Seven Days by Eve Ainsworth Page A

really sure what to say, I know how close Lyn is to his dad. “Sorry to hear that – is he OK now?”
    “Not really. He’s in hospital. They’re running tests, all kinds of things to find out what’s going wrong. He keeps puking and stuff.”
    “That’s not good.”
    Lyn takes his cigarette and grinds it hard into the ground. “It’s life though, isn’t it? You’re born, you get ill, you…”
    “…recover,” I finish for him. Before I know what I’m doing, I reach over and touch his hand. It’s cool and rough. I expect him to pull away, but he doesn’t. He’s still staring straight ahead.
    “So you have no idea what’s wrong with him?” I ask.
    “Nah. I don’t think anyone does really. Like I said, they keep running these tests. Thing is, he smokes, drinks and he eats crap. It’s no wonder his body’s given up on him.”
    “Is your mum still not around?”
    He shakes his head. “Nah. Auntie Pam is there loads to make sure I’m OK – she’s in a flat in Tower B now. But it’s not the same; I just want Dad back home.”
    I remember Lyn’s mum walked out on them when he was still a baby. His dad used to drop him round to ours when he was working. In those days my mum didn’t have a job so she could look after both of us.
    “We used to have fun, didn’t we?” he says, now looking straight at me, like he can read my mind. His eyes are so deep and piercing; it makes my heart beat a little faster.
    “You used to put worms in my hair,” I say, poking him in the leg, “and you made me lick a snail once, do you remember? For a dare.”
    “Oh God! Yeah, I do. But you were evil. You used to break my cars on purpose! I swear those days were some of the best ever.”
    “But then you got all cool at school and that was it,” I tease. “No more hanging around with the fat girl.”
    His eyes widen. “Don’t think that, Jess. I was just older. I got into other things I guess. But I’ve never forgotten about you.”
    I can feel myself blush, so I quickly look away. I feel stupid for feeling like this around Lyn. He was always like my big brother. Why did he have to grow up to be the popular, good-looking one?
    “We all change,” I say instead.
    “Not really. Not inside. That’s the thing, isn’t it? You start to realize there’s more to people than a ton of make-up and flashy designer clothes.”
    “I guess.”
    I’m staring at him, wondering if he’s referring to Kez. But I don’t dare ask him.
    “Did you see the picture I put up? Of us?” he asks.
    “Yeah,” I shake my head, my cheeks burning. “I looked awful!”
    “No, you didn’t! You were dead cute. How could you look awful with those eyes of yours?”
    I don’t know what to say, I let a little grin escape, I can’t help it. He holds my gaze for a minute and then pulls away, biting his lip.
    “To be honest, I feel bad about having the party, but Dad says I should go ahead. He wants me to carry on as normal.”
    “So do it,” I say.
    He turns, his eyes are bright and I can see the hint of tears in the corners. “You’re coming, aren’t you?” he says. “I really want you there.”
    I stare back at him; I can actually hear my pulse racing in my ears. “You’re joking? I won’t be welcome.”
    He suddenly takes my hand and squeezes it tightly. “Yes, you will. Say you’ll come.”
    I think of Kez. She’ll hate me for this. This could finish me.
    I look at his hand in mine.
    “OK,” I say.
    He smiles back at me. “You shouldn’t take any more stick. Stand up for yourself a bit. Don’t be scared.”
    I nod, feeling a bit silly. But it’s so easy for him to say.
    “I need to go in a bit,” I say instead. “I have to pick my sister up from school.”
    “Cool,” he stands up and stretches. “You mind if I walk with you? I could use some company.”
    I’m tempted to look round me, check that Kez and Marnie aren’t hiding in the bushes filming all of this. Is it just a trick? Another laugh at my expense?