‘Is everything ok?’ Tina asked.

‘Are you two ok?’ Robin, questioned, an arm around Jenny’s waist and a hand on Alba’s silky hair.

‘What happened?’ Bette demanded, was echoed by Shane’s ‘What’s up?’

‘We thought that her parents would eat her alive!’ Tonya declared, was supported by Dana’s vigorous nods.

Alba looked around herself, eyes wide. Never had she been surrounded by so many people who treated her warmly. She met Marina’s brown irises, noticed how they spelled “You just had to meet the right group. They all like you.” She beamed earnestly, basked in their attention.

‘We have a new guest in the mansion.’ Marina announced. The news was received by eight sets of welcoming smiles – and one very ugly grimace. Her husband’s.

She didn’t want Alba watching another fallout. ‘Belinda, why don’t you show Alba a room and prepare a relaxing bath for her?’

The maid sensed how urgent the request was, soon climbed the stairs with an astonished teen on her heels.

Marina’s friends also felt the hurricane coming and started making excuses for going away:

‘Wow, look at the time! I need to find my laptop and work!’ from Bette and Tina;

‘An idea just struck me, I have to go writing.’ From Jenny, followed by a ‘I’ll make you company’ from Robin;

‘It’s almost time for my afternoon workout.’ From Dana;

‘An auction is about to start! Can’t miss those Chinese vases!’ from Tonya;

‘I need to start brainstorming for my weekly article.’ From Alice;

And the classical ‘I have to brush my teeth.’ From Shane.

They went upstairs in a silent cluster, as fast as possible so as to avoid the confrontation.

Marina faced the man with whom she’d grudgingly shared a bed for many years. She knew exactly what had made him angry, but the decision she took was worth facing his temper.

‘What’s wrong?’ she asked as he remained there, simply staring at her.

‘Why didn’t you talk to me before making up your mind about such a serious matter? It’s not your role to impose on me your selfish desires! Have you utterly forgotten your manners?’

‘She was going to stay in a damn homeless shelter. What else was I supposed to do?’

‘Let her go there! For all that I’ve heard from that girl’s parents, it’s where she rightfully belongs.’