Jess, Charlie and I finally reach her, but I wait to catch my breath before saying anything. I haven’t planned how to start our conversation because I figured inspiration would hit me when I came to it. We’re right behind her now and as we pass by, I tap her on the shoulder.

‘Hello. It’s Bella isn’t it?’ I give her a friendly smile.

She stares at me warily. And then transfers her gaze to Jess and Charlie.

‘I’m a friend of your mum’s. We met briefly last week outside Amy’s school. Jess and Amy are in the same class. I’m Rachel.’

‘Oh… yeah.’ Bella frowns and chews her lip, looking like she’s about to walk off at any second. I’ll have to try to keep her talking for a minute. I have to get past this superficial chit-chat.

‘We were going to have a look at the upper school for Jess, but the weather’s so awful I think we’ll leave it for another day.’

‘So we’re not going?’ Jess brightens.

‘Not today, no.’

‘Yes!’ Jess gives me her first smile of the day.

‘You’re starting here?’ Bella asks Jess.

‘Just thinking about it,’ I reply for her.

‘Oh, Jess, you’ll love it.’ Bella’s features suddenly come alive and I get goosebumps yet again at how exactly like my Holly she is. To my surprise, she links arms with Jess, and we all start walking along together. My heart swells and lifts as though it’s been pumped full of summer sunshine. It’s all I can do to restrain myself from throwing my arms around Bella and hugging her tightly.

‘Do you like it here then?’ Jess asks.

‘It’s amazing. I’ve only been here a few days, but I’ve made so many friends, and the teachers are okay too. It’s way better than my last school.’ Bella picks up her pace, seemingly relaxed in our company. The two of them have their heads together now, chatting and giggling as though they’ve known one another all their lives. They’re oblivious to me and Charlie, but I don’t mind. It’s just wonderful to see the two of them getting on. It bodes well for any future changes that might occur…

As we walk, I’m happy Jess and Bella are getting on so well – of course I am – but this isn’t really helping me to get to know her. I can’t very well interrupt them. They’re talking about things so far out of my orbit that if I joined in the conversation she’d think I was just another dorky parent.