Hey all! First round of updates for February here and I hope you all had a great Januray. The slowest month of the year is out of the way! Have a good couple of week-ish until the next round of updates!

Lots of love,

LM xxxxxx

Locked Memories-Part 11:

"No Jimmy we are not going to sneak back out so you can go and see Charlie. Ariana has arrived," Xanthe said to the boy as they walked through the door and stopped as they saw Amy sat with Ariana. Amy looked up before hurrying over to them.

"Thanks for coming home so quickly," Amy said, "she's settled so be careful when you go over." Xanthe was the first one to go over. She dropped her bag and headed over to Ariana,

"Hey," she smiled, "remember me?"

"Xanthe," Ariana smiled, "I'm going to be in the same classes as you. I can't wait to start school and see what it's like." A wave of sadness hit both Amy and Xanthe as they remembered that Ariana didn't remember her first day at school.

Jimmy ran over and gave Ariana a hug and, although the boy's actions had startled her, she hugged him back and smiled,

"Someone's happy to see me then," she said.

"Yes! You're out of hospital," the boy smiled and sat next to her. Xanthe also went and sat next to her and Amy went off to check on the washing that was hung on the line and to send Elly a text to see when she would be coming over with Susan to speak to Ariana.

Sheila arrived back late and saw Ariana under a blanket on the sofa.

"Welcome Ariana," she smiled, "what would you like to eat."

"We're already on that gran," Xanthe said from the kitchen where she was preparing food with Amy, "pasta and sauce with chicken."

"Wow I must say I'm impressed with you Xanthe," Sheila said as she walked into the kitchen to see how the meal was going.

"Elly and Susan will be over tomorrow morning just to talk to Ariana," Amy told Sheila, "and she'll be starting Monday. She's going to borrow some of Xanthe's uniform and I'm going to get her some of her own very soon." Sheila nodded and then went to sit and talk to Ariana.

The meal was soon ready and everyone was sat around the table. Ariana was picking at her food but she was eating it slowly.

"Just eat what you want to," Amy said, "you don't have to eat it all." Ariana nodded and began to eat her food again. Amy felt Ariana's head and could tell it was a little hot but she didn't say anything but decided to keep an eye on the girl and knew Karl was close by if he was required.

The next day and Elly and Susan made their own across the street and knocked on Sheila's door. Sheila was at the Waterhole and Xanthe and Jimmy were with friends so it was just Amy and Ariana.

"So you all set for Monday?" Susan asked.

"I think so, just really nervous about it all. I mean I barely know anyone here and I'm going to be starting at school," Ariana said, "I mean I know you both and Xanthe, Piper and Ben but I don't really know anybody else."

"Trust me with those three around you'll be safe," Elly said, "Piper threw a drink at me when I first met her." Ariana's eyes widened,

"Why?"

"Something about me hitting on Tyler Brennan but that's a different story. You'll be in all your correct classes and Susan and I will help with anything you aren't sure of. Brad, Piper's dad, will also help and if you need any more help then you come and find one of us immediately. We are expecting some looks and teething troubles but we'll be able to handle it." Amy nodded,

"So there won't be any major problems?"

"There shouldn't be but we are prepared for everything Amy," Susan said, "we also have a duty of care to Ariana, not just you and we'll do everything we can to make sure that she is well looked after and knows where to go if she needs anything at all."

"Can I go and see Xanthe?" Ariana asked.

"That's fine with me," Amy said, "know where you're going?" Ariana nodded and headed over to Karl and Susan's as Amy let a soft sigh escape her lips.

"You have every reason to be worried Amy," Susan said, resting a hand on Amy's arm, "it's going to be hard but the longer we leave it, the worse it'll be. Karl says she's ready and we have to trust him."

"I know, it just doesn't do anything to ease my fears that's all," Amy said.

"She'll be fine," Elly said, "we're all looking out for her."

"I hope you're right," Amy said, "I hope you're right."