We’re nearly at the car now and I’m worried about offering her a lift. Is that crossing a line? Or am I just doing the decent thing by giving her some shelter from the storm? I know that’s not the main reason I’m offering, but if she’s my daughter then why shouldn’t I offer her a lift? My thinking is becoming muddled so I have to give myself a shake.

‘What are you doing, Mum?’ Charlie asks, bringing me back to reality.

‘Shaking the rain off.’

‘Like a dog?’

‘Yes, exactly like that.’

He laughs and starts pretending to be a dog, barking and panting and leaping around like a puppy.

Jess and Bella are so deep in conversation that Jess has walked straight past our car. ‘Jess, hang on! We’re parked here.’

Jess turns and looks from me to the car with disappointment on her face.

‘Let me know if you do end up starting at St Margaret’s,’ Bella says to Jess. ‘You can message me, and I’ll look out for you.’

Jess beams, thrilled that this cool older girl likes her enough to keep in contact. ‘Can we give Bella a lift home, Mum?’

I could kiss Jess for making this so easy. ‘Um, yeah, I suppose so. If she wants.’ I turn to Bella with a questioning smile.

‘Is that okay?’ she asks shyly.

‘Of course, no problem. You’ll have to direct me.’

She nods.

‘Okay, well, let’s get in out of this rain.’ I unlock the car. ‘Bella, if you hop in the front seat I’ll put your bag in the boot.’

She does as I say while Charlie and Jess get in the back. Although now Jess is saying that she wants to sit next to Bella.

‘It’s too wet to start switching places. Just stay where you are for now.’ I put Bella’s bag in the boot along with my umbrella and slide into the driver’s seat. I’m so wet that I actually squelch as I sit down.

‘Okay, Bella, which way’s home?’

She starts pointing out which roads I should go down and it’s hard not to feel like a fraud, having to pretend that I wasn’t here only yesterday.

‘Are your mum and dad okay?’ I ask.

‘Fine.’ She seems to have gone shy again now it’s just her and me in the front. Her easy confidence with Jess hasn’t transferred over to me.