I have a sign on my door that says: Do not disturb unless: a) you are Thor b) the zombie apocalypse has started c) you have pizza. So I cannot believe it when I get disturbed not once but multiple times from ten to four on Sunday, especially when I warned my family that I’m studying for the trial exams that start on Tuesday.

First it’s Dad asking if I want pancakes. I forgive him for his intrusion since pizza and pancakes can be easily confused. And I do actually want pancakes. Then it’s Mum wanting to know who sings the song called ‘How to Save a Life’. I tell her the answer is Google and she walks out asking herself whether Google is a guy or a girl. Evie is next, just being Evie. No zombie apocalypse or superhero with a six-pack. The only way I get rid of her is by promising to watch The Lion King with her later. Then it is Dad again, looking for his USB, followed by Evie who wants to know if we’re going to be watching Lion King 1 or Lion King 2. I didn’t even know there was a second movie.

I’m halfway through my third attempt at a quadratic equation when there’s another knock on my door. ‘Leave me alone. I’m trying to study!’ I shout. ‘I will kill!’ The door opens and Mum pokes her head into my room. ‘Piper, there’s someone here to see you.’

‘Who?’ I ask, standing up. It can’t be West. He’s away for the weekend, playing soccer. Mum doesn’t answer; she disappears out the door. I quickly pull off my pajama pants and put on a pair of jeans. Who else could be here to see me? Maybe it’s just Evie. That wouldn’t surprise me. She likes to dress up in Mum’s old clothes and pretend she’s a visitor.

As I walk along the hallway I can hear Mum talking to someone downstairs. I reach the top of the staircase and freeze. It’s Cassie. She looks up, sees me and smiles. What is she doing here?

‘Piper, isn’t this a nice surprise?’ says Mum. ‘Cassie was just telling me that she has a job at Kmart and she got her Ps.’ Mum’s voice falters when she sees my face.

‘Can I speak to Cassie alone?’ I say, coldly.

‘Um, sure,’ says Mum, giving me a look before walking into the kitchen. I open the front door and lead Cassie out onto the verandah. She sits down on the chair swing Dad built a few years ago. Cassie and I used to sit on it all the time.

I remain standing. ‘Why are you here?’ I ask, surprised how easily the words come out even though it’s been over six months since I last spoke to Cassie.

‘You were right about Liam. I’m sorry I didn’t believe you. He’s such an arsehole.’

I narrow my eyes. ‘What makes you believe me now?

‘I don’t know if you heard, but Liam and I have been dating. We hooked up at another party and just kept hooking up until we were official. Of course, I knew he was only with me for the sex but I hoped as he got to know me that would change. Anyway, I was going through his phone one night and found an old message to his friend. You were right about the bet. I’m sorry I didn’t believe you.’

My hand feels around until it finds the verandah rail to steady myself. ‘I don’t know what to say.’

‘I dumped Liam as soon as I learnt the truth. I know it probably doesn’t help, but it looked like the bet was his friend’s idea, not Liam’s. He’s still an idiot, but he did actually like you. You didn’t see it but Liam liked you long before that night and that stupid bet. I saw the way he looked at you in homeroom. I thought it was unfair that he liked you, while you couldn’t care less about him. A lot of the boys liked you. It’s hard having a best friend that is as pretty as you are.’ Cassie wipes away a tear, smearing her cheek with mascara.

‘That’s crazy. I’d swap my looks with anyone to be able to speak. I’ve always been jealous of how you can walk up to anyone and say whatever is on your mind, not just say it but make them listen. You’re so bold and confident. I’d rather that any day.’

‘Can you forgive me?’ asks Cassie.

I nod. ‘Can you forgive me?’

‘For what?’

‘For kissing Liam. I knew you liked him but I kissed him anyway. I’m sorry.’

‘You were drunk.’

‘That’s no excuse.’

‘It doesn’t matter now. I’ve already forgiven you.’

I walk over and sit beside Cassie on the swing. At the start of the year, I would’ve given anything for things to go back to normal between us, but now she’s here and everything is out in the open, I know things will never be the way they were.

‘I feel like we’re strangers,’ I say. ‘So much has changed in the last few months.’

Cassie looks me in the eyes. ‘We can catch up on all that.’

I look down and watch my feet kick back and forth, my toes skimming the timber. It’s nice having someone I can talk to, but it’s not the same as it was before and maybe never will be. ‘I’m not ready to be best friends again, not like we were before. Maybe we could see a movie together when the school holidays come around and go from there?’

Cassie stands up and smiles. She wipes the remaining tears from her cheeks. ‘That would be nice. I’ll wait for you to call me. And if you’re in Kmart, come and say hi. I work in the audio department. I can give you a discount.’

I nod and watch her walk away. The purple streaks she used to have in her hair have been dyed over and the butterfly necklace she always wore around her neck has gone too. Maybe I’m not the only one who has changed. She stops at the bottom of the verandah and turns around. ‘Your mum said you’ve got a boyfriend. I’m happy for you.’