‘I don’t think that’s a great idea,’ Jasmine said, although she had to admit there might be safety in numbers. Having other people there might make things easier.

‘It’ll give you an excuse to get all dressed up.’

‘What do I need to get dressed up for?’

‘Oh Tim, thank you for coming to my party,’ Felicity said, mimicking Jasmine too loudly before erupting in a giggle.

Jasmine slapped Felicity on the thigh and she yelped. Jasmine felt she deserved it; she had said it loudly, with the intention of Tim hearing. She was trying to embarrass her and it wouldn’t be the first time.

‘He’s just a lodger, that’s all. I don’t even like him.’

‘Sure you don’t.’ Felicity’s eyes widened excitedly as she spoke.

‘I don’t!’ Jasmine said in a voice a few octaves higher than absolutely necessary.

‘Thanks for having me over, you have no idea how much I appreciate it. I think Mum and Dan are on the brink of splitting up.’

‘Because of you?’

‘Oh God no, she doesn’t give a damn about that. He says things in front of her and she barely reacts. I like her so much better when she’s single.’

‘Do you think you’ll ever get married? I look at my parents and I can’t imagine being like them. They seem to always know what they are doing.’

‘I’m definitely getting married, as soon as I can. I don’t think I’ve got it in me to go to university or anything like that. I’d like to marry someone brilliant and live as far away from here as I can. I always fancied Scotland, find myself a rich man who wants a pretty wife.’

‘You would really leave?’

‘I see the kids that stay behind, they all end up the same, either selling dope at the school gates or in the same pub every single weekend until their livers finally pack up. I don’t want that.’

‘You think you could stay married to one man for ever ever?’

‘If he was the right man. Not like the idiots my mother goes for. Someone sweet and considerate. Someone who looks after me.’

‘What about kids?’ Jasmine said.

‘Sure, why not. I wouldn’t have just one though, that’s cruel. I hate being an only child. Don’t you?’

‘Sometimes. I guess.’

‘Imagine having a big brother or someone to talk to when your parents were being unreasonable. Not your parents, obviously; your parents are perfect,’ Felicity said as she stood up.

‘No one’s perfect,’ Jasmine replied before grabbing her bag.

‘Look, I basically want your life. Your parents are amazing and they clearly love each other. Who wouldn’t want what you have? The amount of times I’ve wished we could switch places. You have no idea how lucky you are, Jazz. I would kill to be you.’