‘Nancy’s new,’ announced Lorna.
‘Welcome,’ said Hannah. ‘Been filling Nancy in with all the gossip, Lorna?’
Lorna flushed. ‘Not gossip. Friendly chat. Hey, is anyone doing extra tutoring before the Kingsgate entrance exams?’
‘Tilly’s doubled to two evenings plus a Saturday morning,’ said Erin. ‘Although I’m pretty sure she’s going to be OK. The tutor says she’s already at Year 8 level in many subjects.’ Erin bent down to speak to her daughter. ‘Remember to make sure you mention this morning about eco schools. It’ll get you more votes. You need to get this, you deserve it.’
‘Votes?’ asked Nancy.
‘Head of School,’ said Lorna. ‘Traditionally, first day back the Year 6 kids get to vote for who they want. I’d put Phoenix forward but he’s more sporty than an all-rounder.’ She laughed, a little desperately, thought Nancy.
‘The kids who want to stand are set a summer project to write their speech. Did no one tell you?’
‘No,’ said Nancy.
‘Don’t worry. We all know it’s going to be Rosie anyway,’ Lorna added under her breath.
‘Rosie?’
Lorna nodded over to the blonde woman. ‘Imogen’s daughter.’
Nancy saw a girl with the sort of angelic blonde look that featured in upmarket clothing catalogues. It was obvious she took after her mother. Imogen was elegantly tall, with effortlessly dewy skin. Her long hair fell forwards over one shoulder, contrasting beautifully with the silver-grey blouse she was wearing with her impeccable white trousers. She looked faintly recognizable to Nancy, but she couldn’t quite place her. She felt she’d seen her on TV or something, years ago. Maybe Imogen used to be on one of those plethora of lifestyle shows, but Nancy couldn’t remember which one.
Imogen had stopped talking to the head and was looking over at them, a slight frown on her face. She started to approach and one by one the other women clocked her and turned towards her like flowers radiating towards the sun. Nancy was faintly aware of a nervous hush as they waited for Imogen to arrive.
‘Imogen!’ beamed Lorna quickly, in a one-woman race to be the first to welcome her.
‘Hi, ladies,’ said Imogen. ‘Glad to be back?’
Lorna and Erin voiced their delight enthusiastically.
Then Nancy felt Imogen cast her gaze towards her.
‘Hi,’ said Nancy.
‘Hello,’ said Imogen.
‘Nancy’s new,’ said Lorna.
‘We’ve just moved here,’ said Nancy.
‘To Willow Barn,’ said Lara.
Nancy looked down at her daughter and smiled. She was suddenly aware that it had gone deathly quiet. She lookedup and none of the women were meeting her eye and Imogen had seemed to go rigid.
A bell rang from inside the school.
‘Right,’ said Hannah quickly. ‘First day of the last year of primary school has officially started.’ She waved to Jakob as he headed into the building.
‘Remember, I’m going to drop your inhaler in the office so it’s there if you need it,’ Nancy said to Lara. She threw her arms around her and enveloped her in a hug that Lara tried to wriggle out of.
As Lara walked off, Nancy turned back to speak to the other mums but they had all drifted across the playground, away from her.
FIVE
Friday 4 September
‘It’s all got to be green. I’m ditching chemicals,’ said Nancy, as she led the builder into the kitchen. He padded in in his socks and she’d been cheered that he had taken his shoes off at the front door. She liked that, liked the fact he was respectful. She also liked that he had his company logo on his polo shirt: Dean Chapman Builders. He had a kind face that was weathered permanently brown from at least two decades of working outside. ‘I want to change this floor too,’ she added, pointing. ‘I know it looks new but it’s laminate.’
