I watch her march off towards the school office and then I turn and start heading back to the car, feeling slightly more uplifted. It’s amazing how a simple quick conversation with a familiar friend has helped to ground me a little. Set me back into my environment. I’ve been feeling so unanchored since seeing Bella that I’d almost forgotten how comfortable my life had become. How easy and relaxed. I hope I can go back to that feeling. If I can only get to the bottom of this Bella business and find out who she really is.

A sudden burst of laughter catches my attention. From the corner of my eye, I see a flash of blonde hair, and I know it’s Kate before I even check. She’s standing over by the far wall, chatting with a group of mums from Charlie and Kieran’s class. I know them all well, but I’m reluctant to join them. Nervous I suppose, after what happened on Saturday night. It wasn’t quite a falling out, just uncomfortable and awkward. After what I learned about Shaun I also wonder if maybe Kate might be a little dangerous too.

For a split second, Kate turns her head and catches my eye. I can’t very well ignore her, so I smile and give a little wave. To my astonishment, she drops eye contact and turns her back on me – a deliberate snub. I’m so astonished I almost give a bark of laughter. ‘Cheeky cow,’ I murmur to myself and carry on walking down the path and out of the main gates.

Well, at least I know where I stand with her now. I guess I won’t be expecting any reciprocal play dates or dinners. I shake my head at the nerve of her, but maybe it’s for the best. Ever since I discovered that her husband probably went to prison, I feel uneasy about the couple. In fact, I’d even go as far as to say that the thought of talking to the Morrises turns my stomach.

But for the sake of finding out about Bella, I should have kept things friendly between us. It’s my own fault for pushing things too hard. I would never normally have been so intense. But this is my daughter. The stakes are high. I guess I’m not as skilled at hiding my feelings as I thought. And the wine certainly didn’t help. Too late now. What’s done is done. I’ll just have to adjust my strategy and find out about Bella some other way.