Nina, Johnny and Bella stared at each other in alarm. Vomiting was the last thing they needed right now, but as Bella knew they would, because children are forgiving and kind, several went over and comforted him, including Freddie, giving him words of encouragement and hugs. Amias’s statement explained so much about his recent behaviour. If he was feeling uncertain at home, children often brought their worries into school, and unable to deal with it, he’d lashed out at Freddie. Amias had probably felt a little jealous of Freddie as he had so many friends and a dad who doted on him. She refused to think about Paige and blocked her out of her brain. Looking on now though in the Christmassy classroom, the spirit of the season had won out.

After a final topping up of make-up, straightening of headdresses, wings and halos, Bella led her class down to the school hall. As she held the door open for them, they filed in and with a roll of her shoulders, she stuck on her teacher smile and followed them inside.

The hall was full of parents and carers sat on the rows of chairs laid out in front of the small stage. A special air of excitement that could only be found at school Christmas plays rang around the room. Parents were excited to see their children perform and, scared that it would all go wrong, crossing everything they had in the hope their children would have fun, and not start crying.

Bella’s eyes immediately fell to Nick. His tall frame and broad shoulders were hard to miss. Paige looked tiny next to him, especially given how closely she’d snuggled in. Freddie waved at them both, his hand moving so fast it blurred in Bella’s vision. She knew how much his mum’s leaving had hurt. Actually, she didn’t. She could only imagine that pain. Her mum had always been a stalwart of her life and she couldn’t conceive of her upping and leaving for six months only to return again out of the blue. Bella swallowed down her judgement. Nick had never been hers to lay claim to and somehow, she had to get over him.

When he saw her looking over he tried to smile, but it was unclear what it was supposed to convey. Was he sorry that the possibility of love between them had disappeared? Was he sorry Paige was back? How could he be with what it meant for Freddie? She turned her attention back to Mrs White who was welcoming everyone and introducing the play.

Taking her script from beside her and placing it on her lap, she began to follow along, prompting the children when necessary and encouraging them with smiles and thumbs up.