Happenstance

It's 1993, and seven year old Miles Kane is having a tough time of it. His parents' recent divorce is making him feel mixed up and angry, causing him to misbehave. A school trip to see The Opal, an 18th century sailing ship that has come to Liverpool, should be a source of excitement, but alas Miles gets into trouble before he can even step aboard, and he is sent to cool down in a coach designated for troubled children.
He encounters a funny-looking little boy being bullied by bigger boys and he feels compelled to speak to him. He discovers his new little friend is called Alex Turner and has come from a school in Sheffield. He's too scared to go on board the ship and has been left alone by his friends. Miles can't explain it in his young brain, but it feels like him and Alex have been friends forever. Alex's fear spurs Miles to be brave and they decide to go onto the boat together.
Both little boys are blown away by the huge ship. Miles weirdly feels as though he has been on it before, and when they visit the captain's quarters, they get a huge surprise.
Alex and Miles bond instantly, and when the time comes for them to be parted, Miles looks for any excuse to be allowed to go to Sheffield. Alex needs him, and life just wouldn't seem right if Miles wasn't there to look after him.