The bell rang signaling the end of school and a short blond girl ran up to her mother.
"How was school, honey?" Sydney asked, bending in front of her daughter.
Anna Ivashkov grinned, bouncing with energy, "Declan beat up a boy, mummy."
"Did he now?" Adrian muttered, having parked the car.
"He hit Anna first," justified Declan, not showing any remorse.
"Oh, dear" Sydney muttered, hugging her daughter, "Are you hurt?"
She shook her head as Sydney looked at Adrian, giving a wry smile. It was just another trial of marriage, but somehow they felt completely at ease with family.