I need that teenage girl out of my house

So, I’ve found myself in somewhat of a predicament.

Given the amount of things I have to worry about on a daily basis, I’m almost impressed I’ve found enough room in my already addled brain to squish this new concern in, but when you put your mind to something…

Anyway, here’s the big issue.

I cannot stand my daughter’s new pal and while I surely shouldn’t let the little upstart (ahem) get the better of me, I‘ve found that I’ve given her a lot more headspace than I should.

Is she leading my daughter astray? Is she the one I’ve been warned about? Is that cigarette smoke I smell?

If I had noticed a negative change in Rebecca’s behaviour as a result of this friendship, I‘d have no problem laying down the law and limiting their contact, but I haven’t and therein lies the problem.

Because my daughter appears the same as always, I can’t do anything but grin and bear this other girl’s presence in my home.

But my God, it’s not easy.

I realise it probably comes down to a personality clash, but since this teenage girl thinks I’m utterly devoid of personality, it most likely comes down to the fact that she’s an obnoxious, overly confident little witch who needs taking down a peg or two.

Whew, that felt good.

I know, I know- I’ve apparently just described every teenage girl on planet Earth.

But have I really?

While certainly no angels, I do know what my children are like in the presence of adults and while visiting someone else’s home because I’ve witnessed it and I’ve (thankfully) been given good reports in this regard, but this girl is a law unto herself.

Watching her change the channel in the TV room despite protests from my other children makes me bristle, hearing the way she barks down the phone at her own mum makes my blood boil and wondering if her behaviour will soon begin to influence my daughter keeps me up at night.

Rebecca’s other friends have always been typical pre-teen girls and I’ve hidden smiles as I’ve tripped over them poring over One Direction magazines or heard them playfully teasing each other.

But there’s something different about this one. It’s like she feels the world owes her something and it’s a quality I can’t bear in anyone, regardless of age or maturity.

I genuinely don’t enjoy having her spend time in my home, but I’m at a loss as to what to do because thus far she hasn’t caused my daughter any problems.

What am I waiting for though?

Will I be crying over spilt milk when my maternal instinct is eventually proven right and Rebecca’s left unsettled or upset by this teen’s behaviour?

God, I really need a manual for this one.