Faking Sweet

by J. C. Burke

  ‘What?’ She watches her mother’s expression slide down her face into her jaw. ‘You what? You left school at recess?’

  ‘Yeah.’

  Evie reaches out her hand but her mother holds the note to her chest.

  ‘Were you – sick?’

  Evie nods.

  ‘You didn’t tell us that last night.’ Nick has put down his briefcase and is walking towards her. ‘Are you okay?’

  ‘I’m fine.’

  ‘Sure?’

  ‘Yes, Dad, I’m sure.’

  ‘She looks okay to me. Don’t you think, Nick?’ Her mother’s knuckles turn white as she crumples the note in her hand.

  Evie looks at her shoes. ‘Can we – um – go now?’

  ‘Sure you don’t want to tell us anything?’

  ‘No, Dad. For the one billionth time, I’m fine. Okay?’

  ‘Great.’ He puts his hand on her shoulder. ‘The cardigan suits you. Doesn’t it, Robin?’

  ‘Thanks, Dad.’

  Her mother smooths out the note and hands it back. ‘Next time, I’d appreciate it if you called me. I thought we agreed you’d tell us if anything was … going on.’

  ‘I will. I just felt sick. No big deal.’

  Her mother nods. ‘Good.’

  But Evie knows her mother doesn’t believe her.