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I collapse back down, et you a painkiller," Jess says distractedly -- but she doesn’t hts

I can see I’ve got to her

"You came up a mountain in a storm just to tell me this?" Jess says at last

"Yes! Of course!"

She turns her head to look at h so to trick her

"Why? Why would you do that?"

"Because… because it’s i like that forin the tin again "Those cuts need antiseptic on thes with a cotton-wool pad, and I try not to flinch as the antiseptic stings my raw flesh

"So… do you believe me?" I say "Do you believe we’re sisters?"

For a few moments Jess just focuses on her feet, which are encased in thick socks and brown hiking boots She raises her head and surveys my turquoise diamanté kitten heels, all scraped and covered in littery T-shirt Then she lifts her eyes to my bruised, battered face, and we just look at each other

"Yes," she says at last "I believe you"

Three extra-strong painkillers later, and I’abbling

"I kneere sisters," I’ashed knee "I knew it! I think I’m a bit psychic, actually I felt your presence on theher eyes

"And the other thing is, I’ht crop my hair short It would really suita real interest in rocks--"

"Becky," interrupts Jess "We don’t have to be the same"

"What?" I look at her uncertainly "What do you mean?"

"Maybe we’re sisters" She sits back on her heels "But that doesn’t mean we both have to have cropped hair Or like rocks" She reaches for another plaster and rips it open

"Or potatoes," I add before I can stop rees Jess She pauses "Or… overpriced designer lipsticks that go out of fashion in three weeks"