‘Don’t bother. They’re not as cute as they look, you know, and all they do is shit, piss and scream. Then they turn into toddlers and scratch your eyes out, and eventually – the best bit – teenagers! Live your life instead. There are no guarantees. Travel, see the world, bed some gorgeous men.’

‘Sharon!’

‘What? How old are you? Fourteen? I was pregnant at your age.’

‘I haven’t… yet.’

‘It’s overrated, love, but sometimes it’s nice, if you find the right one.’

‘There’s a boy I like, but I don’t think he likes me.’

‘Why?’

‘He ignores me, but then he’ll steal my book in biology.’

‘He proper fancies you. Classic signs. What about Jordan? Does he have a girl?’

‘He has loads!’ Millie smiled, but then grew melancholy at the mention of her brother.

‘I’m sorry, love. He’ll turn up, you’ll see. He’s angry, and he has every right to be. If he’s anything like you, he’s a good egg inside. He’ll know deep down not to get caught up with these bad ’uns round here. They’ll ruin him.’

‘That’s what my dad’s scared of. It’s as if all the effort and money that went into bringing him up will be wasted.’

‘That’s a bit harsh. I wish I could give Keira what you guys have.’

‘It’s funny, isn’t it? That you think I have everything, but I think you do. You’re kind, thoughtful and friendly, and you’ve created this whole community that wasn’t there before. We have three expensive cars, a massive house, private education and skiing lessons, and I just want to live here with you.’

‘You’re a darlin’, you are.’ Sharon reached for her cigarettes, took one out and lit it. Millie watched.

‘Can I try it?’ she asked.

Sharon passed her the cigarette and lit another. Millie sucked it and blew out, coughing.

Sharon laughed. ‘You’ll get the hang of it.’

‘How’s your shoulder?’ Millie asked, holding onto the cigarette and watching the smoke drift upwards. Sharon had refused to go to hospital after her fall, saying she wasn’t seriously hurt, but Millie had seen her wince when she went to lift something up.

There was a bang at the door, and Millie jumped. Sharon went to get up, but it was too painful and she sat back down. Millie stubbed out her cigarette.

‘I’ll go.’

She disappeared, and Sharon heard her open the door.

‘Dad! Where’s Jordan?’

Thomas closed the door but didn’t reply.

They came back into the room and he greeted Sharon. Millie sat down next to her and Thomas lowered himself into a chair. He looked haggard and beaten.

‘What happened?’ It was Sharon who spoke. Millie held onto her arm.

‘Jordan’s OK. He’s safe.’

‘What does that mean?’ Millie asked. ‘Why isn’t he with you?’