The New Girl. Ariana Chambers

it very seriously.’

      Holly makes a sarcastic noise. ‘Yeah, that’s Izzy, all heart.’ She takes another forkful of Aunt Clara’s lunch. ‘So, what about your mum? Where’s she?’

      I look down at the table. ‘My mum’s – she died.’

      Holly instantly puts her fork down. ‘Oh no. I’m so sorry, I didn’t realise.’

      ‘It’s OK, it was a long time ago.’

      ‘But it must be really hard for you, especially now your dad’s away.’

      The concern in Holly’s voice makes me feel really good. The entire time I was with Izzy and the others yesterday they barely asked me a question about myself. It’s so nice being with someone who genuinely cares – almost like being with Ellie again.

      ‘Yes, it is a bit, but I’ve got Aunt Clara.’

      Holly glances over at Izzy’s table and I get that sick scared feeling again. What’s wrong with me? Ever since I’ve arrived in Fairhollow it’s as if I’ve been on some kind of emotional roller coaster. I can’t wait till things settle down and I can start feeling normal again.

      ‘Can I ask you something?’ Holly looks all serious.

      I nod. ‘Of course.’

      ‘How do you feel about Izzy and the others?’ Holly asks. ‘Do you like them? Do you want to hang out with them?’ She studies my face like she’s searching for some kind of clue.

      ‘Not really. I mean, I’m grateful that they looked after me yesterday, but I don’t think they’re the kind of people I’d choose as friends.’

      Holly grins so hard a pair of dimples appear either side of her mouth. ‘Well, you know, if you want someone else to hang out with there’s always me.’ She looks down at the lunch box shyly. ‘I mean, I don’t really care if you do or you don’t, but if you do . . .’

      ‘I do. Thank you.’ The warm glow inside of me is suddenly replaced by a cold chill of dread. I look up to see Izzy, Stephen and Vivien standing by our table again.

      ‘Come on, Nessa, let’s go back to our form room,’ Izzy says.

      I look at Holly and my stomach lurches. She’s gazing down into her lap.

      ‘It’s OK, you guys go ahead. I’ll come up with Holly,’ I say.

      Izzy leans down closer to me, so close I can smell her perfume. It’s really unusual, spicy and strong. ‘We need to go now,’ she says in a loud firm voice. ‘I don’t know why you’re hanging out with a freak like her anyway. You could have had lunch with us.’

      I stare up at her, my heart pounding. Who does she think she is, telling me what to do? There’s a definite hush from the tables closest to us as everyone waits to see how I’m going to respond.

      ‘I said no,’ I say in an equally loud, firm voice. ‘I’ll come up when I’ve finished my lunch – with Holly.’

      Izzy stares at me.

      I stare back. I don’t need her friendship. Who wants to hang out with a control freak like that?

      Izzy takes a sharp breath in and her cheeks flush bright pink. Silence spreads across the canteen as we continue to stare at each other. Finally, she tosses her hair over her shoulder, turns and marches away.

      Stephen and Vivien go scuttling after her.