Hi All, Thanks to everyone who left a review for the last chapter, they were all greatly appreciated. Once again this is a short chapter, I was conscious of the week slipping by and I wanted to post something for you all to read. Please enjoy and I'm going to continue writing today in the hope that the chapter you're all waiting for will be ready by tomorrow. Best Wishes Mx

MATT

I can't sleep but don't want to disturb Hannah so slowly climb out of bed and grab my sweatpants and a t-shirt. I wander downstairs and end up back in the room where I only half finished the decorating last night. Picking up a paintbrush I start once more and don't stop until the room is finished. I'm still not tired so head into the last room downstairs that needs painting and opening a fresh can of paint start on a new wall. When I'm finished my body aches. I stand and survey the room, the whole downstairs is now complete apart from the conversion of the old garage. Finally I feel tired and climb the stairs once more and go back to bed. When I wake the sun is shining in through the window and I'm alone in bed, I look at the alarm clock and it says 10am. Fuck why hasn't anyone woken me? I dash into the bathroom, my blood count is sky high and I increase the insulin dosage in the pen before sticking it in my abdomen. Next I walk in and out of the shower before dragging on some clothes and running downstairs.

'Morning.' I say as I enter the kitchen.

'Only just.' Hannah says with a smirk.

'Someone could have woken me.' I mutter and head straight to the fridge.

'Here let me.' Mom says as she takes the eggs from my hand. 'Omelette.'

'Please mom.' I say and grab the milk. 'I need to eat.' I add as I get the cereal and a bowl.

'Blood sugar.' Mom mutters.

'Sky high and I think I've messed up the insulin dose.' I say through a mouthful of cereal. 'That hasn't happened for a long time. Why now?'

'We've upset your routine. You're stressed. You obviously spent most of the night painting and Christian will be here soon.' Mom says. I look at her warily. 'Hannah told us that you phoned him again last night and he's spoken to dad this morning already.'

'Where is dad?' I ask looking round.

'He's gone to the supermarket for a newspaper and more supplies, they'll be four extra for lunch.' Mom says. I nod cautiously.

'It will be fine.' Hannah says as she gives me a quick hug and kisses my cheek.

'Don't worry about it just now, let's concentrate on getting you back to normal.' Mom says. 'Go and sit down with the cereal, I'll bring the omelette over in a couple of minutes.'

'Thanks mom.' I say.

'So what time was it when you finally crawled back into bed?' Hannah asks as she sits down opposite me.

'Six.' I mutter and she gives me a stern look. 'Sorry I couldn't sleep, I didn't want to disturb you.'

'Matt you've had four hours, that's not enough.' Hannah exclaims. I shrug. She adds more gently. 'Is it because of me you can't sleep?'

'No.' I mutter and look at her warily.

'You're scared.' She says and I nod. 'There's nothing to be scared of. Everything will be OK. Trust me.' I nod again.

'Here you go darling boy.' Mom says as she places the omelette in front of me. 'Can I get you anything else?'

'Thanks mom, I'll be good with this.' I say.

'Sounds like your father's back.' Mom says as the front door opens. Dad appears loaded down with grocery bags. 'Matt do you mind if I do roast chicken for lunch?'

'That's fine mom.' I say.

'Morning Matt.' Dad says.

'Morning dad.' I say and grin at him.

'Good lie-in.' dad says.

'Yes thanks.' I say with a smirk.

'Coffee Cary.' Mom asks him.

'Please Gracie.' He says as he sits down with the papers.

'Would anyone mind if I did some schoolwork when I've finished eating?' I ask.

'That's good with me, I've got some as well.' Hannah says.

'It's good with me as well, I'll make a start on lunch while your father reads the papers.' Mom says.

'Are you working in your study?' dad asks.

'Yes unless you want to use it, I can work somewhere else.' I say.

'No it's OK, I'll be fine here with the papers.' Dad says.

'I just need to go over my history for the test tomorrow.' I say.

'Are you worried about it?' dad asks.

'No but if I get a high enough mark it will give me credit for my diploma so I'm closer to graduating. I'd quite like to have enough credits by February.' I say.

'You're as bad as this madam here.' Dad says as he nods and smiles at Hannah.

'I just want to be finished before these two arrive to distract me.' Hannah says as she affectionately strokes her stomach. I smile at her shyly.

'It would be good if we were finished together.' I say. 'If I can get history and economics out of the way this week then that just leaves law and art at the end of January though I'd quite like to continue with the work experience at court if I can.' I say.

'I don't see any reason why you can't. You've already made a good impression.' Dad says.

'Did Judge Griffin tell you that?' I ask.

'Yes and the person you probably needed to impress most was her mother and she thinks you're wonderful.' Dad says with a grin.

'It's easy to charm old ladies.' I say and smile back at him.

'Not Olivia's mother. She might be getting on in years but she's very shrewd and is not easily charmed.' Dad says.

'Oh.' I say.

'Yes 'oh.' It's not a bad thing, it's good though it might be better if you went a bit smarter.' Dad says.

'They don't like my ripped jeans.' I say.

'Or the skateboard. Actually you can probably get away with them while you're still at school but if you want to continue afterwards it might be advisable to wear trousers and a shirt.' Dad says though he's smiling at me.

'OK, I'll make of an effort.' I say.

'You'll have to go shopping then.' Hannah says. 'There wasn't anything smart in your closet.'

'I could drive to Bellevue and pick some stuff up. It seems a waste of money buying stuff when I already have plenty.' I say.

'You could come back with us later and then drive one of your cars back here. The SUV would be more practical for Hannah.' Dad says.

'I'll think about it.' I say as I finish my breakfast. Dad looks at mom and they exchange a silent communication of what looks like hope. 'Thanks for the omelette mom, I'm going to do an hour or so's revision now.'

'You're welcome.' Mom says and as I stand I hug her. I then go and kiss Hannah's cheek before heading to the study.

CARRICK

'Elliot and Christian will be here with the girls soon.' I say to Grace as I look at her over the top of the newspaper. Matt is still in his study and Hannah is sprawled on one of the sofas with her laptop and school books.

'How do you think Matt will cope?' Grace asks.

'I haven't a clue. To be honest I was a bit shocked when Christian called to tell me that they were on their way because of the phone call last night.' I say.

'Well Matt has always been full of surprises.' Grace says.

'He certainly has.' I say in agreement with a chuckle. My phone vibrates on the table and I pick it up to answer. 'Hi Elliot.'

'Hi dad. We're outside the gates, how do we get in? Do you know the code?' Elliot asks.

'I'll use the remote and the gates will open for you.' I say as I go to find my keys.

'Thanks dad.' Elliot says.

'Matt, your brothers are here.' I say as I pass the study door.

'Thanks dad I saw them on the CCTV so the gates are opening.' Matt says.

'You have security cameras.' I say in surprise.

'I thought it would be best to.' He says and grins at me. 'At least Christian can't be cross with me for that.' He stands and starts to make his way towards the front door.

'Matt whatever happens now stay happy. I'm so proud of you.' I say.

'Thanks dad.' Matt says and gives me a quick hug. He opens the door as Christian's SUV sweeps onto the drive. Elliot jumps out before the engine is switched off and comes bounding up to the porch.

'Hey little bro, it's great to see you.' Elliot says as he envelopes Matt in a bear hug. As he let's go he shakes my hand. 'Hi dad.' he says quickly before moving inside to hug Grace and Hannah. 'Wow, look at the staircase.' I hear him say.

'I'll give you the tour later.' Matt comments. 'Shouldn't you have been more of a gentleman and waited for Kate and Ana.'

'No, I wanted to be the first to see you.' Elliot says with a grin. 'They're coming now anyway and Christian will take his time, I think he's a bit worried about seeing you.'

'Good.' Matt mutters under his breath. Ana and Kate walk up the steps and Matt steps out onto the porch to welcome them and then hug them both in turn. They then come inside to be greeted by Hannah and Grace who take them along with Elliot to the kitchen for hot drinks. Christian steps out of the car and I go to stand next to Matt. His body language changes, he stands up straight and pulls his shoulders back, I smile at him and he nods back at me. I would love to be a fly on the wall when he speaks to Christian but I know he will be OK.

'I'll leave you to it, if you need anything I'll be in the kitchen.' I say.

'Thanks dad, for everything.' Matt says and smiles at me once more. As Christian approaches the house I shake his hand and then disappear towards the kitchen.