“Well, at least I haven’t been smacked by Mrs Lavaux, like you have!”

I was preparing my retort to this jibe, but was cut short by my mum.

She had a dark look on her face and her hands were on her hips.

“Oh yes?” she inquired

“Well, I’d be very interested to know when that happened!”

Mum didn’t question my friend any further but I had the unpleasant feeling that she wasn’t finished with the subject.

In the car back home, Mum remained unusually silent, while I prayed she had forgotten my classmate’s unfortunate words.

I was soon disappointed.