This was a low swipe, referring back to that time when Beth had been threatened with expulsion in the wake of her self-harm. In the conversation that had followed with the principal, Abi had lightly dropped the suggestion of some IT education her firm were in a position to offer – free of charge, naturally. A programming course given by trained instructors – Abi would be happy to arrange it.

Mark experienced a brief flush of shame now at the memory, felt the sting in Eva’s comment.

‘The school are fine with it,’ he said coolly. ‘And Val is covering the fees for the half-term.’

‘It’s weird, seeing Corinne in my old uniform. I came home last night and found her lying on my bed.’

‘Really?’ The surprise sent his tone up a notch.

‘Scared the shit out of me.’

‘But what was she doing there?’

‘Search me. I’m not happy about it, Dad.’

‘Point taken,’ he said, running a hand over his jaw.

‘Will you talk to Beth about it?’

‘Okay.’

‘She keeps glaring at me as if I’m trying to steal her soulmate from her. Like it’s my fault Corinne’s decided to attach herself to me like a leech.’

‘It will only be for a few weeks,’ he said, trying to soothe her.

She was backing out of the room now. ‘I hope so,’ she said, and flashed him a warning glance before leaving him once more alone.

The rain had been coming down all day. It streaked the windows of the Home Economics kitchen, shallow puddles forming in the dips of the granite sills where pigeons huddled, ruffling their feathers with indignant complaint. Beth stared at them, at the darkening sky beyond, evening crowding in, and wondered where Corinne was at that moment, whether she was out there getting drenched.

Just before class had started, Corinne had sidled up to her in the corridor, looking groggy, her movements slow and bored. ‘I’m going,’ she’d said. ‘Cover for me?’

‘What’s going on?’ Beth had asked, a low jump of alarm catching in her throat.

Corinne had shrugged. ‘Just say I’m sick,’ she’d said and turned away.

Beth’s solidarity was unwavering, but she felt at times as if Corinne no longer relied on her the way she once had.

‘Aprons on and find yourselves a partner,’ Ms Quinn barked from the top of the class.

Beth had forgotten her apron, so she took off her school jumper and tucked her tie into her shirt. Looking around, she saw Lisa standing alone. It had been months since they’d spoken to one another, the chasm between them too large to be bridged. But now, while all the other girls paired off, they eyed each other shyly. After a moment, Lisa moved towards her.

‘Where’s Corinne?’ she asked.

‘She went home. She wasn’t feeling well,’ Beth lied, trying to sound casual. ‘Where’s Nicole?’ she asked.