I look at the mangled cushion that Raphael has just dropped. It's really not worth saying anything.
“There's no diet Coke.”
Amy reappears from the kitchen, unwrapping a Chupa Chups lollipop, her legs endless in white skinny jeans tucked into boots.
“Have you got any Sprite?”
“We might have...” I look at her, suddenly distracted. “Shouldn't you be at school?”
“No.”
Amy pops the lolly in her mouth with a defiant shrug.
“Why not?” I look from her to Mum, sensing a sudden tension in the air. No one answers immediately.
Mum is adjusting her velvet Alice band on her hair, her eyes distant, as though positioning it just right is her absolute priority.
“Amy's in a teeny bit of trouble,” she says at last.
“Isn't she, Raphael?”
“I've been suspended from school.” With a swagger, Am
