The Boy Who Broke Mirrors

15

It's not until I see Robbie pull up on Cerys's driveway that I realise how atrocious this date idea was. The whole boy-girl thing really isn't my forte, is it? I don't have much money, so I suggested we do something cheap, which resulted in the idea of him visiting Cerys's house for food with Mum and me. That's moving way too fast, isn't it? He's met Mum before, but the whole sit down and have a family meal thing could be a bit much. He didn't seem horrified at the idea, but he might just not have wanted to tell me no.

I don't think Robbie's even knocked the door when Mum glides towards it. This was a bad idea. A really bad idea. She yanks it open and welcomes Robbie with the goofiest grin ever, which must either amuse or terrify him. Probably the latter. I flash him an anxious smile as our eyes meet, and lead him into the living room. Livvy's watching TV in there, and when she spots Robbie, she gives me an accusing look. Another idiotic move on my part. If she hates Zack, I can't imagine she's too keen on Robbie.

'Sorry if this is a little... intense,' I say to Robbie quietly as he sits on the sofa next to me. 'I didn't really think.'

He shrugs. 'It's fine, I like your mum, she's funny.'

Funny is one word for her.

As Mum enters the room, she introduces Robbie to Livvy, who couldn't be less welcoming if she tried. She shoots me another glare. Mum still has an enormous smile on her face, and she turns to Robbie armed with every question she could've possibly thought of. My cheeks turn warmer and warmer by the second, and I'm not sure if this is better or worse than the time we bumped into him in Cardiff.

'...had awful rashes as a child, the poor dab even managed to get herpes in her mouth when she was about--'

'Mum, I think the food is burning,' I snap as I realise who she's talking about.

I stare at her with the most aggressive expression I've ever mustered up, and I think she finally gets the message. She apologises, nods at me, and leaves the room.

Once she's left, Robbie starts laughing. 'She's brilliant.'

I'm too busy forging a plan to change my identity and leave the country to respond to him. As his laughter eases off, Robbie gently rests his hand on mine. His palm is a little sweaty, but it's warm. Nice. I slide my fingers in-between his.

'Is he staying for food?' Livvy asks as if Robbie isn't in the room.

'Yeah.' It's Robbie who replies. 'I've met you before, right? At some of my parties?'

Livvy glances at me before turning back to Robbie. 'Maybe, I'm not sure.'

She turns straight back to the TV, clearly in the hope that Robbie doesn't ask any more questions. He's smirking, so he must be completely aware of my sister's misadventure with Preston. The thought makes me want to puke in my mouth.

'Don't take it personally,' Robbie continues, but my sister doesn't look at him. 'He dumps everyone once he's gotten what he wants.'

It doesn't take a genius to figure out who Robbie is referring to. Before anyone can say anything else, Mum calls from the kitchen. Food's ready.