Ric stood there stunned. He had not expected anything like this in his entire life. He didn't move. He felt as though his feet were encased in concrete blocks. It wasn't until he heard Steph's voice that he did anything.

"Well you might as well come in then Matilda. I suppose you will want Ric back? Go ahead. He's all yours." Steph said in a deadly quiet voice. Ric turned to face her but she was standing in a shadowed part of the hallway, so he couldn't see her face. Belle and Cassie did step forward from behind Steph. Their faces were masks of pure hatred. Matilda took a step back in shock at seeing their faces. Ric suddenly came to life. "Mattie, I think we should go outside and talk" he said quietly. Mattie nodded silently and followed Ric outside and they walked a short distance down the street to a small park where they talked and sorted everything out.