Chapter 26

Hailey and I have a kick-ass self-defence session. We high-five each other at how far we’ve come in the last few months of classes. Hailey's confidence has grown.

'Wait till I see Zayne. He won't know what has hit him when I elbow him in the face and heel palm him in the nose!’ Hailey laughs, demonstrating the moves in the air.

'Take that Zayne! And that! And that! Hoya!' She yells, kicking the air. We laugh and I admire her determination to one day kick Zayne’s ass.

Every day at work this week, I’ve either had hot flushes or nausea, all while feeling incredibly emotional. My boobs are tender. I discreetly rub them at my desk.

‘What are you doing?’ He asks, smirking.

′Nothing. Shouldn’t you be sketching?’

‘Well, I was, until you got my full attention, doing whatever you’re doing over there.’

My face feels hot again. I fan my face and unbutton the top of my blouse. Ace gives me a strange look.

‘Are you okay?’

‘I’m feeling hot all the time and my boobs hurt. I need to take this bra off