The boys were able to lighten the mood by striking silly poses, but when Chelsea squealed with delight and insisted that she and Deborah get to do silly poses as well, Peters fleeting humour waned.

Deborah was thankful when Chelsea finally said that was enough and Peter took his leave, wishing them all a very polite good evening. With that, the mother's ushered their young men out the door and they all got in Chelsea's car to drive to the Prom.

Chelsea and Deborah chatted amiably in the front seat while Jason and Jimmy joked in the back. The drive was no more than 30 minutes and soon the two...