Jake alternated between grinning at his sister, sobbing and cramming chocolate down his neck, Lauren gave Rat a shorter embrace before going around waking the other trainees and handing out the provisions.
Within a minute, all nine trainees sat up on their beds, excitedly eating chocolate and sucking orange juice out of cartons. They seemed happier than their bruised and weary bodies gave them any right to be.
A couple of lads who James had given maths tuition to came up and asked him for an update on all the latest campus gossip, while Lauren gathered up the cartons and wrappers so that no signs of their visit got picked up by the instructors who would inspect the room at sun-up.
A snore came from the lounge a couple of metres from where James was standing. As he glanced around, he forgot the jubilant atmosphere and remembered how dodgy their situation was.
Come on,?he whispered. Ttt not a tea party.?
As Bethany and Jake exchanged a final hug, Lauren zipped up the pack full of litter and headed towards James. But when she turned back for a final glance at Rat, Lauren paused for a second then ran to his bed to give him a kiss.
It was meant to be on the cheek, but Rat turned his head at the wrong moment and they ended up face to face. After a millisecondt hesitation, staring into Ratt sleepy brown eyes, she thought what the hell and kissed him on the lips. It didn't last long enough to be a proper snog, but it was a lot more than kissing your auntie on the cheek.
In fact, Lauren didn't know exactly what it was, only that her mind was doing somersaults as she backed out of the room.
Tou're gonna make a fantastic CHERUB agent, Rat,?Lauren choked, struggling to keep the tears back. She looked at the rest of the room, trying to hide her emotional state from James as she reached the doorway. And all of you are gonna make it through training,?she added.
James raised his hand in a wave as all the trainees thanked them for putting their necks out.
Don't let the bastards grind you down,?James grinned. Aood luck.?
After a glance into the lounge to make sure Mr Large was still asleep, James, Lauren and Bethany headed outside, exchanging a quick goodbye with Natasha before setting off at a run towards the main gate.
That was so cool,?James grinned. Large won't get the CCTV working any time soon. How often do you get a chance to make people happy like that??
Bethany sounded really sad. T hope Jake gets through training.?
NeEl be OK, Bethany,?James said, sympathising with her for the first time ever.
Net still so little, James.?
Tough as old boots though,?James said.
The emotional scene in the dormitory had caused a weird role reversal. James was now in charge, while Bethany was in a state and Lauren had apparently taken leave of planet earth.
T just kissed a boy ?on the mouth,?Lauren gawped, as if she could hardly believe it herself.
James beamed at her. Tt had to happen sooner or later.?
Lauren tipped her head back and looked up at the stars. A boy,?she repeated, not sure whether to grin or screw up her face in disgust.
It was only a short walk down a concrete path from the accommodation block to the front gate. James hesitated before pushing it open.
Earth to Lauren,?he said, waving a hand in front of her face. Aet it together, girl. When I push this gate, the alarm goes off. Mr Large will wake up from the land of fishfingers and wer better be well out of it.?
Mmm,?Lauren said airily.
The instant James rattled the gate, a klaxon sounded and floodlights lit up the perimeter of the compound. Deciding to put speed before stealth, he led the trio into the middle of the football fields, instead of the winding route through the trees theyr taken on the way out.
It was a six-minute run back to the main building, flat out and more or less in a straight line. They cut around to the fire door at the rear, which Lauren had propped open with a wedge to stop it from closing on itself.
Their trainers were sodden and they pulled them off in the stairwell before hurrying upstairs in their damp socks, with trainers hooked over their fingers. James said goodnight to the girls on the sixth-floor landing, leaving them four more flights to reach their rooms on the eighth.
James had a weird mixture of feelings as he walked into