As they locked the school gates behind them, a strange feeling washed over Jamie.

“Guys,” he said, turning to face both Jack and Dillon. “I … just want to say thank you.”

“What’s wrong with you, you softie?” rounded Dillon.

“I’m serious,” said Jamie. “My granddad used to say that real friends are the ones who walk in the room when other people walk out. And what you two have—”

“Oh just shake my hand if it’ll stop you babbling on,” laughed Dillon, stretching out his big bucket of a hand.

Meanwhile, Jack, for once, did not say anything. She simply leaned forward and gave Jamie a hug.

Jamie wrapped his arms around her and breathed in deeply. The scent of her hair filled his nostrils and, as it did so, bright flashes of memories suddenly began to spark in his mind: taking the plane to Spain … being introduced to the Barcelona fans … walking out on the balcony to tell Jack how he felt … working his way into the Barcelona team … scoring a goal … becoming a hero….

Suddenly, as all the memories began to collide inside Jamie’s head, his legs started to feel weak. He pulled Jack tighter to him. He felt unsteady and needed her support now more than ever. He didn’t want to let her go. Ever again.

“Oi, you two,” shouted Dillon. “Just ‘cos it’s Valentine’s Day doesn’t give you an excuse!”

Jamie and Jack laughed. They were both blushing.

It was amazing. After everything that had happened in their lives, here were Jamie Johnson and Jack Marshall, back at Kingfield School, with Dillon Simmonds standing there teasing them.

Nothing whatsoever had changed.

And yet, at the same time, everything was completely different.