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prevailing weather conditions, the girls will not be required to wear school uniform until further notice.
    Yours sincerely,
    M.L. Harvey (Principal).’
    Tess almost got off the bus at the stop before her own. She knew that there had to be a way through to the park from there, and once she had reached it, she couldn’t go wrong. She pictured that stupid Kevin’s face as he realised she wasn’t on the bus. He could stand there and freeze for all she cared. But at the last minute, Tess’s courage failed her. She might well freeze herself if she got lost and had to wander around the streets for too long.
    She hoped that he wouldn’t be there, but he was, on her side of the street this time. He was leaning against the wall with his hands in his pockets, watching for her. She noticed that his face brightened for an instant the moment he caught sight of her, but then it took on the familiar, shifty expression. Tess thought of crossing the street, but she knew it was useless. Instead she looked straight ahead and walked briskly past. Kevin fell into step beside her.
    After a minute of strong silence, he said: ‘Ready to tell me your name yet?’
    Tess swung around and faced him. ‘Look, why don’t you just clear off and leave me alone!’ She was shouting louder than she meant to, and a woman on the other side of the street gaped at them as she passed.
    Kevin looked away, to hide the apprehension in his face. After a minute or two, he said: ‘What kind of manners are those for a young lady?’
    ‘What would you know about manners?’ said Tess. ‘With your whinging and scrounging.’
    ‘Scrounging?’ said Kevin.
    Tess walked on, and he followed.
    ‘Who’s scrounging?’ he said.
    ‘What are you doing, then, if you’re not scrounging?’
    Kevin sighed deeply and took out a cigarette. ‘You’re being ridiculous, you know,’ he said.
    ‘Listen who’s talking! I’ve already told you I don’t want anything to do with you. You’re not getting my name and you’re not getting any money, either. If you want to get something, then get lost.’
    Kevin laughed. ‘That’s a good one,’ he said. ‘Did you think of that one on the spot?’
    Tess didn’t know whether to be infuriated or flattered, and when Kevin stopped and turned to the wall to light his cigarette, she almost stopped as well. But she didn’t get caught out this time. Instead she quickened her pace, almost to a run. Kevin caught her up. ‘You won’t help, then?’ he said.
    ‘No.’
    ‘But you don’t even know what I’m asking you for.’
    ‘Whatever it is I haven’t got it. And if I had I wouldn’t give it to you.’
    ‘But you have got it. In fact, you’re the only one who has.’
    ‘Rubbish.’
    They were walking so fast now that they were nearly at the edge of the park. Suddenly, Kevin dodged in front of Tess and blocked her way. She tried to sidestep, but he threw away his cigarette and grabbed hold of her shoulders. She was shocked at the sudden movement, and surprised by his strength, but it was the look on his face that stopped her from trying to break away. There was no slyness there now, no fear. He was looking at her straight on, and his eyes were bright and keen and completely serious.
    ‘Is it really possible,’ he said, ‘that you haven’t worked this out yet?’
    Tess tried to think of something clever to say, but she couldn’t. For some reason she knew it wasn’t the time for being clever. Kevin spoke slowly, as though she were a rather dim child. ‘Do you really believe that there are chipmunks in the Phoenix Park?’
    Tess felt her mouth drop open. Her mind flew back to Saturday. She had been so careful. It was impossible that he had seen. He took his hands from her shoulders and blew on them to try and warm them. Tess remained motionless, open-mouthed, staring. Kevin put his hands in his pockets, and the sly gleam returned to his eye. And just as she remembered that same look in the bright little eyes of the