by J. C. Burke
The circle of thought had started here and ended back here. No matter how many times I thought of Reg's words – 'Your father is not your responsibility' – there was still a part of me that wasn't sure if that was really true.
But I had to do this for myself. There'd be days that would be tough. At least now I had plenty of people around me.
Dad opened his eyes and caught me staring at him. 'Good luck,' he mouthed, holding up his hands to show his fingers were crossed.
'Thanks,' I mouthed back.
The nervous energy seemed to have blown an invisible canopy over us, trapping us all inside a tent of heaving breath and fingernail biting. Kia was rocking back and forth on the soles of her feet. Georgie was staring at her hands like they were about to make the announcement and Ace, who'd managed to elbow her way next to Kia, was chewing her lip like it was her last meal ever.
'However,' Don Chambers continued, 'there can only be four girls selected for the national team and although it's been a difficult decision I do believe after very careful consideration we've made the right choice.'
Kia's little finger linked together with mine.
'I will read out each name and could we have the applause at the end.'
My heart started to slide. Laura had been wrong. Don Chambers wasn't going to announce either us or them – team one or two.
I could just hear Ace whispering, 'Please? Please?'
'The National Selection Panel has chosen the following girls for the team.' Don Chambers opened a piece of paper and began to read. 'Courtney McFarlane, Micki Elvich, Kia Braidwood and Georgina Elwood Ross.'
'Yes!' Georgie punched the air.
'The selection panel would like to congratulate these girls and . . .'
Kia and I threw our arms around each other. My eyes were squeezed shut as we hugged and made little squealing noises in each other's ears. When I opened them I saw Georgie and Ace smiling at each other.
But of course they were, that's what made sense.
ALSO BY J.C.BURKE
You can find more information about J.C. Burke's books The Red Cardigan, Nine Letters Long, The Story of Tom Brennan, Faking Sweet and Starfish Sisters at:
www.randomhouse.com.au
Reading Guides or comprehensive Teaching Support Kits are also available for J.C. Burke's books at:
www.randomhouse.com.au/readingguides
ABOUT SELF-HARM
In Ocean Pearl Kia is struggling with her promise to stop deliberately hurting herself. Self-harm is a difficult subject to talk about, but it's important to know that if you are harming yourself or you're worried about a friend, there is help available.
For more information on self-harming behaviour and other topics, or to find help and support to get through your own tough times, check out www.reachout.com.au.
Kids Help Line 1800 55 1800 (free call) or Lifeline 131 114 (cost of a local call) also have counsellors who are around 24 hours.