“Do you ever sleep in?” Nik groans as a greeting.
“Sometimes,” I say. “But not the week before the Head Girl election campaign!”
Nik heaves a sigh. “Of course not.”
“Look … I need your help. I want to win this thing, okay? And now it’s going to be more difficult than ever. I don’t have the popular girls on my side—in fact, I’m pretty sure Aisling’s new goal is to ruin my fucking life … but I need to win. You need to help me.”
There’s the sound of rustling on Nik’s end of the line, and the creak of the bed. I try to picture her shifting around in her bed, but it’s tough when I have no idea what her bedroom even looks like. I’ve never been to visit Nik in London, and now I’m not sure if Ammu and Abbu will let me.
“Ishu …” Nik finally says. “You know that I lost Head Girl, right? They didn’t even make me deputy Head Girl. I don’t think I’m the person you want helping you.” She says it like there’s a line of people waiting to help me and I just happened to choose her. Like she isn’t the only person right now who I can ask for help. But saying that will definitely make me sound pathetic—even if Nik is my sister and probably already knows I’m a bit pathetic, especially after she had to rush down here to sort out all my problems. I definitely don’t want to remind her of it, though.
So I just say, “Please?” and to my surprise, she actually begrudgingly agrees to help me.
“So, tomorrow … we have to make a presentation to our year about why we want to be Head Girl, and why we’re the most qualified candidate for the job,” I say. “I was thinking I’ll just go up and … talk.”
There’s a pause on the phone line, before all I can hear is Nik’s giggles.
“And what? You’re planning to win them over with your charming smile and personality?”
“I can be nice to people,” I say. “I’ve learned how to tolerate the people in my year. Hani … taught me. I’ve been to parties with them. I’ve had conversations with them.”
Nik is still laughing. “Like … actual conversations? Not just glaring at them as they try to talk to you?”
“No, actual conversations!” I say. “Though … obviously things are different now that Hani and I are broken up and … everyone thinks I’ve cheated.”
That, at least, sobers Nik up a little. “Well, then this presentation is the perfect time for you to set the record straight. Tell everyone the truth … you didn’t cheat! The teachers know the truth—they’ll back you up.”
I know Nik is right, but I also know Aisling. She’ll find a way to twist everything around to make me out to be the bad guy.
“Maybe,” I say.
“Look … I can help you put something together,” Nik says. “We can do a digital presentation. A PowerPoint of why Aisling is a bitch.”
I have to stifle a laugh. “Okay … a PowerPoint … that’s a good idea. I can prove why I would do a good job as Head Girl. I can show all of the things I’ve already done … “But I’m having a hard time trying to think of anything I’ve done that proves I would be a good Head Girl. Sure, I consistently have the best results in the school, and with Hani’s help I’ve almost become acquaintances with people in our year that I never would have spoken to before. But … does any of that show I can be a good Head Girl?
“Ishu? Hello? Did the line cut out?”
I shake my head. “No, everything’s fine. Just … thinking, I guess. About Monday.”
“No point thinking about Monday when we’re not prepared for it yet. Come on, open up your laptop. Let’s get started.” So, with one hand holding my phone up to my ear, I open up my laptop and Nik and I get to work.
chapter forty-two
hani
I SLIP INSIDE ONLY LONG ENOUGH TO GRAB AN UMBRELLA before stepping out into the rain once more. I catch the bus that drops me off right in front of Aisling’s house, and all the while I’m thinking up all of the things I have to say to her and Dee that I’ve kept to myself. Conversations that I’ve practiced in my head for far too long but never dared to speak out loud to them.
By the time I ring the doorbell, I’m revved up. I’m angrier than I’ve felt in a long time.
But then the front door swings open and Aisling’s mom is standing in the doorway. Her face lights up at the sight of me.