‘All you can really do is keep watching out for the poor little girl,’ said Jill. ‘And if the situation escalates, you’ll have to report the mother.’

Mimi took a large sip from her glass. ‘Speaking of keeping an eye on kids, albeit bigger ones — have you run into Callie between classes at all?’

‘I haven’t actually. I miss teaching her. She could run rings around every one of my Year Eleven history students even when she was in Year Nine. Why do you ask?’

Mimi fiddled with her glass. ‘I’m sensing a change in her lately and I wanted to see if you’d noticed anything. Maybe it’s just irritation at having her life turned upside down with two babies in the house, I don’t know.’ Mimi turned to Jill. ‘You spoke to her the other day; how did you think she was?’

‘I thought she seemed great. She was cheerful, polite, patient with me when I asked her to explain all those internet acronyms. Maybe you’re looking for trouble when there isn’t any? Not all teens go through the difficult phase.’

‘I know, and I really thought we had made it through the worst of the teen years without any major issues. But lately she seems . . . different. She gets hostile over the smallest things and she’s never been quick to anger. It’s so out of character. But no matter what I do, I can’t reach her. If I’m honest, I miss her.’

‘I can catch up with Callie between classes,’ said Andrea. ‘See if I can suss anything out.’

‘Thank you. She’s always been good with you.’

‘Fingers crossed that hasn’t changed.’

Two women walking by their table stopped just past the double stroller and then backtracked to take a look inside.

‘Oh, my goodness, would you look at those sleeping angels!’ one gasped.

‘Adorable,’ said the other. ‘Twins?’ she added.

Mimi took in a deep breath of irritation before plastering a smile on her face. ‘Sure are.’

Andrea caught her eye and grinned.

‘Hmm,’ said one of the women, leaning down closer towards the girls. ‘You don’t think they might be a bit hot in there, do you? Their little faces look very pink.’

Mimi felt her body tense. ‘Oh . . . well, I mean —’

Jill spoke over the top of her. ‘Don’t be ridiculous, they’re perfectly content. And I think their own mother would know if they were too hot.’

The woman pulled back. ‘Oh! Sorry, I wasn’t judging.’

‘Yes, well, it certainly sounded like you were.’

The two women had both completely lost their friendly smiles now. They said their goodbyes and moved along. As soon as they were out of earshot, Mimi and Andrea both burst into laughter.

‘What?’ said Jill. ‘What’s so funny?’