Dr Smith walked into the room, giving Alison a smile. The young girl looked up expectantly at her, and it was clear that she wanted to go home. James was right there too, he had refused to leave the hospital overnight, even though he had been told he couldn't stay in the room with Alison. As soon as visiting hours started though, he was back with his daughter and it couldn't be clearer that the two were very close.

"Alright Alison, I know you're ready to go home. I am sending you home, but I want you to rest please. Tomorrow you can go back to school."

"Thank you," said Alison happily. She got up from the bed, already dressed.

"In a hurry?" laughed the doctor. "I must say, I have never met anyone so eager to get out of here."

"I want to go back to school and my new friends."

"Fair enough. Let's get you out of here then. James, you have been given permission to sign the discharge papers. I get the impression that Amber believes that you are a wonderful father despite the circumstances."

"Really?" James asked happily.

"Really. Come on, let's get the papers signed so you can go home."

Five minutes later, Amber was closing her car door for Alison, feeling bad for having to say no to her going home in her dad's rental car. He had promised to follow them to the house though, making Alison feel slightly better. She tried to chat, but Alison didn't listen, she just stared out the window at the passing scenery. Her reflection showed that she was crying, but she cheered up when Amber stopped outside the house and James walked up to the car.

"Daddy!" Alison was out of the car before Amber stopped and in her dad's arms.

"Ali, are you okay?"

"I am now." She wiped away her tears.

"I have something to tell you honey." James led Alison into the house where her mother was arguing with the police.

"There's the little bitch!" yelled Ms Ashley, storming over to her daughter.

Alison took a step back, clutching her dad's hand. She saw Amber step in front of her, saw her mother falter. A smile spread across her face when the police pulled her back, placing handcuffs on her wrists.

"Ma'am, you are under arrest for child endangerment and child abuse," said Officer Bear, and it was clear that he was disgusted by her behaviour.

Ms Ashley fought as they led her out of the house. Alison felt relieved and safe, but then realised that she didn't have a guardian anymore.

"Amber, what happens to me now?" asked Alison.

"I believe that your father has some news for you," said Amber kindly.

Alison turned to her dad. "Daddy?"

"The court granted me temporary custody until they have time to process my application."

"How long is temporary?"

"Could be a while. They didn't give me a time frame, but as long as Amber is happy for me to look after you, I'll be here."

"What about LA?"

"Silicon Valley is boring without you there, to be honest. I'd much rather live in Barringa with you."

"Your girlfriend might not like that."

"We broke up a while ago."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be. If she can't understand that my daughter will always come first for me, then she's not the right person to be with."

Alison smiled. "So you really will stay with me now?"

"Yes. I am having my stuff shipped down here so I don't have to fly back."

"Thank you daddy." She hugged him tightly.

"I've been told that you were accepted into Kyle Grammar. What do you want to do?"

"I don't want to go there. I don't have any friends there."

"So you want to stay at Barringa East?"

"Yes."

James smiled. "I'm glad. I don't want you hanging around those snobs anyway. I much rather you have real friends that don't talk about you behind your back."

"You mean it? I can stay there?"

"Of course you can."

"You're the best!" She flung her arms around him again and hugged him until she was sore.


That night, Alison finally managed to feel comfortable, like she was really home. She was so glad that her dad was staying for good, and that she didn't have to leave her new friends. It was the first time since moving to Barringa Heights that she had been able to relax. Tonight, she was laying on the couch, curled into her dad while they watched a movie together. They had finished the popcorn James had made and it was getting late, but neither cared. They were happy to be with each other again.

"Ali, do you feel well enough to go to school tomorrow?" asked James when the movie was over.

"Yes. I think I've missed enough already."

"Okay. But I want you to tell me again in the morning how you're feeling."

Alison nodded. "Okay daddy."

James wrapped her in his arms. "I love you angel."

"Love you too daddy."

They watched some TV for a bit longer and then James lifted her up. "Bed time."

"Not yet," she yawned.

"Definitely bed time."

"Come with me?"

"No, I'll be here when you wake up."

"Promise?"

"I promise. I have to be if you want pancakes for breakfast."

Alison smiled. She hugged her dad and headed upstairs to bed.