fried rice with chicken – was ready.


    They ate together in the living room, no one really speaking, with a Filipino drama playing in the background. It hinted at some return of normalcy – something that Lila welcomed – but also highlighted that no one was quite ready for that, either. Slowly but surely, Lila thought it would happen, though.


    Daniel and her Dad didn''t reappear for a while. Once they did, they were met with Lila, Clare and their Mum sitting on the ground around the coffee table, breaking open sunflower seeds with their teeth as an after-lunch snack, their eyes fixed on the increasing dramatic tension on the TV screen.


    Her Dad chuckled, which prompted Lila to look up. As she did so, she caught sight of Daniel disappearing up the stairs without a second spent saying hello to the family.


    "Welcome back," Lila said, reaching for another seed. "Did you have fun?"


    "That might be a question for Daniel instead of me."


    Speaking of…


    "Dad, can I have a chat with you? In the study, maybe?" Lila asked, scrambling to her feet.


    For some reason, his expression turned reluctant. "Alright."


    He began to amble down the hallway, with Lila quickly following behind. She gave a backwards glance to Clare, who waved her off. She didn''t look anxious, at least.


    Her Dad opened the study, gesturing to her Mum''s usual chair for her to sit in, which she did with speed and her heart pounding furiously in her chest.


    "So… what happened?" Lila asked as he closed the door behind them. He didn''t speak until he was settled in his chair, rubbing his eyes beneath his glasses.


    "Went with Daniel to grab some lunch before milling about the shops. Neither of us were in the mood to watch a movie."


    Lila sighed. That wasn''t what she was referring to.


    "If you want information on the investigation, unfortunately, it''s confidential, kiddo," he added, his voice firm.


    "Even though I gave you a lot of evidence?" It was hard for Lila to not sound whiny and she wasn''t convinced she managed it.


    "Even then. It was definitely a big help, don''t get me wrong. But it''s been turned over to the Police now."


    That was a sliver of information, at least.


    "So… that''s it? Nothing?" Lila deflated slightly in her chair.


    "Sorry, kiddo. I know you don''t want to hear it, but that''s all I can say."


    Lila swung her legs out, staring down at the floor. If… she had Asher''s lockpicks, then she might be able to get into her Dad''s filing cabinets again for more information…


    Although…


    She peeked at the filing cabinets before looking back down at her knees. Could she make do with some paperclips? Surely not – but… she could try.


    Or… should she wait until Monday? Asher always kept his lockpicks in his blazer, and he''d definitely be wearing it to assembly.


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    But he''d also said that he was available this weekend. Could she get Clare to drop her off after this? Or maybe tomorrow? Then, she could come home with the lockpicks and-


    "How was your talk with Mum, Lila?"


    The question threw her for a moment. Honestly, she''d half-forgotten her Dad was still here.


    "Oh. Uh. It was… fine, I guess."


    "Fine?"


    She raised her eyebrows. "I''ll tell you how it went if you tell me some more info."


    Her Dad laughed heartily. "Nice try. This isn''t negotiable, though. I''m happy to hear how it went from your mother."


    Lila pouted. "Was worth a shot."


    He gave her a fond smile. "It was."


    Lila pursed her lips before sighing. "I think Clare will need a bit more time to fully forgive what Mum did to her a couple weeks ago."


    Her Dad nodded sagely. "I should think so. I''ve not been impressed with your mother in the slightest about that, and how it''s been in this house since."


    Lila stared at him for a moment. "Even though you know her full story?"


    His lips tightened into a thin line before he responded. "Even though I know her full story."


    "Why didn''t you guys tell us earlier? About how you really met? Or… just Mum''s past?"


    He exhaled deeply, rubbing his eyes beneath his glasses once more before setting them properly on his nose. "That… was your mother''s decision. She''s never been proud of her history and has gone to great lengths to hide as much of it as she could over the years. Plus… you''ve only just really become old enough now to understand it. If it was up to her, she probably would''ve waited until you were over 18 as well, but I told her that you could handle it now – and that you had a right to know, after that display of behaviour."


    "I see… I''m not ashamed of her past," Lila said quietly. "It wouldn''t have been easy, to do all those things. Especially for the sake of her family. She… She''s really strong, Dad."


    "I know," he said simply. "I couldn''t leave her to keep living like that."


    It hadn''t really occurred to Lila until now how her parents felt about each other. Not in a tangible sense, anyway. She knew that they were ''in love''; but she''d only just started to recognise what that meant for herself. For her Dad to keep to his promise, after working hard in his studies and getting a job to bring her Mum over to Australia – he must''ve really loved her.


    "Dad, why did you keep drinking all her drinks?"


    He gave another hearty laugh, this one mingled with surprise. "She told you about that?"


    "She said she thought you were a crazy alcoholic."


    He looked rather serious as he answered her question. "I knew what a bar girl was at the time, after some research. They weren''t really a thing in Australia – well, not to my knowledge – but when I realised that part of convincing customers to buy more drinks involved, well, drinking on her part, I decided I''d drink for the both of us so that she didn''t need to get drunk – at least, not as quickly. Not that I can hold my liquor very well. The amount of times I had to be escorted out…" he shook his head with a chuckle. "I spent almost all my savings on her in that short trip alone – but she was worth it to me. I''d do it again in a heartbeat."


    Lila remained silent, taking in what he''d said. She was quite sure that, if it were her and Asher in a similar situation, he''d do the exact same thing – or just pay for her debts outright, if that''s how it even worked, what with all the cash he had.


    "And now look at us. Three beautiful, intelligent though troublesome kids, a good home, able to send all of you to a private school, and support her family in the Philippines. Best decision of my life," he gave her a genuine smile, reaching out to ruffle her hair. She was again struck by how in love he sounded still, despite all the years they''d spent together. Could she and Asher have that too? After decades?


    She flushed, patting down her hair before folding her arms across her chest. That was way too fast, way too soon. First, she''d need to tell Asher she loved him. Which she already said she wasn''t going to do for a while.


    "Was that everything you wanted to talk about?" her Dad questioned.


    "Guess so, since you don''t want to tell me what happened with the investigation."


    "You''re just going to keep pressing, aren''t you?"


    "Being relentless is important in this line of work," she huffed, sitting up straight.


    "''This line of work''," he repeated with a chortle. "You''ll get some answers soon enough, I''m sure. I just can''t personally tell you."


    "Alright, alright," Lila replied sadly. "I get it."


    "C''mon. Before your mother and sister eat all the sunflower seeds."


    Lila spent the rest of the afternoon into the night in the living room with her Mum, Dad and Clare, watching TV and talking idly about what was happening on-screen. It seemed like a normal night with the family – something she hadn''t realised she''d longed for as much as she had. Though Clare and their Mum weren''t as chatty as usual, there was a peace between them that, to Lila, was encouraging.


    Daniel clomped down the stairs at around dinner time, looking around at the family assembled in the living room.


    "Well, that''s better," he commented shortly, taking a seat on the couch next to Lila, who had wrapped a blanket over herself like a hoodie. "What''s for dinner?"


    Dinner, it turned out, was just takeaway. They continued to sit in the living room, now armed with their noodle boxes from the local Chinese restaurant, Daniel included. Every so often, Lila would glance at him to see his overall demeanour. He seemed as hungry as anything, as he scarfed down his food at record speed – which was pretty normal for him.


    "What?" he asked, meeting her gaze and swallowing roughly.


    "Nothing," Lila sighed, shoving her chopsticks into her food to pick out some meat.


    As soon as he was done, Daniel retreated into the kitchen before heading upstairs, saying goodnight as he did so. Lila tipped her box into her mouth so that her remaining pieces of egg noodle fell in before standing abruptly.


    "Goodnight, guys."


    Her parents and Clare responded with various sounds of acknowledgement and she hurried into the kitchen, tossing her rubbish away and downing a glass of juice. She climbed the stairs two at a time and made a beeline for Daniel''s room.


    Knock, knock.


    "What?" came Daniel''s frustrated voice.


    "It''s me," Lila replied, "can I come in?"


    She could hear him heave the biggest sigh imaginable. "Yeah, whatever."


    She opened the door and sidled in. He was at his desk, rapidly pressing keys on his computer, his red headphones exposing his left ear. She peeked at what he was playing – Fortnite, it seemed.


    "Can we talk?" she asked.


    "Fire away- you dumb idiot," he snapped suddenly, pressing his keys harder as if that would help his situation. "Jesus!"


    "Could… we talk without you gaming?"


    "Huh?" he glanced at her before looking back at his screen. "Uh, no. I''ve just unlocked-"


    "Fine," Lila interjected, not really interested in hearing about that. She crossed his room and sat on his bed, watching him wordlessly for a few moments.


    "Are you gonna talk, or can you leave?" he asked. "I''m not a streamer, dude. Plus, your sighing is putting me off."


    Lila hadn''t realised she was sighing. "I just wanted to know what happened last week."


    "Last week? I dunno. Stuff. School. Not much else- oh my GOD, you dickhead!"


    Lila sighed – consciously, this time. "What about the Banker stuff?"


    "Banker- oh. I haven''t hired anyone yet for the reception gig."


    Reception gig? She figured he meant the administration of food orders.


    "Okay – but what happened with the Grade 12s?"


    "Grade 12s?"


    "Livi, and all them," Lila frowned, starting to get exasperated.


    He didn''t respond. The clacking of his keyboard and mouse was grating – almost enough that she wanted to get up and turn his computer off.


    "Didya say something?" he questioned after a few moments.


    "Seriously?"


    "What?"


    "What happened with Livi?" Lila demanded.


    "Livi? Oh. She''s gone, dude. Thought you knew."


    "Kinda – but who else?"


    "Who else what?"


    "Who else is gone?"


    "To the LEFT, you asshole!" Daniel growled, clicking furiously.


    Lila was beginning to wonder what the point of being here was. "Livi''s gone, but who else?"


    "Who- uh, um… Jason. Harper. Zack. I think Jake?"


    "No one else?"


    "I dunno. You thought I''d pay attention to that shit?"


    "Yes! I thought you''d pay attention to it the most!"


    "Nah, dude. Me and Mr Jensen''ve just been vibing in the Banker room. He plays a sick game of Uno."


    "Mr Jensen?" Lila tried to remember what subject he taught.


    "My Science teacher. Thought you''d pay attention to that."


    Lila rolled her eyes. "You texted me that the Police showed up? They raided lockers?"


    "Oh, yeah. Come to think of it, the Grade 12s disappeared that same afternoon. Might be connected."


    Lila pinched the bridge of her nose, trying not to lose it right there. "Are you purposefully being obtuse?"


    "Obtuse? Isn''t that a shape?"


    "Jesus, Daniel, I thought you were the math guy."


    "The meth guy? Ask Livi. I just sell Uber Eats."


    Lila''s patience had just about vanished. "Whatever. Anything else happen?"


    "… Nuh. Not that I can remember."


    She gave one long heavy sigh before getting up from his bed. "Righto. Good talk. Hope you lose."


    "That''s rude," he remarked, clicking his mouse rapidly. "Come on!"


    "I''m gonna go turn the WiFi off."


    "Wait, what?" He pulled his headphones off entirely as he turned to her in alarm. "Lila, don''t!"


    "So now you can hear me," she huffed. "Hope you enjoy the next two minutes of your game."


    "Lila-"


    She shuffled out, leaving him to his game with a snap of his door. It was an empty threat and, considering he didn''t follow her, he probably reckoned as much.


    ''Well… that was shit info,'' she thought as she crossed the hallway into her own room. It was becoming more tempting to rifle through her Dad''s papers now.


    She rubbed her forehead before plugging her phone in to charge. It was almost 9pm. Asher was probably awake…


    Hey, she sent him, lying down on her bed in such a way to ensure her phone was still charging.


    Hey, he instantly replied. She smiled. Had he been waiting for her to message him?


    So I don''t have any plans for tomorrow


    Say no more – you do now


    Her smile broadened into a grin. Do I? she replied, tapping the edge of her phone in anticipation of his response.


    Sure do. Hope you like books


    They''re alright. Where am I meeting you?


    He took a while to reply to this – enough time that she contemplated sending a follow-up message.


    Just checked with Marlene – she''ll take us into the city from your place, and she can pick us up or we take the bus back. 9.30 sound good? We can have breakfast


    Sounds perfect


    <hr>


    Lila rushed out of the house at exactly 9.28am that Sunday morning, her hair pinned back from her face with an emerald bow and a matching fit-and-flare dress. She tried her best to look dressed up enough for a date, but casual enough that it didn''t seem as though she was trying too hard. She wasn''t quite sure she managed it as she shrugged on her white front-tie cardigan, hastily closing it up.


    She''d told her plans for today to a sleepy Clare, who was reviving herself with a coffee in the kitchen, but she was sure she was forgetting something in her excitement to see Asher again. She had her phone, her usual cross-body bag, and house keys… that was everything, right?


    Lila unlocked her phone, checking her messages. Asher should be here at any moment, especially since he''d let her know when he was leaving. What was she forgetting?


    Marlene''s car rolled up the driveway a second later and Lila looked up, seeing Asher''s beaming face.


    Her heart sank. She''d forgotten to ask if he could bring his lockpicks.


    ''Looks like I''m breaking in on Monday…'' she thought as she hopped in the back seat.


    "Good morning," she said, closing the door.


    "Good morning, Lila," Marlene replied pleasantly.


    "Good morning, Lila," Asher echoed, turning around in his seat to face her. A slight blush crossed his cheeks as he added, "You look nice."


    She bashfully smoothed down her dress. "You look nice too."


    "You hardly know what I look like today," he laughed, turning to face the front as Marlene started to drive off.


    "You look nice every day," she murmured. "To me, anyway."


    "T-Thanks," she heard him stammer in return.


    There was a moment of silence before Marlene turned the music up in the car. Lila wasn''t sure whether that meant anything in particular, except that perhaps she didn''t want to hear Lila and Asher being… well, couple-y.


    With that, there wasn''t any room for further conversation, which Lila didn''t mind. Her cheeks felt so red-hot that she wasn''t confident that she could say anything at the moment in any case.


    They were deposited near the bookstore about half an hour later. Lila and Asher bid Marlene goodbye once they exited the car and she promptly drove off after her own goodbye. Lila watched the car for some time until she felt Asher''s hand graze hers.


    She smiled up at him, intertwining their fingers. Now that she saw him fully, she wasn''t wrong – he did look nice in a button-up shirt and chinos.


    "You look like you''ll get cold soon," he said, inspecting her cardigan.


    "It''s the middle of August," she replied, readjusting the strap of her bag with her free hand. "I''ll be fine."


    "Alright," he responded, looking unconvinced. She squeezed his hand.


    "Don''t be a worrywart," she teased. "If I get cold, we can do some speed-walking around the city."


    He snorted. "After we eat. Don''t think I have the energy to speed-walk the length of the city just now."


    She chuckled, taking a look around the street they were on. There seemed to be a couple of places open, though one in particular immediately took her interest.


    "That place looks cool," she said, pointing at said ''cool'' place. It looked like a refurbished church, with its high roof, mottled red brickwork and wood finishes.


    "You into pancakes?" he asked, gently leading her that way.


    "Heck yeah I am," she grinned. "I can see that they''re all about it from the name."


    The inside of Pancake Manor lived up to its grandiose name. There were several chandeliers inside beneath the magnificent arches, and the sun shone through the carefully placed windows along the back wall. The deep brown wooden furnishings gave it a homely feeling and there were quite a number of patrons sitting around in booths and tables, which encircled a small wooden bar directly in the middle of the restaurant.


    "Table for two?" queried a waitress standing just inside the entrance. Asher nodded and the waitress led them to an empty table, explained the process of ordering, and almost immediately disappeared again.


    "QR code again?" Asher asked, pulling out his phone.


    Lila gently placed a hand on his phone, lowering it to the table. She gave him a stern look. "Let me."


    He looked ready to argue before shaking his head with a heavy sigh. "Alright."


    She gleefully took her phone out and scanned the QR code before passing it to him. He reluctantly accepted it and tapped through the menu before returning it to Lila.


    "That looks good," Lila smiled, checking that he had, in fact, put something in the cart.


    "Hope so. I''d be pretty annoyed if the Pancake Manor served shit pancakes," he said playfully. She chuckled and selected what she wanted before sending it off to the kitchen.


    "So…" Asher said, reaching out for her hands. She gave them to him, meeting his soft gaze.


    "So?"


    "How''d… your conversation go? With your Mum."


    "Ah," Lila uttered, taking a moment to think. On one hand, she wanted to tell Asher everything that had gone down – but, on the other, with how fiercely her mother had protected her secret and how ashamed she still was about it, she didn''t think it was right to tell him without first asking if she could.


    "It… went well," she finally said, avoiding his eyes. "She told us a bit about her life that made her reaction to Clare make sense. Not that it made it right, but… we ended it with a better understanding of Mum. Something we needed, I think. Clare still needs a bit of time to think and reconcile it all, but otherwise, we''ve started becoming normal again. Clare made her case about wanting to keep working at Coolisimo, which Mum reluctantly approved, and Clare also-" Lila stopped herself, her face feeling flushed. She shifted in her seat slightly as she tried to find the words to explain Clare''s confession to their Mum about Alex.


    "Clare also?"


    "She, uh, told Mum about Alex, too."


    "That they''re dating, yeah? I remember Gabriel mentioning that."


    "Yeah. They even agreed that he should come around and meet the family. They also want you there at the same time."


    "Me?" He blinked, clearly taken aback. "I''m not part of the family, though."


    "I know," Lila sighed. "Clare reckons there''ll be less pressure on Alex if you''re there too."


    "I can see why," Asher frowned, concern setting deep lines upon his brow. "What if it gets out that we''ve met him before, ''cause we snuck into Coolisimo?"


    "I was worried about that too but… I think Clare would know to tell him to keep it quiet. I just don''t know how good he is at keeping secrets."


    Asher continued to look worried for a moment before shaking his head. "We''ll have to assume it''ll be fine. If… he does let slip that we''ve met before, maybe we could swing it that it was a casual thing somewhere else."


    "Mum might be mad that I kept Clare''s boyfriend a secret."


    "She can be mad, but I think after this experience she''ll let it go," Asher said sagely. "I would think that one of the biggest lessons you''ve all learned from this experience is that sometimes secrets are secrets for a reason."


    He''d obviously said that in reference to Clare keeping her working life a secret from their Mum. Lila only just managed to prevent herself from commenting about how accurate he was with that statement.


    "The cappuccino?"


    Lila turned to the waiter who''d spoken and let go of Asher''s hands. He placed the cappuccino in front of Asher, and the chocolate Swiss shake in front of Lila before returning to the bar.


    "You sure like your cappuccinos," Lila commented as Asher swirled it briefly with his spoon.


    He glanced at her before reaching for a sugar packet. "Did you want to try it?"


    "I''m good," she replied, taking a sip of her shake. "Not a fan of coffee, remember?"


    "I know," he smiled, "I might turn you to the dark side one day."


    "I''d like to see you try. Here, have some of this," she said, passing her drink across to him. He obliged before shuddering.


    "Again with the sugar," he commented.


    "You say that so derisively for someone who just dumped a packet of sugar into his drink," she said loftily, taking another sip of her drink.


    "The bitterness-"


    "Tastes awful enough to mask it with sugar?" She gave him a cheeky grin.


    He looked down at his cappuccino. "I guess you''re not wrong. Your shake is good though, despite the sugar."


    They spent a few minutes in contented silence before Lila spoke.


    "You wouldn''t happen to have your lockpicks on you, right?"


    He swallowed harshly, having just taken a sip of his drink when she asked. "N-No," he replied, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "Almost gave me a heart attack."


    "Sorry."


    "Why''d you ask?"


    "Well…" she exhaled deeply before relaying the non-information she''d received from her Dad and Daniel.


    "I see," he responded, thoughtfully tapping the edge of his mug. "You can take them this afternoon though."


    Lila pursed her lips. "I will, but I think I''ll only try them on Monday after school."


    "Why''s that?"


    "I''ll have about an hour or so before Dad gets back from the office. I''m not sure what his plans are for today, but if he''s home, the chances of getting caught are pretty high."


    "Fair enough."


    Their food arrived shortly thereafter and they dug in, with Lila delightedly pouring maple syrup over her pancakes. She could see why this place specialised in them – they were a decent size and fluffiness, without being overly sweet on their own.


    Once they finished up, they made their way out of the restaurant and down the stairs to the street. Lila felt like she''d eaten far too much, but was ultimately rather pleased with the food. She''d happily go there again with Asher.


    They held hands once more as they traipsed down the street, pointing out various oddities and interesting-looking shops before arriving at the bookstore in question.


    It seemed to also be housed in a refurbished church. The architecture here was tastefully old, fitting in with the theme of rare antique books, and similar to the architecture within Pancake Manor. There was a moodiness to the lighting in here that soothed Lila as she looked around. The entrance was lined with two counters, under which were locked glass cabinets displaying several worn-looking books.


    More display cabinets were further inside before a half-flight of stairs, beyond which were towering shelves of many hundreds of books, waiting to be purchased. Beyond that, Lila could see pockets of colour from kitschy couches; spots in which to read said books, she imagined. The scent of musty pages and old, well cared for wood mixed pleasantly in the air, which felt a touch too cold. Lila supposed it was to take care of the books in here, and she tied her cardigan closer together for more coverage. It wasn''t cold enough to require a speedwalk around in here, at least.


    "Whoa," Asher breathed, looking around with wonder. "This is dope."


    "Sure is. C''mon, let''s explore."


    They first stopped to inspect the antique books, most of which were leatherbound. Some were even first editions, the price of which reaching the thousands. They stepped up the stairs soon after, peering at the offerings on the shelves.


    "These are all used books," Asher whispered, picking a book up and scanning the blurb.


    "Well, yeah," Lila whispered back, taking one off the shelf herself. A mystery novel with an interesting premise. "Old-ass books tend to be that way."


    He chuckled, picking up another. "Got me there."


    They roamed around, collecting several rare books and pointing out some to each other, for quite some time. Eventually, Lila felt quite satisfied with her bundle.


    "I reckon I''m set," she said, lifting the cover of the latest one she''d obtained. "I''ll just grab these."


    "I''m pretty much done here, too," Asher replied, taking one last sweeping look around the shelf they were standing in front of. "Let''s go."


    They purchased their new – well, new to them – books, with Lila swatting Asher''s hand away when he tried to buy hers.


    "Asher, I don''t ask to go on dates with you so you can pay my way," she chastised once they left.


    "I know, I know. I can''t help it."


    "You''re lucky I l-" she stopped herself, coughing wildly to prevent her almost-confession from spilling out of her mouth. He looked concerned as he gently grasped her arm, pulling her closer to the buildings than the road.


    "Are you alright?" he asked.


    "N-Never better," she replied with a shudder.


    "You''re cold, aren''t you?" he rubbed her shoulders before bringing her to his chest. "Should''ve brought a jacket."


    "I-I''m not cold," she insisted. It wasn''t a lie – the overwhelming shyness that had emerged the instant she recognised what she''d almost said had brought with it a warmth throughout her whole body.


    He pulled away from her with a frown. "You sure?"


    "Dead sure."


    He continued to look at her doubtfully before taking her bag of purchases from her hand. "Okay, but I''m taking this."


    "Okay," Lila murmured. He seemed satisfied with this response as he slipped her hand into his and they resumed walking along the street.


    "… What were you about to say?" he questioned after a few moments of silent walking. Her hand twitched in his grasp.


    "I was going to say that you''re lucky I like you," she said quietly. A beat passed.


    "I sure am," he replied, squeezing her hand. He turned to her with a wide, genuine smile. "Guess what?"


    "What?" she queried, matching his infectious smile.


    "Tuesday will be a month."


    "A month?"


    "Yup."


    She caught herself before she could query the importance behind his words. The 15th of August – a month since they officially started dating.


    "Shame we have practice," she responded sadly.


    "Yeah – but we could still do something."


    "Like what?"


    "You still have to eat after practice, don''t you?"


    She laughed. "I see your point."


    "It might mean we''re out a bit late, but there''s a small Indian restaurant down the road from Jacoval."


    "Is there?" She''d never taken the time to explore the area surrounding their school.


    "Yeah – there''s actually a complex with a few food options. The Indian sounds good though," he clarified, brushing the top of her knuckles with his thumb. "But there''s a condition."


    "What condition?"


    He smirked at her. "I''m paying."


    She pursed her lips. "Fine."


    "Yes," he said, pulling her closer to him. "I win."


    "It''s not a competition."


    "You sure make it competitive, though."


    She paused. She… did tend to do that with a lot of things. "You''ve… got me there."


    He lightly kissed her hand before swinging it gently. "Is there anywhere else you''d like to go?"


    They explored quite a number of stores around the city before stopping for some kebabs for lunch. They wandered around, hand in hand, for a while afterwards, talking and laughing as they went, until Lila''s legs began to feel tired.


    "I think we should think about heading back," she said forlornly. He nodded, pulling out his phone. He called Marlene, checking to see if she could come get them. She could, so he confirmed their location before hanging up.


    "It''ll be about half-an-hour. Want some ice cream?"


    He pointed at a nearby gelato store – the front of which had a bench they could sit on.


    "Sounds perfect."


    As they consumed their ice creams on the bench she''d spied earlier, Lila turned her mind to Tuesday. What could she give Asher as a small celebration of their month together? She''d probably have to ask Clare to get it, given her filing cabinet plans for tomorrow. Though, Clare might ask why Lila couldn''t go… perhaps she should make an excuse about studying?


    In saying that, there actually was a pressing need to study, so it wouldn''t really be an excuse. It would be the start of week six tomorrow, after all.


    She absently touched the ''A'' around her neck before an idea struck her. An ''L'' for him to wear sounded like the perfect present. She eyed Asher as he happily consumed his ice cream, evidently none the wiser to her musings. Would there be a suitable one at the shopping centre? Her ''A'' was rather feminine, with its sparkles and delicateness, but perhaps there was a plain one on a thicker chain available somewhere…


    "You look deep in thought," he commented, reaching out for her to take his hand. She did so and he helped her stand.


    "Just… thinking about study," she said vaguely.


    "You''re right," he replied grimly. "We''re getting to the pointy end of the term."


    "Yeah," she uttered noncommittally. They proceeded to walk to a temporary waiting bay where Marlene''s car was idling, with Asher seemingly ruminating on something.


    "It''ll… probably mean we can''t hang out as much," he said regretfully, opening the back door for her. She stopped in her tracks. Of course. He needed to keep up his studies.


    "Right…"


    "I mean, we can, but…"


    "No, no, it''s fine. You shouldn''t be distracted," she responded, hopping in and putting her seatbelt on. He hesitated before closing her door and getting in the front.


    They greeted Marlene, who asked whether they had a good time as she began driving away from the city. Asher confirmed that they had, and spoke about the books he''d purchased before falling silent for the rest of the journey to his place.


    Lila had taken for granted how much time they''d been spending with one another since getting together. But that had been at the beginning of the term…


    ''Don''t get all mopey,'' she thought to herself as she watched the scenery flash from the highway to the suburbs, ''it''s not like you won''t see him at school.''


    Once they arrived at Asher''s, they holed themselves up in his rumpus room as usual. He seemed a bit antsy, though, as he sat down with drinks for them both.


    "I… don''t want to stop hanging out," he said finally, passing her a cup.


    "You''re still thinking about that?"


    "Of course," he said desperately, turning to her. "I-." He took a deep breath before continuing, "Spending time with you is one of my favourite things."


    She blinked at him before placing her drink on the coffee table, her stunned expression melting into a smile.


    "Spending time with you is one of my favourite things too, Asher."


    He placed his drink down before putting his face in his hands. "I gotta keep doing well."


    She gently rubbed his shoulder. "I know. I''m happy to support you, by not hanging out as much until the term''s over."


    He looked up at her in despair. "Most of our things are handed in by week eight or nine, though."


    She laughed. "Alright, alright – until the bulk of our things are handed in. The weeks will fly by. There''s no need to fret."


    She was well aware that she''d been fretting on the way back to his, but she wasn''t going to admit to that.


    "… Okay. Well. Alright," he clapped his hands together, sitting up straight. "Tuesday, we''ve got our dinner date. Wednesday, we already said we''re going to ''Beans & Biscuits''. From there… from there, we''ll… just see each other at school, and at sporting matches. You''ve gotta study too, so… I think that''s for the best. It''s just for a couple of weeks – then we can go back to normal."


    Normal, huh. Lila hadn''t thought about seeing Asher as often as she did as her new normal, but his casual use of the word brought that idea into sharp focus.


    He still seemed distressed by the course of action that he''d proposed and she smiled again.


    "Asher, that''s fine. We''ll see each other at school, still have lunch together, all of that."


    "… Yeah."


    They looked at each other for a moment before he suddenly stood.


    "I''ve gotta give you the thing before I forget," he said, heading off into his room. He returned a few moments later, handing her his lockpicking kit. "Here."


    "Thanks," she said, placing it in her cross-body bag. "I almost forgot again."


    "Can''t have that."


    He sat back down and leaned forward, grabbing some joy cons. "Let''s make the most of the rest of the day, yeah?"


    "You''re on," she grinned, accepting the joy cons he passed her.


    The rest of the afternoon fell into the evening, with Lila and Asher gradually becoming physically closer. Eventually, they stopped gaming and were instead watching videos, with Lila in his arms. Every so often, he would give her a small kiss on the side of her head and they remained like this until they were called down for dinner – a serving of honey soy chicken stir fry and fluffy white rice. It seemed that their day was wrapping up now, given their normal routine.


    Finally, Clare indicated that she had arrived to take Lila home and Asher picked up the things that Lila had purchased, ready to take them downstairs.


    Lila said goodbye to Marlene, who returned the farewell, as she passed the kitchen. As usual, Asher unlocked the front doors and they headed down the driveway to Clare''s car.


    Lila eyed him briefly before opening the back passenger door. He loaded her purchases in and took a step back.


    "I''ve noticed we haven''t kissed today," Lila mentioned after closing the car door.


    "… Yeah."


    "Was that intentional?"


    "Might''ve been."


    She sighed, her hand on the front passenger door''s handle. He took hold of her shoulders, spinning her towards him.


    "You can''t leave without a goodbye kiss, though," he murmured, bending his head to hers. Her heart jumped in her chest as she met him halfway. Although not as long or as passionate as she would''ve liked, she still smiled against his lips, the feeling satiating her enough to end the day without complaint.


    "See you tomorrow, Asher," she said softly, taking her seat in Clare''s car.


    "See you tomorrow, Lila."


    "And I''ll be seeing you whenever," Clare sang. Lila glared at her sister before slamming the door shut.


    Clare chortled as she drove off, Lila still buckling herself in.


    "You seem to be in annoyingly high spirits," Lila said brusquely.


    "Ding-ding," Clare replied, "I sure am."


    "What''s happened now?"


    "Nothing, really. But, after sleeping on everything that happened yesterday, I am feeling so much better."


    Lila relaxed in her seat. "You''re forgiven, then."


    "And I found a day that works for Alex for dinner."


    "Yeah?"


    "Well, Wednesday is a public holiday, so we both have off in favour of the cheaper staff. If I were to have started working again from Wednesday, anyway."


    "Ah…" Lila felt a sinking sensation in her stomach.


    "You have plans for Wednesday?" Clare sounded disappointed.


    "Well, just for the day."


    "Perfect. Bring Asher around, like, 4 or 5pm, yeah?"


    "… I''ll have to check with him. He''s getting intense about study again."


    "Riiight. Yeah, I keep forgetting he''s the Dux," Clare shook her head as if she couldn''t believe that she''d forgotten. "Well, let me know."


    "I''ll convince him to come along if you do a favour for me," Lila said, her tone slightly mischievous. She was going to ask Clare anyway, but now that Lila had the guise of this being a returned favour, there was no way Clare could decline.


    "Shoot," Clare responded encouragingly.


    "So… Tuesday will be one month since Asher and I started dating," Lila began. Clare interrupted her with a chuckle.


    "One month? That''s adorable."


    Lila readjusted herself in her seat, now feeling flustered. "Yeah. Well, Asher and I were going to celebrate-"


    "Even more adorable. Are you guys going to celebrate every month? Not saying you shouldn''t, but it can be a bit much. Well, stressful, more like, especially if you''re giving gifts at each one. Most couples tend to only celebrate year milestones, even. Though, I guess high school relationships are a bit different. One month can certainly feel like a year."


    "I dunno. It was Asher''s idea, but… I think the first month is worth it. It feels special to me, at least, after everything."


    Clare glanced at Lila, her waggling eyebrows just barely visible under the low lighting given by the streetlamps overhead. "One month is special, hey?"


    Lila folded her arms across her chest, catching her insinuation immediately with a touch of embarrassment. "We won''t."


    "I mean… you could."


    "We''re just having dinner at the Indian place by school since we have practice."


    "I see. Alright, carry on. What''s the favour?"


    "Well, I can''t exactly do this tomorrow, but I was wondering if you''d be able to go to the shops and get a necklace for me?"


    "For you?"


    "It''s for Asher, but, like, as in-"


    "Yeah, yeah, I get it. What type of necklace?"


    "One with an ''L'' on it. On a decent-sized chain. Plain enough that he could wear it every day."


    "Ooh, I know just the place," Clare grinned. "Cute idea. I have noticed the ''A'' you''ve been wearing – makes sense to match. Leave it to your big sis. Although, are you sure you don''t want to come with me to pick it out? You finish school at 3.20, and the shops close at about 5.30."


    Lila''s palms grew sweaty, her nerves at hiding her plan for tomorrow afternoon manifesting with surprising force. "I''ve… got to study too."


    "Ah, righto. Good idea. Divide and conquer, and all that."


    Lila breathed a small sigh of relief. "Yeah. Thanks, sis."


    "Anytime," Clare replied fondly. "It''s the least I could do."


    There was an edge of seriousness to that last sentence that Lila didn''t want to question. It was definitely deeper than Lila convincing Asher to come for a family dinner on Wednesday night. Lila fiddled with the zip on her bag absently as she considered this. It likely stemmed from the fact that she had been with Clare for the conversation with their Mum.


    They arrived home without much further conversation, aside from Lila recounting a couple of moments from her date with Asher, and she scrambled upstairs. She had to make sure that Asher''s lockpicks would be stowed somewhere safe, where no nosy family members would find it.


    As she held the kit in her hand, she looked at her blazer. Asher''s reasoning for keeping it in his blazer made sense – so that Marlene wouldn''t find them when he was at school. In that case, Lila would have to borrow the same reasoning.


    With that settled, she finished her nighttime routine and curled up into her bed. Tomorrow would start with assembly. There was no chance that the school would give her anything but a sanitised version of events. If it hadn''t been the Head Boy and the Head Girl who had been expelled, there wouldn''t even have been any need for an assembly – especially since, well, Piper didn''t get an assembly… until her murder.


    Shuddering, Lila turned so she was looking up at the ceiling, though it was pitch black in her room. What would the excuse be? It… was pretty embarrassing for the school to expel the two students who were meant to embody the values of Forestglade College at the highest standard. Would the Vice Head Boy and Vice Head Girl of Senior School be asked to step up, since they would technically be next on the hierarchy? Or would the school just leave it?


    She slowly drifted to sleep, her mind unwilling to let go of her questions for quite a while. She''d find out soon enough.