They agree that it would be ‘cool’ to visit Pete the ‘sticks’. They also say that they’d have to get parental permission, but stress that that they’ll press for it. “If that’s OK?” Noel asked. He had a serious look in his eye and Peter knew exactly what it meant.

“Yeah it’s fine.” Peter assured. “School holls innit.” he shrugged. This means no school, no uniform and no need to be anyone else but the Peter they both know. With a bus to catch and a movie to watch, Noel and Mark make haste and Peter is left alone in the hallway. Knowing that carol is waiting, hopefully… anyway. He bites his lip. Should he find Carol or Mrs Scott, her mother. “Er.. hi Mrs Scott.” Peter said as she appeared, seemingly out of nowhere and completely silently. Almost ninja like, he realised as he glanced at her feet. Stiletto heels on a parquet floor and he didn’t hear her coming!

“Carol said to give her a knock.” Mrs Scott told him. “Second on the left.” she said with a finger pointed at an unhelpful angle. Maybe the fact that she also cocked her head gave the gesture some perspective, but Peter couldn’t see it. He smiled and began to climb the stairs. Second on the left, he thought. Second on the left.