At break I find Tom is still here, in our staff room now. Even though his editor has called to tell him there is a protest march happening nearby.

He walks across to me. He says, “I couldn’t leave without saying goodbye.”

And instantly I feel the bond between us. So strong it is like a living thing. It’s as though Gordon and JB and Mawhi and all the rest of them were just minor, unimportant flings – just a bit of fun to pass the time while I waited for the real thing.

Tom says, “Tiny, this weekend I must take photos at my friend’s wedding. Will you come along with me?”

It doesn’t enter my head to play it cool, to play hard to get. Not with Tom.

Instead I say, “Of course! I’d love to!”

Tom takes out his notebook again. “So give me your address. I’ll come pick you up Saturday morning.”

Now I hesitate. Do I really want him coming to the flat? Knocking on the door – and maybe Nomvula is the one who answers. Probably still in her cute dressing gown. Looking so stunningly beautiful that Tom will forget my name, forget why he is even there. No! That would be too terrible!

So I say, “I’ll give you my friend Veronica’s address. It will be easier to pick me up there.”

Luckily Veronica pitches up in the staffroom just then. She thinks it’s a great idea. “Ooo yeah! I can help you get ready, Tiny. Maybe you want to borrow some of my clothes? I have this cute red number with black sequins all down one side…”

I laugh, shake my head. Veronica’s taste in clothing is truly frightening. Only a wild-child like her could get away with wearing such crazy outfits.

Tom gives me one last, long look before he leaves for the protest march.

“Can’t wait to be gazing into those beautiful eyes of yours again,” he says. It turns my heart to liquid.

Veronica gives me a hug. “What do you reckon, Tiny? Is he the one?”

I’m too scared to answer, afraid I will jinx things. All I know is: Saturday morning feels like forever. How will I bear the wait?

I hum as I drive home from school in my battered old Golf. I am telling myself: All will be fine. Just keep Tom away from Nomvula. That won’t be too hard, will it? Not if I’m careful. Not if I’m determined.

I open the flat door, calling out my sister’s name. But the flat is empty. And in the bedroom, I see her drawers are empty. Her clothes are gone and so is her purple suitcase.

There is a note on my pillow.

I know it’s all my fault about Gordon. I know I am just a burden to you. So it is better if I am not here. I will phone and tell you when I find somewhere else to live. Then you can send me the rest of my stuff. Goodbye. Nomvula.

***

Tell us what you think: How will Tiny react to Nomvula’s letter?