“Are you already done?”
I nod. “Yes, my dog got adopted, though, so that’s cool.”
Hendricks’s face drops. “I wish I’d seen it. I’m sorry I missed it.”
“That’s okay.” I shrug, and I’m not that disappointed, seeing as I didn’t have to do much, so he didn’t miss anything.
“Hey, guys, hey, Twin,” Sam greets as he walkstoward us, pointing over his shoulder. “Annabel’s dog seems to be enjoying himself.”
The four of us turn around to see Annabel standing arms crossed, looking annoyed, while her dog tries to hump the chair she’s supposed to be sitting on. Mary snorts a laugh before she can catch it.
“It’s Hendricks, by the way, Sam.”
Sam looks at me, then looks at Hendricks. “Oh, sorry.”
“No worries. Used to it,” Hendricks replies, but grins at me.
Literally no one can tell them apart, and ever since we were in junior school, if there was no way to identify them, they were always addressed as Twin.Hey, Twin, see ya, Twin.Sometimes I wonder if people are blind. It always amuses Hendricks how annoyed I get.
They stand there, neither saying anything else. I know Hendricks doesn’t like Sam much, but Sam stayed at school here instead of leaving for Wellington, so I got to know him a bit better. And I like him. He’s nice, and he’s always making us laugh.
“Anyway, I need to go and find my mum,” Sam groans. “I said I’d look after my little sister for a couple of hours.”
“Sure, no worries.”
“Bye, guys. See you later, Story.”
There are murmurs of “bye” except from Hendricks, who’s frowning at me.
“What?”
“Why’s he calling you Story?”
I shrug. “I dunno. Everyone does.”
“But that’s my name for you,” he grumbles. At least I think that’s what he says because Annabel grabs my arm so hard I flinch.
“Ouch. What was that for?”
She doesn’t reply, only stares, unblinking, but a second later I find out anyway.
“Hey, Annabel, how’s it going?”
She flicks her hair so violently over her shoulder that it hits Mary. “Hey, Miles, good. You?”
“Good.” He grins, which Annabel seems to take as a sign that he likes her, given the way her eyes widen and her lashes flutter. More so when he slings an arm around his brother’s shoulder, and as usual, Hendricks has to step away from me. Miles is so annoying. “Hen, c’mon. I’ve been looking for you. We need to go find Jack.”
“Cool, I’m coming now.” Hendricks smiles at me, making his dimples show. “Catch you later, Stor. Okay? I’ll come and get you. Sorry I missed your slot, but I’ll take you to see the puppies at Burlington. They’re amazing.”
“Sure.” I smile and give a small wave. “See you later.”
Once they’re out of earshot, Annabel moans and flops onto Mary. “God, he’s so fit.”
I roll my eyes.
“C’mon, you have to admit Miles is fit, seeing as you fancy hisidenticaltwin.”
“No, they look different to me. Miles is . . .” I try to find the words, but all I can come up with is “Arrogant. Hendricks is kind. It makes them look different.”
