Summer part 2

Tess trudged through a large park with Michelle and Tony. Benches, fountains, winding paths—it all felt endless, like some cruel prelude to what was waiting at the other end. Holly's birthday. And this time, their dad hadn't forgotten to invite them...

"Jesus christ, this place is massive," Tony muttered, glancing around like he might lose hope of ever finding the party. "You sure your dad's having it here?"

Michelle fussed with her outfit for the hundredth time, using a lamppost as a mirror. "No, it's here. He said here." She smoothed her skirt and frowned. "Is this too much?"

"It's a kids' party, 'Chelle," Tony said with a grin. "Who cares? Wear whatever. You could show up in a clown suit and they'd worship you."

Michelle rolled her eyes. "That's not really the look I was going for, thanks."

Tess just sighed, her mind not really on the conversation. She hated this whole situation, and Tony seemed to notice.

"Hey, come on! Maybe it'll be fun. I'm sure it'll be a laugh, yeah? I mean, 11th birthday parties... what's better than that?"

Tess groaned, wishing for the whole thing to be over before it even started. Eleven. That number sat in her throat like a stone. Her 11th birthday party was a disaster. She went to the zoo with Katie, Emily, and some other friends. It was supposed to be a day of fun, but it ended up being the worst birthday she'd ever had. Katie dropped her favourite toy in an animal enclosure and didn't talk to Tess for two weeks because it was somehow her fault, and on top of that her dad had just left. Again. 

Tony, oblivious to Tess's inner turmoil, kept talking. "My 11th was class. Sid got knocked out by the piñata." He chuckled at the memory. "We were all swinging the bat, right? And Sid, being Sid, gets right up next to it and boom—knocked out cold. It was brilliant."

Michelle rolled her eyes, not amused by the typical Tony-ish antics. "Poor Sid. Can't catch a break"

"I think it's weird, though," Tony added, pausing for a moment. "You know... with you two having two secret siblings." He grinned, his tone light. "Not to mention a secret step mum."

Michelle whacked him. "Tony!"

She turned to him sharply. "They're not siblings, Tony. They're step-siblings," she said firmly, though it came out sounding like a quiet defence rather than just a fact.

Michelle, gave a soft chuckle. "Yeah, step-siblings. That's what they are. Definitely, definitely not siblings."

They spotted the party soon after, and Tess's stomach churned. It looked hideous. Pink streamers and balloons hanging off the trees, the whole gazebo taken over by the party. Tables filled with fancy cupcakes, fruit skewers, and salads for the parents. Everything was far too refined for a kids party. It may have been everything she loved and wanted at that age, but now it was her worst nightmare.

Michelle nudged her, but Tess couldn't bring herself to smile. They approached the party, and Louise spotted them, waving them over. Holly soon joined, flanked by a couple of friends, and Tess muttered, "Happy birthday," though her voice was colder than she'd intended.

Louise apologised for Holly's bluntness, but Tess barely heard it. The awkwardness hung in the air as Michelle handed over a small wrapped gift. Tony was happily introducing himself to everyone, and for the many, many years Michelle and Tony had known each other, this was the first time he'd met their dad.

She wandered over to the food table, just to keep herself busy. The cupcakes looked expensive, decorated with intricate little icing flowers, the kind of detail that felt unnecessary for an 11-year-old's party. She was reaching for one when a loud voice boomed beside her.

"Oh, fuck—Michelle?!"

Tess turned, already bracing herself, only to be met with a woman she barely recognised at first. Bleached blonde hair, a cigarette wedged between two fingers, lip filler that made her look permanently pouty, and a jumpsuit so obnoxious for a 40 something year old, it looked like a migraine in fabric. Her sunglasses, oversized and tinted a gaudy pink were halfway down her nose as she peered at Tess with a squint.

It took a second, but then it clicked.

Julia. Her dad's younger sister.

Tess had barely met her before—maybe when she was younger—but her mum had always called her a nutter or a crazy bitch. And from what Tess had heard, it was a well earned nickname. Julia was one of those people who took up way  too much space, spoke too loudly (and too much), and acted like the world revolved around her. She was the type to overstay her welcome, drink too much at every event, and talk to people like she'd known them for years, even when she barely remembered their names.

Tess opened her mouth to correct her, but Julia let out a dramatic gasp. "Oh no, wait—Talia!"

Tess frowned. "It's Tess, actually."

"Nooo, no, it isn't," Julia said, grinning like she was in on some private joke. "It's always been Talia, hasn't it?"

Tess exhaled sharply. "I think I know my own name, thanks."

Julia let out a high-pitched laugh—if you could even call it a laugh—and clapped her hands together. "You are exactly like your mother, you are! God, she was a feisty one! Entertaining, too. Kept my brother in check."

That made Tess snort, because if there was one thing she knew, it was that her mum hated Julia more than anything.

Julia studied her for a moment before saying, "You know, you look different than I expected. Bit more... edgy." She gestured vaguely at Tess's outfit, her nails clinking against the plastic cup in her other hand. " Do you always dress like that? Not a phase? No?"

Tess shook her head slowly.

"Shame, you were such a pretty little thing."

Tess raised an eyebrow. "Cheers."

Julia waved a hand, dismissing any offence. "Nah, I mean, I thought you'd be all prim and proper. But you've got—what do they call it—alternative vibes? Like one of those Camden market types."

Tess huffed a laugh. "I'll take that."

Julia smirked, taking another drag before flicking the ash onto the grass. "Anyway, your dad used to never shut up about you when you were little. You and Michelle, his little girls," she said in a mocking, sing-song voice. "Then suddenly—poof! You both disappeared."

Tess wasn't sure how to respond, "I think he was the one that disappeared" she muttered

Her dad appeared out of nowhere, stepping in with impeccable timing. He gave a small wave to Tess before turning to Julia. "Glad you two are catching up," he said, then quickly added, "but Jules, there's someone we want you to meet."

And just like that, she was whisked away.

Tess let out a breath, shaking her head before wandering off. That's when she spotted Jamie sitting on the swings, looking vaguely annoyed with the whole event. She decided to join him.

She sat down on the swing next to him, and almost immediately, Jamie turned to her, his little face scrunched up.

"Hello."

"Hi."

Jamie kicked his legs a little. "I don't really like this."

Tess smirked. "Me neither."

Jamie frowned at the adults standing around, talking too loudly and laughing at things that didn't seem funny. "There's too many funny adults."

Tess actually laughed at that. "That's exactly what I think. But don't worry, they're not scary. Not really."

Jamie shrugged. "I know. I'm not scared. You're an adult, and I'm talking to you."

Tess scoffed. "Nearly an adult," she corrected.

Jamie stared at her, unimpressed. "You're ancient."

Tess snorted. "I'm seventeen."

Jamie nodded solemnly, like this was a fact that needed deep consideration. "But you're tall."

"Ahh, logical," Tess said with mock seriousness.

Jamie kicked a few rocks, thinking. "What's it like? Big school?"

Tess hesitated, then lied. "It's great. Yeah."

Jamie stopped kicking the rocks and looked at her. "You're lying."

Tess sighed. "Maybe I was a bit... a lot." She glanced at him. "But it's also the best thing that'll happen to you...hopefully"

Jamie considered this. "Okay. I trust you."

That made Tess pause. The words sat with her longer than she expected. Maybe they weren't so bad after all.

Jamie suddenly lit up and pointed. "Look, there's Dad!"

Tess turned, spotting Nathan giving Jamie an exaggerated wave from across the park. She found herself smiling a little as she waved back.

Jamie glanced up at her. "Do you have a dad too?"

Tess blinked, caught off guard. She nodded toward Nathan. "That is my dad."

Jamie frowned. "No, that's my dad."

Tess huffed a small laugh. "He's mine too, you know," she said gently.

Jamie's brows furrowed. "How?"

Tess sighed, shifting slightly in the swing. "Look, haven't your... parents already explained this to you?"

Jamie shrugged. "I probably don't remember." He giggled.

Tess exhaled, trying to find the right words. "Right... well... My dad is also your dad. He's my biological one, y'know?"

Jamie's face suddenly brightened. "Wait! I remember now! You and Mir-, Michelle are Daddy's other ones."

Tess stiffened slightly. His other ones.

"Yeah," she said after a pause. "We're his... other ones."

She took a deep breath, about to say something else, but then—

Her eyes caught on a familiar figure walking through the park.

Cook.

But she spotted him too late.

Cook was a lot closer than she first thought, just a few meters away, watching her with that familiar lopsided smirk. She stiffened, shaking her head slightly, giving him a look that clearly said, Not now. Not here.

But, of course, Cook didn't give a shit. He stomped out his cigarette against the pavement, shoving his hands into his pockets as he strolled over.

"Alright, Tess," he greeted, looking her up and down. "What you doing here, then?"

Before she could even think of an excuse, Jamie piped up.

"You're smoking," he said bluntly, staring at Cook with the kind of judgment only a kid could pull off. "Like an old man. Mummy hates that. It's very bad."

Tess had to bite her tongue to stop from laughing. The irony was almost painful, considering Nathan had been a smoker his entire life.

Cook, however, just grinned. He gestured toward Jamie with a nod. "I like him," he said to Tess.

Then, he crouched down to Jamie's level, resting his arms on his knees. "So, what's your name, little bud?"

"Jamie."

Cook's eyes widened theatrically. "No fuckin' way."

"Cook!" Tess hissed, shooting him a glare.

"Chill out." Cook barely acknowledged her. "We have the same name, man!"

Jamie's face lit up. "Really?"

"Well, yeah... basically."

Jamie considered this. Then, he grinned. "Cool! I wanna be like you when I'm older then."

Cook threw his head back and laughed. "Good choice."

"You really don't." Tess muttered

Then, she grabbed Cook's arm and pulled him aside, her voice lowering. "Look, this is really, really not a good time."

Cook squinted past her, nodding toward Jamie. "Who's that, by the way?"

Tess hesitated. "Stepbrother, I guess."

Cook blinked. "Your what? What the fuck—hold on, you part of that big party over there?"

Tess sighed. "Unfortunately."

Cook shook his head, looking both confused and amused. "Fuck, man. I didn't know you had a like....Step family"

"Neither did I... until recently."

Cook was quiet for a second, processing. Then, his eyes lit up in that way that instantly made Tess regret every decision that had led to this moment.

"There drinks at this party?"

Tess scoffed. "Not for you."

She realised her mistake immediately.

Cook's smirk widened. "Ah, so there is, then."

"Cook, no—"

But he was already turning, sauntering toward the party.

"Cook!" Tess hissed, but it was too late.

Cook didn't waste any time. As soon as he spotted the food table, he made a beeline for it, grabbing a plate and loading it up with anything that looked half-decent. A sandwich, a couple of sausage rolls, some crisps—whatever he could get his hands on. He stuffed half a sausage roll in his mouth as he scanned the crowd, eyes landing on a familiar face.

Michelle.

Naturally, he wandered over.

"Alright, gorgeous," Cook said through a mouthful of food as he stepped up beside her.

Michelle turned her head slowly, her expression a mix of surprise and immediate irritation. "What the—?"

Tess finally caught up, out of breath and already regretting everything.

Tony, who had been standing next to Michelle, raised an eyebrow. "Who's this?"

Michelle exhaled sharply. "Tess's... friend," she said through gritted teeth.

Tony hummed, looking Cook up and down. "Huh."

Cook smirked. "I know you. You're Effy's brother."

Tony didn't react much, just tilted his head slightly. "And you are?"

"Cook," he said simply, as if that explained everything.

Tony just nodded, unimpressed. "Right."

The energy between them wasn't exactly hostile, but it wasn't friendly either. Cook seemed amused by Tony's lack of reaction, while Tony just looked vaguely like he was studying a particularly interesting insect.

Tess, meanwhile, was desperately trying to get Cook to leave.

"Alright, fun's over, come on," she muttered, tugging at his arm.

Michelle turned to her sharply. "What the fuck is he doing here?"

"I don't know!" Tess hissed back.

"Did you invite him?"

"Fuck no! Of course not. He just showed up and came over."

Michelle's eyes narrowed. "Well... get him out then! From what I've heard about him, this isn't gonna end well."

Tess rolled her eyes. "He's not that bad Chelle."

She wasn't convincing anyone. Not even herself.

Michelle gave her a pointed look. "You're the one who told me all the shit about him!"

Before Tess could respond, Tony interrupted. "Uh, Chelle?"

"Not now, Tony!" Michelle snapped.

"Okay, but I was—"

"Michelle. Tess!" Tony said, voice raised.

There was something about Tony's tone that made them both shut up.

"What?" Tess asked, exasperated.

Tony gestured lazily toward the crowd. "Your boyfriend ran off."

Tess whipped around, immediately furious. "He's not my boyfr— Wait, what?"

Tony shrugged, far too calm. "He ran off over there somewhere."

Tess and Michelle locked eyes for half a second before saying, in unison—

"Fuck!"

----

Tess pushed her way through the crowd, scanning every face, every cluster of people, but Cook was nowhere to be seen. The party was packed, full of people she barely knew or vaguely recognised. She had no idea where the hell he'd gone.

As she turned a corner near the food table, she almost bumped straight into Louise.

"Are you okay, dear?" Louise asked, tilting her head with concern.

Tess blinked, barely registering the question. "What? Oh—yeah. Fine."

Louise didn't look convinced, but before she could say anything else, Tess muttered a quick "Bye" and hurried off.

"Tess-" Louise called after her, but she didn't stop. She didn't have time for this.

Her frustration grew as she weaved through the party, muttering curses under her breath. Then, suddenly—

A laugh.

That laugh.

The one she knew so well.

Tess froze, whipping her head around. A few meters away, sitting comfortably in one of those cheap pop-up chairs, was none other than Cook. And sitting beside him, laughing just as loudly, was—

Aunt Julia.

Tess grimaced.

Cook and Julia were sharing a dart, passing it back and forth like they were old mates. Julia was mid-story, gesturing wildly with one hand while holding the cigarette in the other. Tess caught just enough to realise—Jesus Christ—it was some weird, overly sexual tale from her past.

Fucking hell.

Tess stalked over, jaw clenched.

Julia turned, grinning. "Tessa, darling! We never got to finish chatting before. Come, come, sit."

Cook's face lit up like he'd just found exactly who he was looking for. "Tess! There you are. Join us."

Tess ignored the chair Julia was patting. "Cook. You're not supposed to be here. I'm serious."

Julia raised a perfectly shaped brow. "Oh? You two know each other?"

Tess hesitated, but nodded.

Julia's mouth fell open in exaggerated shock. "Are you two...?" She trailed off, fishing for details.

At the exact same time—

"Yeah," Cook said easily.

"No," Tess muttered, almost over him.

Cook turned to her, confused by the contradiction, but Tess quickly glanced away, not meeting his eyes.

Julia, completely unbothered, leaned in closer and whispered, "You bagged a good one... surprisingly. He is gorg." She stretched out the word for emphasis, wiggling her brows.

Cook, oblivious or just enjoying himself, grinned. "Just getting to know your family, Tessy. What's wrong with that?"

Tess didn't actually know the answer to that. She just knew it felt... uneasy.

"Please, Cook," she muttered.

Julia pouted. "Oh, come on, don't spoil the fun! He's a lovely young man!"

Tess exhaled sharply, visibly frustrated now. Cook noticed. Something in his expression shifted, something more aware.

"Fine," he said suddenly. "I'll leave."

"Thank you," Tess mumbled.

Cook stood, stretching. "Your aunt is a fucking legend, Tess."

Tess huffed, shaking her head. "You think everyone's a 'fucking legend,'" she said, sharper than intended.

Cook's smirk faltered, just for a second. His brows knit together, and Tess realised—he actually looked a little offended.

For some reason, that made her stomach twist. "Sorry." 

but before he could respond, movement caught her eye.

"Tess?"

She turned—and there they were.

Her dad and Louise, making their way over, looking curious.

Louise and Nathan walked over, their expressions shifting the closer they got. Cook leaned toward Tess, muttering, "Who are they?"

She kept her eyes on them. "That's my dad... and his wife."

Cook scoffed, his expression darkening. He clearly didn't like Nathan either—probably from all the stories she'd told him. Tess cracked a small, involuntary smile at the thought, but she wiped it away as soon as Nathan spoke.

"Tess?" His voice was firm as he glanced between her and Cook. "Do you know this guy?"

Before she could answer, Julia let out a breathy little laugh, muttering just loud enough, "Boyfriend."

Tess shot her a look that could kill, but Cook was already stepping forward, hand out. "James Cook. Pleasure."

Nathan hesitated but shook his hand quickly, his grip firm but distant. Cook grinned at him, his smirk wide and cocky, but Nathan's eyes narrowed, already looking for flaws.

"And how do you know Tess?" Nathan asked, voice tight.

Cook's grin didn't waver. "Oh, y'know...college and stuff," He gave Tess a sideways glance, as if that explained anything. "Been real close for a while now. Real close." He threw an arm around Tess's shoulders, shaking her slightly, his grin widening.

Tess immediately shoved his arm off, a little too forcefully. "Jesus, Cook." 

For half a second, Cook actually blinked at her tone, like he'd registered she wasn't in the mood. But then the smirk slid right back into place. "She's modest, that's all. Anyway, was a bit of a shit show at first to be frank. But we're over that now ain't we?" He laughed, making a ticking noise with his mouth, oblivious to the awkwardness.

Nathan's frown deepened.

Louise, always trying to smooth things over, forced a polite smile. "So, James—"

"Call me Cook, love. Everyone does."

Louise glanced at Tess before turning to Cook. "So... what are your plans after school...Cook?"

Cook blinked, caught off-guard. "Plans? Nah. School's a fuckin' shambles anyway." He waved it off, already looking past them.

Louise forced a smile. "Right. Well."

Nathan didn't seem impressed by that response.

Cook didn't seem to notice. He turned to Louise instead. "Gotta say, Louise, your spread's not bad. Top-tier food. Bit posh for me, but it's fucking A."

Tess nearly groaned.

Louise, ever the hostess, let out a clipped laugh. "Glad you think so."

Nathan had clearly had enough. "Tess. A word. Now."

She felt her stomach twist. "Why?"

"Because I'd like to talk to my daughter. Privately."

She hesitated, throwing a look at Cook, who was now sipping a drink like he didn't have a care in the world. Then she sighed and followed Nathan a few steps away. "What?"

Nathan's jaw was already tight. "Who the hell is that?"

"Cook. I just said."

"Are you... involved with him?"

Tess nearly choked. "What's it to you?"

Nathan exhaled sharply through his nose, glancing back at Cook. "He's exactly the type of person I don't want you around."

Tess let out a humourless laugh. "Bit late for that."

"That's not funny-"

"I wasn't joking."

Nathan sighed, rubbing his temple. "Tess—"

"No, seriously," she cut in, voice sharper now. "You haven't been here the rest of the time, so why do you suddenly care what I do with my life now?"

"That is not the point—"

"Isn't it?" she shot back. "Do you actually believe you get a say?"

"Well... I'm sure your mother wouldn't like this either!" Nathan's face darkened.

"God don't drag her into this!" Tess rolled her eyes. "Unlike you mum actually cares about what I feel."

"You think I don't care?"

"I think you're a hypocrite."

"Tess, thats not fair—"

"No I think it is pretty fucking fair. You fucked off, and now expect us to be waiting for you open arms like nothings changed? Like you haven't gotten a new wife, new kids, a whole new life. But suddenly I bring someone to a party and now you want to be my dad?" She scoffed. "Bit fucking rich."

"I came back for you didn't I? Isn't that enough." He pleaded.

"No it's not fucking enough!" She screeched.

"Look... whatever is happening between us right now, it doesn't matter." He said, making Tess even more frustrated, "But as your dad, I want you to be safe. He isn't good for you."

"You're not really my dad though are you?" She replied, voice cracking.

Nathan inhaled sharply like he was holding something back, but before he could respond, Louise called his name.

Tess turned on her heel before he could say another word, storming back toward Cook. He was still talking to Julia and Louise—still laughing, still completely at ease. She didn't even want to know what the hell they'd been discussing.

Louise immediately piped up, seeing the glossiness in her eyes, "Tess are you ok?"

Tess barely noticed her voice, "Let's go, Cook." she said, grabbing his arm.

Cook, for the first time since meeting Nathan, seemed to take notice of Tess's frustration. He put his hands up, making a quick retreat. "Alright, alright, I'm leaving. No need to twist my arm."

Cook sighed, shaking his head but letting her pull him along. "Shame, really. Your family's a fuckin' riot. Especially your aunt."

Julia, who was watching them go with an amused look, lifted her drink toward Tess. "If you're not keeping him, I'll take him."

----

Tess was still dragging Cook away, although she hardly noticed it. The words from Louise floated behind her in the afternoon breeze, "What did you say to her, Nathan? She's upset!" But Tess couldn't bring herself to care. Her heart was heavy, and her mind was racing. She felt it all — the anger, the frustration, the helplessness — as she tried to push everything down.

She was trying so hard not to let the tears fall. She'd always told herself she didn't care what her dad thought of her anymore. He'd abandoned her, after all. He'd left her, Michelle and her mum, and now here he was, showing up, acting like he had any right to control her life. She wasn't supposed to care. But...it still stung. He still had the power to make her feel small, and that hurt more than she wanted to admit.

When Cook's voice broke through her thoughts, she didn't want to face him, not now, not with the mess inside her head. But he spoke again, his tone softer, and that annoyed her more than anything.

"Tess," he said gently. "What's going on? Talk to me."

She quickly wiped her eyes, not wanting him to see how close she was to breaking down. But Cook noticed. He always noticed. His expression softened as he stepped closer, hand resting lightly on her shoulder. "You alright?" he asked, his voice low.

Tess jerked away from him, suddenly feeling the weight of everything. "Why did you have to do that, huh?" Her voice trembled, but the anger seeped through, thick and sharp.

Cook blinked, confused. "What are you talking about?"

"You just made it so much worse than it already was!" Tess snapped, her hands clenched at her sides. "Now my dad's fucking pissed at me, Cook. You embarrassed me in front of everyone. Why couldn't you just... just leave it alone?" Her breath hitched, but she wasn't done. "I'm trying to sort it with him, and you just made it ten times harder!"

Cook's eyes darkened as he took a step toward her, his own frustration bubbling to the surface. "What the fuck is up with you today?" he growled, voice rising. "First, you want me to leave, then you tell your aunt we're nothin', you act like you can't even stand me! What the fuck, Tess?"

Her chest tightened, the guilt sinking in. He was right, but that didn't change anything. "That's not what happened, Cook!" she spat, shaking her head. "You don't get it, okay? Things are...fragile right now. And now this is just another thing for him to pick at."

Cook took a step back, his face hardening. "So what? You're just gonna shut me out, then?" He threw his hands up in the air, frustration spilling out of him. "You're pushing me away again and acting like it's all on me when you've been shuttin' me down all day, Tess!"

Her anger flared again, but something shifted in her. "I'm trying to keep it together, Cook!" She felt the sting of her dad's earlier words echoing in her mind. "I didn't need you here. I don't need you acting like everything's fine when it's not!"

"Then fucking tell me!" Cook snapped, voice rising. "I'm standing here, trying to help, and you treat me like a fuckin' inconvenience!"

Tess's chest tightened again, and she couldn't hold it in anymore. "You're not an inconvenience, Cook," she whispered, voice cracking. "It's just... everything's a mess. I don't even know why I care about what my dad thinks."

Cook stared at her for a long moment, his anger giving way to something softer. "Tess," he began quietly, stepping closer again. "I'm not trying to make you feel like shit but I don't know what the fuck to do when you're like this. Your fuckin' with me head again."

She shook her head, feeling the walls around her start to go back up. "I don't need you to fix it, Cook. Not right now, I just need to deal with it. Alone. But every time you do something like that... it just makes everything harder."

A heavy silence fell between them. Tess felt like she was suffocating, torn between pushing Cook away and needing him there. But she couldn't let him in again, not when everything felt so broken.

"Maybe I'll just leave you to it then, yeah?" Cook said bitterly, stepping back, his face hardening. "If I'm such a fucking burden, I'll just get out of your way."

Tess's heart dropped in her chest, but she didn't show it. She didn't know what to say.

Cook's words stung, but it wasn't his fault. It wasn't. She was the one pushing everyone away. She was the one who couldn't get it together.

----

It was nearly the end of the holidays, and everything still felt tense. Off. Like things had been shaken up but never quite settled back into place.

After the party, things with Cook had been rocky. He was getting more reckless—drinking too much, flirting with other girls, pushing limits. And Tess? She'd started shutting down again, retreating into herself like she always did when things got too messy. Neither of them seemed willing to fix it, but neither of them was ready to let go either. Stuck in a cycle that was becoming harder to break.

Now, she was walking toward Effy's house, hands shoved deep into the pockets of her jacket. Michelle had made her promise they'd go for dinner and a movie before school started up again, but since Tony was leaving the same day, she'd insisted on staying overnight with him. Tess was forced to make the trek to the Stonems' to drag Michelle out herself.

A few houses away, she spotted someone across the road—a familiar figure standing just outside the glow of the streetlights, skateboard clutched at his side.

Freddie.

She hesitated, watching him. He was staring at the house like he was willing it to open, like if he looked hard enough, she might just appear.

Tess sighed and crossed the street. "Bit obvious, don't you think?"

Freddie jumped, looking at her like he hadn't even noticed she was there. "Shit, Tess. You scared me."

She nodded toward the house. "She's not there, you know."

"What?" He blinked. "I was just... passing by."

"Sure," she said, unconvinced.

Freddie exhaled, dropping his gaze. His fingers tightened around the skateboard. "I can't help it," he muttered.

Tess leaned against the fence beside him, staring at the house too. "It sucks, doesn't it?"

Freddie swallowed. "I just don't understand what I did."

"It's not about what you did, Freds." She let out a slow breath. "She's just... Effy."

He let out a quiet laugh. "Yeah." He shook his head. "I just can't get her out of my head. And I know it's gonna get worse when she comes back... if she does."

"She will," Tess said, though she wasn't sure how much she believed it. "But for now, I guess you wait. Or not. Maybe you deserve better."

Freddie let that sit for a moment before shrugging. "Yeah..." His voice was tired. Then, after a pause, "Look, I'm sorry for the other night."

Tess frowned. "What?"

"I was only mad because... because you and Cook seemed so happy." He rubbed the back of his neck. "It wasn't fair. Because I wasn't like that with—with her."

Tess stared at him for a second, then shook her head. "It's fine, Freddie." She huffed out a breath. "But I wouldn't say we're happy either."

He frowned. "Why? All Cook does is talk about you."

Tess glanced at him, then away. "Yeah, but not recently, right?"

Freddie hesitated, and that was answer enough. "Oh..." He shifted as if he was realising something. "Yeah, guess not."

Tess crossed her arms. "We're stuck. In this... I don't even know if it's a fight anymore." She sighed. "He's acting like shit again, and I'm—I dunno, I think I was just scared of being close with someone... and now it's gone." She sniffed, avoiding eye contact. "I think I  fucked it up this time."

Freddie nodded like he understood. Maybe he did.

"Sorry," she muttered.

"It's fine," he said, and they fell into silence, both staring at the house in front of them.

After a while, Freddie let out a breathy laugh. "It's always us, isn't it?"

Tess smirked, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Yep."