I throw my backpack in the back seat just as Indi comes through the side gate. I hate that I have to take my mum’s car today. I hate that someone fucked mine up. God help whoever it was when I find out. Even though I’m pretty sure it’s that prick Brad.

“Hey,” she says walking towards me. “I thought we’d be catching the bus today.”

“Who said I’m giving you a lift?”

“What?” she gasps before narrowing her eyes. “I see you didn’t forget to put your arsehole attire on again today.” I chuckle at her comment. Thank Christ we’re okay.

••••

“I heard what happened to your car,” Brad laughs as I pass him in the hall on the way to my locker. “Sucked-fucking-in.” I had planned on ignoring that prick until I had some kind of proof it was him, but not now. Not after what he just said. Something inside me snaps. My backpack doesn’t even hit the ground before I lunge at him.

I only get a few good hits in before I’m being dragged off him by one of the teachers. “Cartwright, Reynolds, principal’s office now!” he screams pointing down the hall. Great. After all the trouble I got in at my last school, I promised my mum I’d try and keep my nose clean here. Guess I just broke that promise.

The teacher leaves us both seated outside in the waiting room once he’s had words with the principal. “You’ll pay for what you did to my car, cocksucker,” I say through gritted teeth as I glare over at Cartwright.

“Good luck proving it, arsehole. You think I was stupid enough to do it in front of witnesses?” I fucking knew it was him. I rise from my chair, ready to give him another serving.

“Sit back down, Mr. Reynolds,” the principal says sternly from the doorway of his office before turning his attention to Brad. “Did I just hear you correctly, Mr. Cartwright?” Christ, I fucking hope he heard his confession.

“What?” Brad says as the colour drains from his face.

“If I’m not mistaken, I just heard you admit to vandalising Mr. Reynolds’ car.”

“Noooo,” that lying cocksucker squeals.

“So now you’re going to add lying to your list of offenses. I had the police here earlier this morning, making a few inquiries about this particular incident. I think I may need to call them back.”

“I didn’t do it,” he screeches, panic lining his voice. Like shit he didn’t. I’m so glad that smug bastard couldn’t keep his big mouth shut.

••••

I received lunchtime detention for my part in the fight, but Cartwright got his pretty boy arse suspended. Indi’s dad came back to the school and took him away for questioning, and he was later charged with vandalism and malicious destruction of property.

After school was out, Indi and I made our way home. I’m glad last night hasn’t changed things between us. Although we still act like we annoy the crap out of each other, I think we’re actually becoming friends. I haven’t had a real friend since I was a boy.

After the day I found out the true meaning of what a bastard was, I started to act out. The older I got, the worse my attitude became. The friends I had back then were soon stopped from hanging around me. I guess their parents thought I was a bad influence. Maybe I was, but it only served to make me feel more worthless than I already did.

Indi’s dad comes out to greet us when we pull into the driveway. “Hey, Daddy,” she says as he walks towards the car.

“Hi, Pumpkin. Do you mind if I have a few words with Carter?”

“Not at all. I’m going to take Lassie for a walk before I start my homework.” We both watch her walk towards the house. Of course my eyes are glued to her arse again. Well I thought we were both watching, until I turn to face Mr. Montgomery and find him staring at me. Fuck.

“Can I ask what your intentions are with my daughter?”

“We’re friends, nothing more,” I lie. Well it’s kind of true. Friends with benefits you might say, but I don’t have a death wish so I’m not going to tell him that.

“I’m not stupid, son. I see the way you both look at each other.” I nervously shove my hands into the pockets of my jeans. It’s one thing for me to know how I feel, but it’s another for anyone else to know. I don’t like where this conversation is heading. I’m waiting for him to tell me I’m not good enough for his daughter. I know that, but it’s gonna suck to hear him say it. Up until now I’ve liked the way he’s treated me. “It’s the exact same way I used to look at my wife when she first moved to town,” he confesses.

“Yeah. I’m sorry about … you know … what happened to your wife,” I say.

“Thank you.” The sadness I see in his eyes makes me feel bad for him. I’ve never been in love so I can only imagine how he feels, but I can tell that he is far from over her death. “If her passing has taught me anything, it’s to live life to the fullest. You never know what’s around the corner.” He exhales then shakes his head.

“I’m sure it hasn’t been easy for you.”

“It’s been tough, but having Indi has helped. She’s so much like her mother.” I smile when I see his face light up. I’d never admit it, but she has the same effect on me. “Do I need to warn you not to hurt her? To always treat her with respect? She’s all I have and she means the world to me, Carter.”

What? That’s the last thing I expected him to say. “No, Sir,” I answer before clearing my throat. Shit. Is that the right answer, or was that a trick question?

“Good,” he says gripping my shoulder. “I like you, son, but if you hurt or disrespect her in any way, I won’t hesitate to kick your arse. You understand?” When he smiles at me, I feel the corners of my lips turn up. This is not how I envisioned this conversation going. Indi and I will never be more than what we are, but it’s nice to know that her father isn’t repulsed by the idea of his daughter being with someone like me.

“Yes, Sir.” He nods and taps my shoulder like he’s pleased with my response.

“I called past the wreckers this morning and collected your personal belongings from your car,” he says passing me the plastic bag he’s holding. “I threw out the cancer sticks I found in the glove compartment. Don’t let me catch you smoking again, you hear.”

“Yes, Sir,” I answer dropping my head. I feel like a child being scolded, but on the other hand, I like the fact that he seems to care.

“I also found this.” He pulls a crumpled piece of paper out of his pocket. Without even opening it I know what it is. The sketch I did of Indiana. Fuck. Why did I leave that on the floor of my car? I should’ve thrown it in the trash, but for some reason I couldn’t bring myself to do that. “Did you draw this?”

“Yes,” I answer reaching for it. He pulls his hand back.

“It’s good. Do you mind if I keep it?” Christ. This conversation is getting more awkward by the minute.

“Sure,” I tell him. I’m sure I could draw another one if I wanted, which I don’t. We’re friends. Nothing more. “You’re not going to show her are you?”

“The picture?” he asks, a small smile playing on is lips.

“Yes,” I answer shyly. I don’t want her to think I’m obsessing over her or anything, because I’m not.

“Not if you don’t want me to,” he says, his lips turning up further. I have no idea why he’s smiling. I divert my eyes. The way he’s looking at me is the same way Indi does. Like he can see straight through me. He clears his throat. “Why didn’t you have full insurance on your car?” he asks changing the subject. I’m grateful for that.

“I couldn’t afford it.”

“Fair enough. The guy at the wreckers owes me a few favours, so I’ve asked him to get started on the repairs to the body. You can sue Cartwright for the damages. His parents can afford it. I’m going to talk to his father about it. He’ll probably agree to pay for the repairs before it comes to that. He won’t want this going public.”

“Thank you,” I say extending my hand out to him. Even though I’m still pissed about my car and the fact it’s going to take weeks, possibly longer before I get her back, I couldn’t ask for a better outcome.