‘Get off me!’ she screamed. ‘I’m not staying here and I’m not eating any more of that shit food you keep trying to ram down my neck. I’m going, I’ll face whatever I have to but I’m not staying here anymore. It’s alright for you – nothing has changed and you get what you want at the end of it. What about me? What do I get apart from being a prisoner? My mam and dad are probably stressed out to death worrying where I am, and all you care about is a daft fucking baby.’

A red flush rose up Tina’s neck as she gritted her teeth together. The little cow was not ruining her dream, not now they’d come this far. She tried again but this time she made it clear who was boss. ‘Amelia, you’re tired. Have a sleep and stop being daft. We’ve talked about this time and time again. This is the only way it will work.’

‘What, the only way it will work for you. What about me, eh? What about what I want? I want to be normal again and see my family and friends. I thought I could do this, but I can’t, I’m sorry. I’m going home to face the music.’ Amelia had started to walk towards the living room door when her head was pulled back and she was dragged to the floor. Tina stood over her ready to strike. Her face was red and her eyes blazed with anger.

‘You are going nowhere. We made a deal. Don’t mess with me, because I’ll ruin you. Just calm down and stop playing silly beggars. I’ve put my neck on the line for you and I’m having this baby. I could lose everything because of you, so think again before you open your mouth. Trust me, it won’t end well.’

Amelia lay stunned; this wasn’t what she signed up for. Where was the kind, caring teacher who’d been there for her and told her everything was going to be alright?’ Tina backed off and watched as Amelia climbed to her feet. Something fell as she stood up and Tina swooped to pick it up before the girl could get to it. It was her iPhone. Amelia’s eyes opened wide as Tina put two and two together.

‘Don’t move.’ Tina checked the call log and messages before turning back to Amelia who was trembling and held her hands up to protect herself.

‘I never used it, honest. I just wanted to go on Snapchat and my Insta and check what was going on with everyone. I’m sorry. I was desperate.’