Page 119 of Our Secrets and Lies

Dylan quickly texted back:Don’t even think about showing those pics to anyone else. That body is formy eyes only.

‘Dylan!’ Kelly stood up and threw the book on the bed. ‘You’re going to fail. History is supposed to be your good subject and you’ve got almost all the answers wrong. You haven’t a clue about any of the chapters you’re supposed to have studied. You’re going to fail and Mum will go mad and so will Mr Gough. How can you know so little? Have you not studied at all?’

He shrugged. ‘I’vebeen distracted with football training and stuff.’

‘Taylor, you mean. Seriously, Dylan, she’s not worth risking everything for.’

Dylan slammed his book on his desk. ‘I am so sick of you and Mum being on my case. I’m having fun. Since when has that become a crime? Jesus, I’ve always done everything right to please Mum. I’ve been the peacemaker between the two of you when you get into your fights,I’ve helped Granddad out in the shop. I’ve been the perfect bloody son and now, finally, I’m having some fun and everyone is on my case. I’m sick of it.’ He grabbed his jacket and headed out of the door.

Kelly called him back. ‘Don’t go out! Come on, I’ll help you study – you need it.’

‘To hell with it, I’m going to see Taylor.’

Dylan ran down the stairs and out of the front door. Kelly toreafter him to try to stop him, but he was gone.

Lucy came in. ‘Where’s Dylan? He’s not in his room.’

Kelly froze. Did she tell the truth or lie to protect him? She had to protect him: he was her twin. ‘Uhm, I think he just popped out for a sec.’

‘Where?’

‘To … to get a –’ Damn, Kelly couldn’t think of anything.It was a dark, cold night in December. What the hell would Dylan be popping outfor? Her mind was blank. Damnit.

Her mother’s eyes narrowed. ‘Has he gone to see Taylor?’

Kelly hesitated. ‘I don’t know.’

‘Don’t lie, Kelly. It’s obvious he has. I can’t believe it. He has exams coming up and a big game on Saturday. That girl is going to destroy him.’ Lucy’s voice cracked.

Kelly hated seeing her mother upset. It was so rare that Lucy cried. All their lives Lucy had been sostrong and only ever cried with joy, like when Dylan won a football cup or Kelly got first prize at school. Otherwise she was steely and tough and never let things get to her. Lucy was the rock of the family, the one who kept everything going, the one who looked after everyone. Kelly had never seen her like this.

‘Why is he being so stupid? Doesn’t he see? He’s going to ruin everything.’ Lucybegan to cry. ‘One person can ruin your life. Taylor could ruin his.’

Kelly didn’t know what to do. She took a step forward and patted her mother’s shoulder. ‘Mum, he’ll probably be back soon. Dylan won’t let you down, he never does. He’s just having a bit of fun. But he knows what matters.’

Lucy wiped away her tears with the back of her hand. ‘Fun?’ she croaked. ‘Fun is what got me into trouble.Fun with the wrong person will be his downfall.’

She turned away from Kelly, took her phone out of her back pocket and called Dylan’s mobile. Kelly could hear it go to voicemail. Lucy cursed. She texted him to come homeIMMEDIATELY. He didn’t reply.

‘Look, Mum, why don’t you go to bed? Have an early night. I’ll bring you up a cup of tea. Dylan will be home soon, I’m sure of it.’

Lucy gave hera watery smile. ‘Thanks, Kelly, you’re a star. I don’t tell you that enough. But I won’t be able to sleep. I’llwait for him downstairs. I want to speak to him when he gets in. I can’t believe he’s back with her. Taylor has to go.’

Lucy went back downstairs and Kelly texted Dylan:Get home NOW. Mum on warpath, waiting up 4 u.

He didn’t reply.

Kelly lay awake, staring at the ceiling, exhausted.It was one a.m. and Dylan still wasn’t home. He’d never stayed out so late on a school night before. He was really pushing it this time.

Kelly texted Sean.U up?

Yep. U still free on Sat for David’s party?

Yes, need to work out a lie to tell mum, but I’ll be there.

Cool. I want some alone time!!! Wear that denim mini, u look hot in it.

Kelly’s stomach did a little flip.K. She wanted to bealone with him, but she was worried about sex. She had Shannon’s condoms, but she hadn’t gone to get the pill yet. She kept finding excuses not to go to the clinic because she still wasn’t sure about it. Should she warn Sean she wasn’t ready, or wait and just talk to him on Saturday? She knew he wanted to have sex, but she was scared. Her mother had done a good job of freaking her out about gettingpregnant.

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