Stuff Happens Read Free Page A

one since year three.
    â€˜We thought you might want to keep in touch with your friends in WA,’ Dad said.
    It wasn’t moving back home, but it was
something
. I hugged them both.
    â€˜Go plug it in and wash your hands for dinner,’ Mum said.
    I sent Eddie and Christian a text message before bed.
    Hey it’s Sean. Mum + Dad got me a phone
☺
    Even though it was eight o’clock in Monvale, it was only six o’clock in Bunbury. They were probably doing their homework. But Eddie replied straight away.
    Cool! We’re awesome. Christian and I are in line at the movies.
    They were at the movies? But it was a school night.
    â€˜Sean, lights out!’ Mum called from down the hall.
    Eddie sent another message.
    We had no homework so Dad’s brought us to see that new racing movie.
    And another.
    Christian says hi.
    â€˜Sean, it’s bedtime!’ Mum sounded a little sterner.
    I switched off my lamp. The only light in my room came from my phone screen.
    I have to go to bed
, I texted.
It’s eight o’clock
.
    I kept my phone close and shut my eyes. After a few minutes, it vibrated.
    It was a photo of Eddie and Christian in the queue. Underneath, there was the text:
    C U
☺
    Seeing them made me feel homesick. As good as having a mobile phone was, it wasn’t the same as being there.
    The next day Mr Johnson stood at the front of the classroom. ‘Good morning, everyone.’
    â€˜Good morning, Mr Johnson,’ we all said back.
    â€˜Sit down,’ he said as twenty-six chairs were dragged off their desks, ‘and take out last night’s homework. I want you to swap with the person sitting next to you. You’ll be marking theirs.’
    Jeff and I swapped books and Mr Johnson took us through the answers. We both got the same mark.
    â€˜What are the odds?’ I asked.
    Jeff laughed.
    When Mr Johnson said we were going to do more maths, the rest of the class groaned. Except for Jeff. He seemed happy.
    He whispered, ‘Just let me . . .’ He didn’t even finish his sentence, but I knew what he meant. He wanted me to let him copy, in class, in front of Mr Johnson. There was no way I was going to do that and get into trouble.
    Mr Johnson handed out the questions, and I leaned forward. I was shielding my work so he couldn’t copy it.
    â€˜Psst. I can’t see.’
    I didn’t budge.
    â€˜Psssssssssssssst.’
    I wasn’t the only one who heard him that time. Angelo twisted around. He could tell what was happening. He mimed elbowing Jeff away.
    I couldn’t do that.
    I didn’t like being used for answers, but I didn’t want Jeff hating me. I still had to sit next to him every day.
    â€˜Angelo, sit properly. Jeff, eyes on your own work.’ Mr Johnson hadn’t even looked up from his marking. Angelo and Jeff both snapped back.
    I was relieved. I kept working silently until Angelo said, ‘Oops.’ He’d knocked his pencil case onto the floor. ‘Sir, can I –?’
    â€˜Quickly.’
    Angelo hopped down, and as he gathered his coloured pencils, he rolled a scrunched-up piece of paper towards me. It tapped the leg of my desk.
    He smirked. ‘Done,’ he said, getting back up on his chair.
    When Mr Johnson wasn’t looking, I quickly leaned down to pick up the ball of paper. I flattened it out.
    It was a comic. I recognised the main character instantly. Captain Wondersmash. He was sitting at a desk that was way too small for him, doing his maths. Someone was trying to peek at his answers, but there was a force field around him.
    Underneath him, it said:
Nobody copies off Captain Wondersmash.
    I sniggered softly. I glanced up. Angelo flashed a smile before turning back to his work.
    I had my white hat on at recess. It was the first time I was allowed out in the sun, but I walked straight to the No Hat, No Play area to sit with Karlie and Angelo.
    â€˜Hey,’ I