“I didn’t realise she was going to tell me something so personal!” Kate was aghast.

“Really? You’re best friends, aren’t you? Who else would she tell?” I was uncomfortable, this was girl talk. I’ve never been one of the gang and this was probably why: loyalties shift, especially when someone doesn’t live up to the “we’re perfect people, only perfect vibes allowed” mentality.

“I know, but ugh, I don’t want to hear that stuff.”

“Well, who else would she tell? Her mum’s left and her dad ignores her.”

“Just wait until I tell the others though. I can see you’re not interested. This is juicy gossip. Don’t you want to know?”

“Not if it’s personal. Isn’t it supposed to be a secret? Just help her, she obviously just wanted to unload something. Just listen. What are ears for?”

Kate thought for a second.

“I think she might have told me something personal so that I’d tell her something personal. About you.”

“Just stop talking,” I said, putting my jacket on. “And hear what people are really saying.”