Jayden’s phone rang at half seven. He was mid-way through an essay, but when Darren’s name started flashing on the screen, he abandoned it and locked the door to prevent this call, at least, being interrupted. This one was important.
“Hey,” he said.
“You set Rachel on me?”
“You weren’t answering me!” Jayden protested, bouncing down onto his bed.
“She walked into my flat and kicked me.”
“…Okay, I didn’t think she’d actually kick you,” Jayden apologised. “Are you okay? I mean, apart from being kicked and everything?”
“Mm.”
Jayden bit his lip. “What does that mean?”
“It’s like a shrug?”
“…Darren.”
“I’m okay,” Darren said finally. “I’ve been better, but I am okay.”
Jayden curled his toes into the duvet. “Are you sure?” he whispered.
“Yeah.”
“…You’re really okay?”
“Yes.”
Jayden,
