Maja: In trouble

Tara

She giggled at Maddy. The new girl who had turned up at her home last night with her mother and older brother was funny. She was outspoken, as Ria would have said. It was as though no one had been able to make her understand that there were some things that you just did not say. Or do.

“My Mom and Dad are separated, ‘ said Maddy matter-of-factly as they splashed in the pool. It was morning and the pool was just fine to be in, Maddy had declared, dragging Tara along.

“Dad is a gangster but Mom said he is a two-piece one,’ she went on as they splashed.

‘A two-bit one, you mean,’ giggled Tara and as Maddy realised what she had said, the two girls dissolved, giggling in unison.

As if on cue, Maja Nord appeared at the doorway leading to the gardens, her face white and drawn.

“That’s my Mom’s harassed look.’ said Maddy, throwing her parent a knowing smirk. ‘It means she is not too happy. That’s her default look.’

With a cheeky wave at her mother, and ignoring the woman’s call, Maddy bo