“New girl?” Standing before me is a tall, thin, clear-skinned, walking, talking toothpaste commercial. She even has dimples. Gag me!

“Actually, the name’s Jack.” I try to look menacing but Dimples pulls out the chair beside me. “I’m Emily. How are you settling in? You’re rooming with Cara Dawson, aren’t you? That’s a good room.” Joy! The welcome wagon has arrived.

I lean forward. “Look, I don’t mean to be rude, but you don’t have to make nice with me. You’d be wasting your time coz I’m not gonna be here for much longer…” Her smile vanishes. She darts little looks around the dining room, her blond ponytail bobbing. “I can’t believe you know already. Did somebody tell you?” She whispers.
“Tell me what?” We stare at each other for a minute and then Emily is completely normal again. She smiles and picks up her plate of toast “Nothing. Forget I said anything. See you later, OK?” And then she’s gone. If this was a cartoon, there’d be a cloud of dust left in her wake.

“Weird.” I mutter to myself.