It was an average day at the Dumping Ground. One could say it was normal, one could say it was boring.

Gus was rehearsing for a piano concert in 3 weeks, 5 days, 12 hours and 56 minutes. Toby and Johnny were playing a video game. Carmen, Tee and Lily were swapping clothes. Sapphire was reading a magazine, Liam and Frank were playing pool, Elektra was shinning her shoes and Harry was talking to Jeff and Tracy.

On this perfectly average day, Mike entered the room with Gina, expressionless faces.

Mike cleared his throat as Gus came wondering in muttering "but it's piano time, no one stops piano time. My concert with Jenny is in 3 weeks, 5 days, 12 hours and only 53 minutes!"

"Gus honey, quiet please" Gina said irritated.

"This better be good" Toby said, "yeah, we were already on level 45!" Johnny added. This started a ruckus from all the children demanding to know what was going on"

"Shut up, now we have a new boy coming to the dumping ground, he's only three years old. Now Elektra..." Mike trailed off. Everyone turned to an equally confused Elektra. Then a little boy bounced into the room.

He was rather short, with reddish brownish hair, light gray eyes and a chubby nose. "LECKI!" he called out, Elektra stood up, tears freely flowing from her eyes. She ran over to the little boy and scooped him up, hugging him tight and laughing through her tears.

No one said anything; no noise was heard except Gus scribbling furiously into his notebook. After a minute or so, Tracy cleared her throat and stared at Elektra.

Elektra, still holding the little boy, turned to the others and announced "everyone this is my midget brother Alfie".

No one, not even Gus would have guessed that.

"Everyone be nice to Alfie, lunch will be ready in five minutes" Gina left to go into the kitchen. "Tracy, stay with the kids ok" Mike said running off.

No one returned to their games, Gus was about to start asking questions but Sapphire stopped him with a glare. "You must be Alfie" Tracy asked sweetly, all the girls were ooohhhing and aaahhhhing.

The boy nodded shyly, resting his head on Elektra's shoulder. "How old are you" Tee asked cooing when he held up three tiny fingers.

"Come on Alfie, say three. Put your tongue on the tip of your teeth, and pull it backwards. Thr-ee, try it Thr-ee" Elektra said softly so unlike her usual self. "FWEE!" Alfie shouted looking immensely proud of himself.

"Kids, LUNCH IS READY" Gina screamed from the kitchen. Everyone bounded off, Elektra still holding Alfie.

Lunch was spaghetti, Alfie sat on Elektra's lap and she fed him. At one point Alfie picked up the spoon and accidently flung it at Liam from across the table. At first it was just a snigger from Tracy, but soon everyone was fully laughing at Liam shouting remarks like "uh oh" or "OMG your face!"

If Elektra had done that, and the kid wasn't adorable, Liam would have screamed at her. But being a good guy he smiled, gave a look to all the laughing kids and wiped it off.

The rest of lunch was average, a debate over the best video game, best book, who was better girls or boys, the usual. Tracy suggested they go to the park, and after persuading Sapphire to come with them, the lot headed to the park.

When they got there, Alfie ran to the swings. "Push, Lecki, push!" he squealed, kicking his legs up and down. Elektra laughed and started pushing him gently.

Liam was in shock, this tough hard girl who he thought had never done any good had a soft side. He would have never thought she would ever be this happy. "Liam, LIAM" Frank called out. Startled he replied "What?" "Well do you?" "Do I what?" "Do you want to play some footie with Toby and Johnny?" "Yeah, sure"

After a intense football game Mike called out they had 10 minutes left, everyone groaned, even Sapphire. They were starting to enjoy themselves. Liam felt a tug on his jeans. There stood tiny Alfie. "Lecki gone. Pwease push me on swingy" pouting his lips made Liam give in. While pushing the happy boy, he looked around for Elektra. But couldn't see her, he didn't worry though. She's a big girl, she can take care of herself he thought. But still he couldn't help but feel anxious.

"Time to go kids" Mike called out and everyone headed towards the gates, Liam picked up Alfie and put him on his shoulders earning a giggle from the little boy. He was about to mention Elektra when she reappeared, limping slightly and extremely pale. Liam felt a surge of protectiveness. What... WHAT? Since when did Liam O'Donovan feel protective of Elektra?

"Elektra are you ok?" Carmen asked looking worried. Elektra put on what was an obvious fake smile. "Yeah, fine, just...tripped and hurt my leg". She walked towards Alfie, and tried to pick him up, struggling because of the extra weight on her leg.

Feeling sorry Liam smiled at her, and picking Alfie up, started to swing him around gently and carefully, which as he intended, made the boy laugh. Elektra half heartedly grinned and whispered "thanks"

Half way home Alfie now on the ground holding Elektra's hand looked up at Liam and asked "what your name?" "Li-um" "Li-um, i don't like it, you called Li-Li now" Alfie announced proud of the name he had chosen.

Elektra snorted "yeah is that ok Li-Li?"

Liam grinned cheekily "sure it is Lecki!"

The conversation between the three on the way back would be what one would say amusing, to understand here is a glimpse of their conversation "No way Li-Li! Dwinoswaurs awe way cwooler then the scary monster lady!" Alfie protested, juping up and down to prove him point.

"Alfie, we do not call Gina scary monster lady! Listen to me! I'm your sister" Elektra scolded trying to look stern

"then what do you call her?" Alfie asked

"scary lady that makes you want to shit yourself" Liam muttered unaware Alfie had hawk hearing

"LIAM!" Elektra shouted flicking him

"Lecki what shit mean?" Alfie asked eyes wide

"Um... go ask Tracy" Alfie did so and Liam and Elektra ended up grounded for a week.

Liam noticed that even though she was less pale, Elektra still looked scared and worried. For some reason he didn't know, Liam wanted to hurt who ever or what ever had done that to her...

When they finally arrived back at the dumping ground, Liam took Elektra to the side. It was there he realised how short she was compared to him. "Look... Elektra, what's wrong?"

"Noth-"

"Don't start that rubbish, I know something's up"

"Since when have you ever cared? Last time I recalled I was nothing but a nutter".

Elektra stormed off into the house. Liam felt a hand on his shoulder "are you alright mate?" Frank asked, Liam nodded "come on then let's go play cards" Frank said then turned to go back in, leaving Liam all alone.

Since when did he feel so protective about Elektra, he didn't know. Liam wasn't sure if he liked this strange feeling in his stomach. But ignoring everything he went inside to have a good game with Frank. Frank may be good, but Liam was the BEST at cards.

"Prepare to lose Frank Matthews" Liam shouted whilst running up the stairs.