"How are you feeling, James?"
I am in An Li's office again. His hair is shorter and even more sophisticated than before. He wears purple, velvet shoes, and a shiny tie. He must get his fashion sense from Hannibal Lecter, or has a habit of indulging in expensive men's magazines.
I reply, "I'm feeling fine."
"Good!" An Li beams brightly. "How has school been?"
"It's good. I just got my exam marks back, and the holidays are starting tomorrow."
"How did you go in your exam?"
I hesitate for a moment before answering. "I did very well." And it's true. I did much better than I thought I would: Ninety five per cent in math, seventy per cent in biology and literature and ninety per cent in modern history.
"I am happy to hear that. How has staying cut free, worked for you?"
I scratch my neck. "It's difficult, but I'm getting there."
"Please, explain further."
"Sometimes, out of the blue, I get the urge to cut. It would be so easy to go to the shops and buy some scissors to use. But I don't do it."
"Why? Why don't do you it?"
I've been cut free for thirty-five days.
"Because I want to be happy."
YOU ARE READING
James Mandarin
Teen Fiction"Everyone has secrets." James has a problem; he cuts himself. He is in love with his best friend, Chloe, but is too afraid to tell her. His father is attracted to the bottle, and his mother wears fake diamond rings on her finger. James' world i...
