Pandora~1

Thomas was gone. His mum was so horrified by what he had been getting up to that they went back to Congo. Pandora was devastated. Even though Tess barely knew him, she still missed him. He was nice, genuine and sweet and that was unfortunately pretty unusual in a guy.

The only person who didn't make her feel like she was suffocating right now was Naomi.She'd been different lately—not exactly softer, but more approachable. Sharper edges dulled just enough. Over the past few weeks, they'd been spending more time together, and Tess found herself looking forward to it. Even the usual quiet chatter helped drown out the constant tension clinging to everything else.

Naomi kicked back in her seat, a familiar smirk tugging at her mouth. "Ah, I see you've chosen me today."She arched an eyebrow. "Where's Katie, then?"

Tess snorted. "Probably off with Danny somewhere. Doing God knows what."

Naomi let out a dry laugh, but there was something brittle behind it. "Well, maybe that's a blessing. I can actually breathe for once without her staring me down like we're in a bloody warzone."

Tess leaned in slightly, knowing full well how much Naomi disliked Katie. "Yeah I suppose. Look I've been meaning to talk to her about... you know all the shit she says but whenever I bring it up she gets all snappy-"

But Naomi interrupted "Tess it's fine, you don't have to try fix things, I can handle Katie by myself."

Tess gave her a small smile, grateful but unsure what to say. Before she could respond, Naomi's attention flicked to the door.

Panda had just walked in, looking more excited than usual, her eyes practically glowing as she made a beeline for their desk. Tess raised a brow as she slid into the seat next to them, practically vibrating.

"I have big news," Panda whispered, grinning wide. "My mum's letting me have a party this Saturday!"

Tess blinked. "No way!"

"Who's going?" Naomi asked with only the faintest of interest.

Panda leaned forward like it was a state secret. "You two, Emily, Effy, and Katie! It'll be super duper fun. We're gonna play Twister, make cakes, and stay up all night telling secrets and stuff!"

Naomi rolled her eyes. "Well that sounds fucking grea—"

"Sounds great, Panda!" Tess cut in quickly, grinning. She already knew exactly what Naomi was about to say.

Panda leaned forward, lowering her voice even more. "It's just for the girls though. No guys allowed. So... don't tell anyone else."

Naomi gave Tess a look—half-skeptical, half-amused—but didn't say a word. Just shook her head and muttered something about stupid girl things as Panda bounced back to her seat, humming.

------

The halls were unusually quiet that morning. Katie had ditched, Effy hadn't shown up in days, and Emily was supposedly too sick to face school. It was peaceful — eerie, even — until a familiar voice broke through her thoughts.

"Oi," Cook called, sauntering up behind her. "Heard you girls whispering about some party."

Tess didn't even flinch. She turned around with a smirk. "You're not invited."

Cook scoffed, throwing his arms out dramatically. "What d'you mean I'm not invited? Me? I'm the fucking life of the party, babe."

Tess rolled her eyes and kept walking. "It's girls only, Cook. And trust me, you're the last boy anyone wants crashing a sleepover. Go terrorise JJ or something."

Cook followed her, clearly not ready to let it go. "You know, I don't see what the problem is. I think I'd make a damn good cake decorator. And I can keep the Twister board interesting."

Tess laughed, shaking her head as she reached her locker. "Yeah, that's exactly what I'm worried about."

Cook leaned lazily against the metal next to her, watching as she rifled through her bag. The bell rang, and as they headed toward the canteen, Cook continued to jab at her with playful comments.

"Don't you think your party could use a little spice though?" Cook asked, his eyes glinting as they stood in line for food. "I could bring the fun, Tess. You know I can."

Tess gave him a look. "Go hang out with your little boy band then. What is it again? The Three Musketeers?"

Cook grinned. "Harsh. But fine — we'll just throw our own party. Way more fun than your girly slumber shite."

She smirked. "Sure. Let me know how that goes."

As they joined the lunch line, Tess glanced at him sideways. "You and Freddie good now?"

Cook shrugged, nonchalant. "Yeah. He's just a bit dramatic, that one."

"He's not that dramatic."

"You on his side now?" he asked, not quite joking — there was something just under the surface.

Tess sighed. "I'm not on a side, Cook. There aren't any sides. I just don't think he overreacted, that's all."

They grabbed their food and wandered to the green. It was Tess's favourite spot — open, quiet, nicer than Roundview. The only downside was the private school wankers from across the park. Always dressed in their boxy blazers and sneering like they owned the place.

Of course Cook wasn't put off by the looks. He shot them a glare, raised his middle finger, and shouted, "What the fuck are you looking at?" If anyone gave him any shit.

"Fucking posh wankers," he muttered, flopping onto the grass and lighting a cigarette.

Tess dropped down beside him, pretending not to smile. "You really love winding them up don't you?"

Cook exhaled a puff of smoke, grinning. "Oh yeah. It's my favourite thing. They all think they're better than everyone else just because they wear shiny shoes, play hockey and have fuckin' double barreled names."

She took the cigarette from his fingers, lit it herself, and leaned back, passing it between them. She didn't usually spend this much time with him — but strangely, she didn't mind it.

Her phone buzzed. She groaned.

"Ugh, it's Michelle," Tess muttered under her breath.

Cook raised an eyebrow. "Your sister yeah?"

"You're lucky you don't have one," Tess said, reading the message. "Always on my case. Today it's about some top she thinks I stole."

Cook snorted. "Did you steal it?"

"That's not the point."

He laughed. "Well, brothers aren't any less annoying."

Tess looked at him. "Wait. You have a brother?"

Cook blinked — like he hadn't meant to say that. "Yeah. Little brother...Paddy."

Tess stared at him, shocked. "You've never mentioned him before. I always assumed you were an only child."

He shrugged, taking another drag, gaze distant. "Didn't come up."

"You close?"

"Not really. I'm not around much. He's... a bit mental. Last year he jumped off a roof trying to impress some mates. Nearly broke his bloody arm."

Tess arched an eyebrow. "Wonder where he gets that from."

"Dunno what you're implying, Tessy but definitely not from me." Cook shot her a crooked grin. "Must be his dads side."

They sat in silence, but it wasn't awkward. The cigarette burned low between them, the quiet oddly calming.

Cook grinned, flicking the last of his cigarette to the ground and stamping it out. "So, do you always eat lunch with your best mate Cook, or is this a special occasion?"

Tess gave him a look, lips twitching. "Don't get too cocky. It's not like I'm gonna make this a regular thing or anything."

His grin widened, "Sure, Tess. Whatever you say. But when you're desperate for company, you know where I am."

She rolled her eyes and stood up, brushing grass off her jeans. "I think I'll survive without you."

Cook was still messing around, but Tess couldn't shake the feeling that they'd just had a moment of real conversation. For once, it wasn't all about the usual Cook bravado. Tess found herself enjoying it. In fact, it felt almost... comfortable.

Too comfortable......

-------

Tess was honestly looking forward to Pandora's party. Sure, it was bound to be a bit childish and weird — but maybe weird was exactly what they all needed right now.

Or... maybe it was going to be a total disaster.

Naomi and Katie? Effy and Katie? Even Katie and Emily? None of those combos were in a good place, and Tess was about to come face to face with the common denominator in every one of those arguments

Still, she was dressed and ready, trying to stay optimistic. She and Katie had planned to meet for lunch at the Harbour Café, but as Tess approached, she spotted a very unwelcome addition to their lunch date.

Danny.

Fucking great.

She plastered on a fake smile and walked up to the couple as Katie waved enthusiastically,

"Katie!" Tess greeted, pulling her into a quick hug — but leaned in to whisper, "What's he doing here?"

Katie smiled sheepishly, clearly aware of Tess's discomfort. "Relax, Tess. He's leaving soon, aren't you, babe?" She nudged Danny playfully.

"Fine let's just get this over with then" Tess said as she took her seat.

"Let's just get this over with," Tess muttered, sliding into the seat across from them.

"Alright, Tess? How've you been since I last saw ya?" Danny asked in his unbearably smug tone.

"I've been fine, you know, just—"

"Yeah, yeah, but wait till you hear this one, sweetheart—" he interrupted, launching into one of his pointless stories like he was the star of his own crappy sitcom.

Tess shot Katie a helpless look, silently begging her friend to somehow save her from this torturous conversation.

She sighed inwardly. So much for catching up with her friend.

"Right, Tess?" Danny's voice snapped her back.

Tess forced a smile. "Oh yeah. Totally fascinating," she said, her voice thick with sarcasm. Katie caught it and had to bite back a laugh.

They eventually wandered outside together, cool wind blowing off the water as the sun dipped low over the harbour. It was usually one of Tess's favourite places — but today, she was trapped in the background of some tragic rom-com she wanted no part of.

Her mind started drifting — until she spotted Pandora bouncing toward them, with a very un-bouncy, red-eyed Effy trailing behind.

Oh, no.

"Effy! Hey!" Katie called out as they approached, her voice upbeat as always.

"I've been calling you loads!" Katie said brightly, completely missing Effy's mood. "You know Danny, He plays for the Bristol Rivers Reserves, yeah?"

Tess barely held back a groan. Katie always introduced people like she was announcing royalty.

"Yeah, nice one, tasty," Danny said, flashing Effy a gross, too-familiar grin.

Effy gave him a flat look. "Sorry?"

He leaned in closer, voice sleazy. "Nice jugglies, babe. Perky."

Tess felt a deep, immediate disgust flood through her. She shot Danny a look, barely concealing her irritation. What an absolute prick.

"Pig." Tess murmured but only Effy seemed to catch it.

"Danny!" Katie, clearly oblivious to Tess or Effy's judgement, rushed to defend Danny, waving her hand dismissively. "He doesn't mean it. Do you, babes?"

"Fuckin' right I do!" Danny replied proudly.

Effy stepped back, eyes narrowing. "He's joking, right?"

Tess just shook her head — no.

Pandora, ever the optimist and eager to make introductions, piped up with a forced smile. "And I'm PandoraQ" she said, extending a hand to Danny.

"Ok," Danny said, barely acknowledging her. Then he turned to Effy again, grinning. "You should come watch the lads train, yeah? After a few Lambrinis, we get lucky in the showers."

Tess felt her jaw tighten. Absolute. Prick.

Katie, clearly trying to steer things in a better direction, jumped in again. "Um, yeah. Right. Anyway, can't wait for this party tonight!" she said with forced enthusiasm. "I've got a shitload of weed and pills."

Pandora, still standing next to Effy with a nervous glance at the ground, wrinkled her nose. "Weed? Um, no..."

Effy, her expression still unreadable, gave a tight smile. "Cool."

"Thank god" Tess added.

But Danny, incapable of shutting up, chimed in again. "Yeah man! Way safe! Orgy!"

Katie gave him a hard glare. "You're not coming. Girls only. Right, Panda?"

Pandora nodded quickly. "Yeah."

Katie, now clearly irritated but trying to regain control of the conversation, grinned at Effy. "We're gonna tell secrets and get intimate."

Danny's eyes widened. "Intimate?! Yes, nice one. Take photos, babe!"

Tess rolled her eyes, completely over this entire interaction. The whole conversation felt so... juvenile.

Pandora looked a little uneasy now, her lips pursed in thought. "But, we're doing Twister," she said, offering a hopeful smile to Katie.

Katie raised an eyebrow. "Cool. You can snort that, right?"

Pandora shook her head. "Not exactly."

Tess glanced at Effy and frowned. Her eyes were red, glassy — she'd definitely been crying.

"You alright?" Tess asked quietly.

Effy met her gaze, something softening behind her guarded expression — but before she could answer, Pandora jumped in too quickly.

"She's upset because her mom's been making monkey and her dad's gone ape."

Tess blinked. "...What?"

"Bananas! Cause Beardy Steve's made her do the Funky Gibbon and... I've boobed, haven't I?" Pandora said realising she shouldn't have told everyone Effy's business

Tess just gave Effy a reassuring look. She knew Effy's parents and they weren't exactly the stablest of families.

Danny didn't get the memo. "Me loves the Funky Gibbons!" he exclaimed, as though it were the funniest thing he'd ever heard.

Katie, visibly frustrated with him by now, snapped, "Danny!"

Danny, unfazed, gave a lazy shrug. "Yeah?"

Katie crossed her arms. "You gonna fuck off? We need girl time."

Danny blinked, like it had just occurred to him he wasn't wanted. "Yeah?"

Katie gave him a pointed look. "Practice your ball skills, babe. I'll do that keepy-uppy thing later, remember?"

That seemed to satisfy him. "Oh, yeah!" he said, wandering off.

The three girls were left in silence for a moment, the weight of the conversation and the awkwardness hanging in the air. Tess shot a glance at Effy, her face softening with sympathy. Effy didn't deserve that—no one did, really.

Katie gave Effy a gentle nudge. "Are you alright?"

Effy didn't respond immediately, but her expression softened. "Yeah. Just... needed a minute."

Tess gave her a sympathetic look and then glanced toward Pandora. "You good?"

Pandora smiled faintly. "Yeah. I'm just... well, you know how it is." She seemed to shrink into herself a little, like she was trying to escape the weight of the conversation.

With that, the girls started walking off together, leaving the harbour and its fleeting drama behind them.