‘I’m sure.’

I waved as they got back in the car and I turned towards the entrance. I needed to get a grip; it wasn’t like I was never going to see them ever again.

When I was little, I remembered Hartland’s being a magical place, not only because it’s where my parents fell in love, but also where fun could be found around every corner. I made my way through the open gates and headed to the portacabin reception. I was surprised at how small and unglamourous the site looked – nothing like it did in my memories or on the website.

The receptionist behind the desk was a young woman about the same age as me. She had straight blonde hair that was layered heavily to make it look almost spiky at the edges, and she wore a bright-red T-shirt with a name badge that read Elizabeth.

‘Can I help?’ she asked, looking me up and down.

‘Um, yes, I’m a new member of staff, Edie Porter.’

She looked me up and down again, seeming no more impressed than she had the first time.

‘I’ve got a list somewhere. Ah, here we are, Edith?’

‘Yes, but everyone calls me Edie.’

‘Right, well, Edith, here’s your key.’

She pulled out a photocopied map and drew a big circle.

‘Looks like you’re sharing with me and Sophie. Hope you’re tidier than she is.’

She handed me the key and turned straight back to her computer.

I wasn’t expecting any kind of welcoming committee, but I’d hoped for a smile at least.

‘Is there any other information I need to know? Am I going to be meeting Lionel today or …?’

Elizabeth looked up like it pained her to do so.

‘You’ll meet him at four p.m. at the team meeting. It’ll take place in the staffroom at the bottom of the staff accommodation.’

‘Thanks … Elizabeth, is it?’

‘It is to you!’

I snatched the keys and turned away, not bothering to ask any more. I scanned the road, hoping my parents’ car would still be there, but they’d gone.

‘You look like you’re about to do a runner,’ said a man with a Scottish accent. He was wearing a bright-red T-shirt that matched Elizabeth’s and a shell necklace around his neck. His longish light-brown hair was bleached at the tips and I wondered if it was from the sun or if he’d dyed it. I guessed he was a little older than me, but not by much.

‘Is it that obvious?’

I was on the verge of tears and I was doing everything I could to hold them in.