Page 31 of Reluctant Chemistry

“It still wouldn’t hurt to inquire,” Andrea replied.

“Is it Travis?” her father asked. He looked at her mum. “She saw him today. I’ve never liked that boy. The kid’s a smart-ass. And now he’s unsettled her.”

“It’s not Travis. I need to get away, Dad. I know you don’t understand, but please. I can’t go back to Tulloch Point High. I just can’t.” CeCe stood and carried her plate to the counter. Having eaten less than a quarter of her meal, she covered it with plastic wrap and placed it in the fridge. “I’m sorry, Mum, but I’m not hungry right now. I need to go out for a bit.”

Frank placed his knife and fork down and sighed. “Will someone please tell me what’s going on?”

“What do you mean?” CeCe asked.

“You’ve been sneaking around for days. In and out of town in that rust bucket of a van, down at the beach on your own. I’m exhaustedjust from watching you. And before you spout off about how you’re almost nineteen and can live your own life, don’t expect us to stop caring just because you’ve clocked another year around the sun.”

CeCe rounded the table and pressed a kiss to her father’s cheek. She’d rarely taken her parents for granted, even when she was younger. She knew too many kids from dysfunctional families not to realize that her own family was one to cherish. “I know, Dad. But I’ll be okay, so please don’t worry about me.” She looked up. “Can I borrow the Corolla, Mum? I’ll be back in an hour or two.”

“Course you can. I filled it with gas today so you can use it for school. The Kombi’s not really suitable if you’re giving other kids a ride.”

“Thanks.”

* * *

Luka’s place was dark and silent when CeCe pulled up outside. Thinking he might arrive home at any minute, she sat for a while, her phone in her hand as she thought of what she should say.

She stepped from the car and walked down the driveway in the dark, the light on her phone illuminating her steps to ensure she didn’t trip over any tree roots. Her stomach tied in knots, she knocked on his door. Nothing.

A swing hung from a large oak tree in the backyard, its seat weathered with age and rope rough to the touch. She sat in it for a while, swaying back and forth, her thoughts shifting fromwhy to why not?

There seemed no reason for them to break up. They were two adults who could keep a secret. She didn’t have to go to Clifton Falls this term. By the time Easter arrived, her father might have changed his mind about Immaculate Heart, and she and Luka could still be together.

She checked her phone: after eight. Where was he? Chilled, CeCe walked back to her car, doubts and convictions still battling it out in her mind until she could scarcely think straight.

When CeCe drove past the small Search and Rescue building on her way home, it was a bustling hive of activity. Along the street, cars lined the curb, and as she pulled into the only available parking space and cut the engine, a chopper whirred to a stop on the nearby helipad.

She sat for a while, observing the comings and goings. Then,just as she was about to pull away, Luka walked around the side of the building, dressed for business in a navy blue flight suit. His aviator sunglasses rested on top of his head, redundant as he talked with other crew members. She’d never really thought about his day-to-day life, but seeing him now, standing tall with the other men, she felt a sense of pride for the man who meant so much to her.

She wanted to leap from the car and run to him, but he appeared preoccupied. It was all very well him visiting her at the library, but his work wasn’t exactly conducive to dropping in for a chat.

So instead, she picked up her phone and flicked him a text.

Hey, it’s CeCe. We need to talk. xx

16

Without Callous Intent

As the working hours dragged, CeCe longed to escape the noisy world inside her head and return to the night of that Christmas party, when she’d left in a huff to get away from Travis. If only she could retrace her steps to achieve an alternative outcome, she’d call Mitch or even Molly’s mum to ask one of them to come and collect her.

No rabbit hole, no meet-cute, and no sex with Luka O’Leary in the back of the Kombi.

Instead, she’d have metMr. O’Learyon the first day of school, sat through his chemistry class, and gone home with a teeny crush. But that crush would have gone no further than her imagination, as his position would not allow it.

“Hey.”

Her hand flew to her chest. “Don’t do that. You gave me a fright!”

Luka looked her up and down, but it wasn’t his usual lazy gaze. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, fine, but kind of busy at the moment.” She slotted a book into place and picked up another from the cart.

He hesitated. “Sorry I haven’t been in touch, but it’s been full on since I came back with that couple missing. I have tonight off though.I thought we could grab dinner if you’re free.”

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