Monday morning will be a different story. The girls at school. But I can’t think about that now.

Kit is leading Shannon by the hand to the dance floor, and there’s something wholesome and old-fashioned in their interaction. They’re delighted with each other. Even Danielle must see that.

But I can’t stand here on my own any longer and I make my way through the throng towards the toilets – anything to kill a bit of time.

I push through the double doors and bump straight into Dr Carter.

He’s charging into the church hall like he’s on fire. His lips are pressed together, his jacket half unbuttoned. But when he sees me, he slows down. He smiles, but it’s like he’s forcing his facial muscles into an unnatural shape.

‘Your father is looking for you,’ he says.

I don’t know what to say, but one panicked word flashes in my brain. Mum.

‘Your mother is fine,’ he says, reading my mind. ‘But we assumed your father knew you were staying the night with us.’ Dr Carter’s tone is gently chiding. ‘He was worried about you because it was dark and you’re supposed to go home when the street lamps come on.’

He’s still talking, but he’s peering over my shoulder, his interest waning. ‘He knocked on our door, looking for you. He was so relieved when I said you were upstairs, but when Pamela went to fetch you, neither you nor Shannon were there.’ He tries to smile again but it’s not enough to hide his censure. ‘Speaking of Shannon, where is she?’

That last sentence slips from him, casual as anything, but he’s looking at me again, and there’s an intensity in his expression that’s unnerving.

I wonder what it cost Sara to give us up. And what Shannon’s punishment will be.

But at least my father still cares enough to come and find me.

My father.

The penny drops, sending ripples across my self-awareness. A coldness takes root. The reason Dr Carter is here is nothing to do with my father – and everything to do with me. In my hurry to punish him for Maureen Connolly, for my mother, I didn’t bother to tell him where I was. He’s been so wrapped up in himself that I never thought he might come looking for me.

It’s my fault Shannon’s father is here.

It’s my fault Dr Carter is about to humiliate my oldest and dearest friend in front of everyone at school.

‘Is she in there?’ he says, all trace of his earlier smile gone.

There’s no point in pretending. ‘Shall I go and get her?’