I’ve been banging on about Lexie not telling the truth but I haven’t been completely honest. Part of the reason I did the interview was MONEY. We are soooooo in debt, you wouldn’t believe! I was sorting it out but Josh decided he could ‘earn’ some money by gambling. He’s been going to the Canberra casino at lunchtimes and he spent a whole night in the casino in Adelaide. He lost $10,000. Fuuuuccckkkk!!!! Going back to work will help but it’s gonna be a long road. Don’t let me go shopping for new work clothes! And I’m gonna have six months off social media. Can we have lots of playdates? I know I’ll have withdrawal symptoms! Or maybe I should start a blog on ‘How to Get Out of Debt Fast’—will you help me, Imogen?

I watched Bella and Zoe giggling as they put on animal masks. Should I give Tara a second chance? Like me, she needed support. Since her email, she seemed more settled and I hadn’t heard a complaint or swear word yet.

‘Tara, do you want to bring Zoe over for a playdate next week?’

‘Great.’ She held my gaze for a second longer than usual. ‘Zoe would love that.’

As Julia lowered herself into a chair, I could see her belly was even rounder and larger than before.

‘May I?’ I held out my hand tentatively.

She nodded and I placed my palm on her ‘bowling ball’. Tight and taut. Unexpectedly, the baby moved. Gliding towards my touch.

Julia put her hand over mine, both of us feeling the fluttery kicks.

‘Lordy, in six weeks I’ll be turning up to playgroup with a new bub.’

Thank God the baby hadn’t come early because of me. It kicked again. With friends around me, I could hold my fear in check and focus on the excitement of new life for Julia.

Tara was bustling about in the kitchenette. Julia told all the children to sit up at the little table, ready for a surprise. Imogen switched off the light.

‘Here’s to you, Bella!’

Tara placed a chocolate cake dotted with smarties in front of Bella. On top, four candles flickered.

‘Mummy, is it my birfday again?’

‘Yes, Tinker Bell, it’s your birthday again!’ I walked over and kissed the top of her head.

Bella clapped her hands together and stared at the mountain of chocolate. Her favourite.

‘Thanks for baking an amazing cake, Tara,’ I whispered.

Tara snorted. ‘Are you kidding? I didn’t bake it! I just bought it and threw lollies on top.’

Next year, I would make sure that Marty, Bella and I acknowledged Archie’s birthday with a cake, even if it came from a shop.

‘One, two, three, let’s sing,’ shouted Tara.

Happy birthday to you,

Happy birthday to you,

Happy birthday, dear Bella,

Happy birthday to you!

The other children watched Bella expectantly, grinning.