Hi All, Again it's been a while, again I have been ill. I'm hoping 2014 was just a bad year! To all that celebrate Christmas I hope you all had a lovely time. Best wishes for everyone in 2015. Mx P.S Please review if you get chance x

'Pop pop Theo.' I say as Carrick sets me down in the kitchen.

'Hello dad.' Grace says and goes to give him a kiss on the cheek. 'I wasn't expecting to see you today.'

'I've just dropped your mother at the Bravern Centre so thought I'd call in.' Grandpa Theo says. 'And who have we here? Has someone been a little monkey?'

'No pop pop, I was trying to be a turtle.' I say and he laughs. 'It isn't funny cos I has got into trouble.'

'It will wash off.' Grandpa says.

'But not off my arm and I wrote on the bedroom door.' I say. 'I is going to be in the big troubles when daddy gets home.'

'But that's not til tomorrow.' Mia says. 'Grandpa, are you staying for dinner?'

'Not today sweetheart. I've got to pick grandma up in an hour. I've only stopped by to drop off some holiday pocket money for people with a good school report.' Grandpa says as he pulls some envelopes out of his jacket pocket.

'Grandpa I got a good school report card.' Mia says.

'I know, I heard so one of these envelopes will have your name on.' Grandpa says as he pretends to sort through them.

'Gracie, I does go and wash my face now.' I say, losing interest in the envelopes.

'Two minutes Matty boy and I will come and help you.' Grace says.

'But it itches now.' I say.

'Thanks Grandpa.' I hear Mia say as she clutches an envelope to her chest.

'Dad, you spoil the children.' Grace says.

'Because I can.' Grandpa says and looks at me. 'And this envelope is for you Matty.'

'Thank you Pop Pop but I doesn't go to school and I doesn't get a good report.' I say.

'I know but you're going on holiday soon and will need pocket money like everyone else.' Grandpa says.

'Thanks.' I say as he hands me the envelope and I give him a hug. 'I put this somewhere safe and give to my mommy.' I turn and smile at Carrick and hand the envelope to him.

'You want me to look after it.' He says.

'Yes please Wick. It will be safe in your pocket.' I say and he smiles at me.

'And can I leave Elliot and Christian's envelopes with you as well.' Grandpa asks Carrick.

'Sure Theo.' Carrick says as he takes the envelopes.

'Gracie I really need to get this paint off in case it stains my skin and then I will be green forever.' I say and everyone bursts out laughing.

'Oh darling boy you do say the funniest things.' Grace says.

'Come here Matty, I'll help you.' Carrick says. 'Grace you sit down and have a few minutes with your dad, I'll sort this little one out.'

'Thanks Cary.' Grace says.

'Thanks Wick.' I say. 'And Wick have you got time to take me for a new color on mine arm cos everyone else is too busy.'

'Maybe later Matty, after dinner.' Carrick says as he guides me into the bathroom.

'Thanks Wick, I turn the tap on and wash my face but no soap cos I don't like that.' I say.

'We might need a little bit otherwise the paint won't come off.' Carrick says.

'OK but be gentle.' I mutter as Carrick starts to wipe my face with the flannel. 'Have you finished yet?'

'I've only just started, be patient.' Carrick says.

'Gracie is going to shout at you cos you has made the flannel and the sink green.' I say.

'And whose fault is that? I didn't paint my face green.' Carrick says.

'So I get shouted at again.' I say and my bottom lip wobbles.

'No Matty, Grace won't shout. We'll wipe the sink out when we've finished and then put the flannel in the laundry so she doesn't notice.' Carrick says.

'That's a good idea Wick. Has you finished now?' I ask.

'Yes all done, though you might need a shower later because there's some green in your hair.' Carrick says.

'I do that at bedtime, Can we go and see if pop pop is still here? I want to show him my turtles that I has.' I say.

'I'm sure he'd like to see them.' Carrick says.

'OK I go and look for them and you tell him to wait.' I say as I dash up the stairs. I tip the contents of my backpack across the bedroom floor and find the four small turtles that I am looking for. When I come back downstairs and into the kitchen everyone is sat around the table including Elliot and Christian.

'Looks like he's been living up to his name again.' Elliot says with a smirk to Christian.

'As always.' Christian says back to him. I stand and eye them both warily and then look down at the turtles in my hand.

'I I I brought these to show pop pop.' I say quietly.

'Come here buddy.' Elliot says as he picks me up and puts me on his knee. 'Mia is just showing him her report card and then you can show your turtles. Have you been a good boy today?'

'Yes, sort of, eerm only as bad as you and Christian put together.' I say and he laughs out loud. 'I has been hanging out with Gracie this afternoon cos my mommy and daddy has left me behind.'

'It's only for one night and you're very cool for hanging out.' Elliot says.

'I is cool.' I say and he nods so I smile at him.

'That's a very good report card Mia, I'm very impressed.' Grandpa says. 'It's time I was going now, I need to pick grandma up from the mall.'

'Thanks Grandpa, and thank you for the money.' Mia says politely. Grandpa stands and so does everyone else. Elliot and Christian thank him for their money as well.

'Thank you for my envelope.' I say as Elliot moves me towards him so I can give him a hug.

'You're welcome Matty.' Grandpa says.

'And what else did you want to do buddy?' Elliot says. I hold up my turtles and Elliot nods. 'Matty has something to show you grandfather.'

'What's that Matty?' Grandpa says. I hold out my turtles. 'Teenage mutant ninja turtles. You are a lucky boy.'

'Yes I is. Do you know them? This one is Raphael.' I say.

'And the others are Leonardo, Michaelangelo and Donatello.' Grandpa says and grins at me.

'You do know them, next time I see you will you play them with me.' I say.

'Yes of course I will and maybe we can get some green facepaint so that we can pretend to be them.' Grandpa says with a smile.

'Only if us doesn't get in trouble.' I say seriously and he smiles at me. 'I go down now Elliot.'

'OK buddy.' Elliot says as he sets me on the floor.

'Bye dad, we'll see you soon.' Grace says as she walks him to the front door. I follow her as she says goodbye.

'I go to bed now Gracie.' I say as she closes the door.

'No darling boy, not yet. We need to eat dinner first.' Grace says.

'I isn't hungry Gracie. I is just tired and too hot.' I say as Grace feels my forehead.

'You do feel a bit warm, shall we go and get you a cold drink.' Grace says.

'No Gracie, I just want to lie down.' I moan.

'Come and sit at the table while I finish dinner.' Grace says and picks me up. I snuggle into her neck and close my eyes. As we walk into the kitchen Grace barks her orders at everyone. 'Mia tidy up the paints and then set the table, Christian, piano practise, Elliot, can you take Matty while I cook dinner?'

'Sure mom.' Elliot says and he takes me from her arms. 'Can we watch TV?'

'Yes but I think Matty just wants to sleep, try and keep him awake otherwise he won't sleep tonight.' Grace says. Elliot carries me into the TV room, I snuggle into him as he puts a cartoon on.

'Do you want to watch this buddy?' Elliot asks.

'No, I not watch anything. I just close mine eyes.' I say.

'No Matty, shall we build some lego?' he asks.

'No.' I say.

'Soccer in the garden?' he asks now.

'No, nothing.' I say.

'Ice cream.' He says and I raise my head to think about it before putting it back down.

'That's a trick cos I won't be allowed ice cream before dinner.' I mutter.

'You're right but would you have some if you could?' Elliot asks.

'No, my tummy feels funny.' I say.

'Are you ill?' he asks.

'Yes, I telled your mommy and she didn't listen.' I say.

'OK, tell me. What's wrong?' Elliot asks.

'I is tired and hot and my tummy feels funny and I want my mommy.' I say.

'Come here buddy.' Elliot says as he stands and picks me up. He carries me into the kitchen.

'I thought you were watching TV.' Grace says.

'I'm just going to walk this little one round the garden in the fresh air. He's complaining he's tired and hot.' Elliot says.

'And my tummy feels funny.' I add.

'Yes the fresh air will be good for you.' Grace says. 'Dinner will be ready in ten minutes.'

'OK mom.' Elliot says. 'Right let's go out buddy, we'll walk down to the boathouse and back.'

'Will you carry me please? My legs don't work.' I say.

'Just for a little bit.' Elliot says as he steps outside. 'It's a beautiful evening, look you can see all the way across to Seattle.'

'That's where mommy and daddy is, will they see us?' I ask hopefully.

'Well they'll know where to see us, let's hurry down to the jetty and we can wave at them.' Elliot says.

'OK you put me down and I run.' I say. He smiles at me as he crouches down and puts me on the grass and I set off towards the jetty. He jogs slowly beside me and we soon reach the waters edge. 'If I sit down will they still see me waving?'

'I should think so.' Elliot says. 'Do big waves like this.' He adds as he shows me. I copy him and soon start giggling.

'I can't see them waving but I'll ask them tomorrow if they seen me.' I say.

'Shall we race back up to the house, it's time for dinner.' Elliot asks.

'Yes but not your fastest running cos I want to win.' I say.

'But Matty if I let you win then you won't try next time because you'll expect me to let you win then as well.' Elliot says.

'That's what Christian says but I is only three Elliot and my legs isn't as big as yours.' I say.

'You'll beat us one day and then you'll feel better about it because you'll thoroughly deserve it.' Elliot says.

'Christian said that as well.' I mutter as I set off running towards the house. Elliot soon catches me and I try harder but he still manages to beat me.

'It was close buddy, you nearly beat me.' Elliot says.

'I try harder next time.' I say and he smiles at me.

'Good boy. Now go and wash your hands before dinner.' He says and I do as I'm told and go to the bathroom downstairs. I pee first and then wash my hand the best I can and then scratch my tummy. Lifting my t-shirt I recoil in horror. It's covered in spots. Maybe the paint soaked through my skin and has made my tummy spotty. I quickly tuck my t-shirt in and go into the kitchen. I silently slip onto one of the chairs and wait quietly for everyone else.

'I didn't notice you there darling, what have you been up to?' Grace asks.

'Nothing.' I say guiltily. 'I just sit here.'

'Please can you go and tell everyone that dinner is ready.' Grace asks and I jump down immediately and do as I'm told. As everyone prepares to sit at the table Grace looks at me and asks. 'Who would you like to sit next to darling?'

'I not mind Gracie. I sit anywhere.' I mutter as I scratch my side again.

'OK you can sit next to me and then I can make sure you eat something.' Grace says so I climb on the chair next to Grace's. I have a quick sneaky look at my tummy and the spots are still there. Christian sits on my otherside.

'What are you doing there buddy?' Christian asks.

'Nothing.' I say and gulp. 'I just waiting for dinner.'

'Here's yours darling, chicken and salad just liked you asked for. Is that OK?' Grace asks.

'Yes thank you Gracie.' I say and once everyone else has theirs I start eating slowly. The itch on my skin is distracting but I keep eating and try and ignore it. The conversation flows, Elliot and Christian talk Mariners and baseball with Carrick. Grace watches me as she talks to Mia about her day at school. When I think no one is watching I take another look under my t-shirt.

'Matty, whatever is the matter with your t-shirt?' Grace asks.

'Nothing.' I reply as I gulp and look up guiltily.

'You keep fiddling with it, can I see?' Grace asks gently.

'I didn't do anything.' I say and tears threaten. 'I promise, I didn't.' Everyone goes quiet and looks at me.

'Has something happened?' Grace asks. I nod.

'I didn't mean it, and it hasn't gone away and I don't know how it happened.' I say.

'Show me darling.' Grace says. I lift my t-shirt slowly and everyone stares. Elliot and Christian burst out laughing. 'That's enough boys.' Grace adds and gives them a stern look so they quieten down immediately. 'Darling boy you have chicken pox.'

'But they was here before I ate the chicken.' I say seriously causing everyone to laugh this time.

'Oh Matty you are so funny.' Grace says. 'I should have listened to you earlier when you said you weren't feeling well and I'm surprised you've managed to eat your dinner. You've been such a good boy.'

'Have I? I just wanted to be good and I wasn't really hungry and can you take the spots away now Gracie.' I ask.

'You'll have them for ages and ages and they'll be all over your body, in fact I think you have a couple on your face now.' Mia says.

'Oh.' I mutter.

'Will some ice cream make you feel better?' Grace asks.

'No Gracie, I just want to lie down now.' I say quietly.

'OK. I'll take you up to bed.' Grace says to me and then adds 'I'll leave you all to sort out dessert and clear up.'

'Gracie before we go I just tipped the toys out all over the floor in the bedroom from my back pack and I never cleared them up or made them tidy.' I say. 'I is sorry.'

'Don't worry, it will take two minutes to sort out. Let's go and find my doctors bag and take a look at you so that you'll start feeling better soon.' Grace says.

'Bye Matty, we'll come up and see you soon.' Mia says.

'Yeah buddy, we'll be up soon.' Elliot says.

'Thanks.' I say. 'And you Christian, you come and see me.'

'Sure.' Christian mutters.

'And I'll be up to see you as well.' Carrick says.

'OK.' I say and jump down from my chair. I lift my t-shirt to look at the spots again. 'Cor there's more than before.' Grace smiles at me as we head up the stairs.

'Once I get you settled I think I'll call your mommy.' Grace says.

'No Gracie, I will be OK and mommy will be having a nice time and if she comes home she will know I has been bad cos she will see the writing on the door and my painted cast and my spots.' I say.

'Matty you can't help getting the spots, they just happen. It's not because you've been good or bad.' Grace says. 'Mommy will want to know that you're poorly.'

'You can call if you want Gracie but I just need to sleep. I is so very tired.' I say.

'OK darling, let's get you changed. Are your spots itchy?' Grace asks. I nod. 'You mustn't scratch them, I have some lotion I can put on.' I quickly take my clothes off and leave them in a pile on the floor. I look at them and then Grace but she doesn't say anything so I climb onto the bed and put my head on the pillow. 'Matty darling I need to check you out.'

'You check me while I sleep Gracie.' I say and close my eyes.

'Gracie, Sue's on the phone. I've already spoken to Simon.' Carrick says. My eyes open as I watch Carrick hand the phone to Grace.

'Hi Sue.' 'He's been so good.' Grace says and smiles at me. 'Do you want to speak to him?' OK, he's just got into bed.' 'Yes he's very tired.' 'Sort of, he's got chicken pox.' 'No he wants you to stay and have a nice time.' I'll put him on.' Grace hands me the phone.

'Hi mommy.' I say.

'Hey little man are you OK?' mommy asks.

'Yes I is fine. I got some chicken spots but not from my dinner cos they were there before I did eat.' I say.

'Oh Matty boy.' Mommy says.

'You have a nice time mommy. I is going to have a sleep cos I is very tired. I will see you in the morning when I wakes up.' I say. 'I might have more spots to show you by then and mommy I hasn't been very good, I painted my face green so that I looked like a turtle but Wick washed it off and I painted my arm a different color so all the pink has gone.'

'Oh Matty.' Mommy says.

'Don't tell daddy.' I say 'I thought I got the spots cos I had been bad but Gracie said that even if I'd been good they still would have happened.'

'I'll let you speak to daddy.' Mommy says.

'Hi little man, I hear you've got a few spots.' Daddy says.

'Yes daddy, I is sorry.' I mutter.

'It's not your fault.' Daddy says.

'Will I still go on your jet tomorrow?' I ask.

'I don't know. I'll talk to mommy.' daddy says. 'We'll come home now and see you.'

'No daddy. I want mommy to have a nice time and I is only going to sleep.' I say.

'OK, we'll phone later to check up on you. Please can you give the phone to Grace or Carrick?' Daddy says.

'Yes daddy. Night I love you and night night to mommy and I love her as well.' I say.

'Night little man. We love you.' Daddy and mommy say together as I give the phone to Grace. I lie back and close my eyes again.

'Yes, go and enjoy the meal at least and then phone later. If there are any problems we will call the hotel reception and get a message to you.' I hear Grace say. 'Don't worry, he's fine. I'll give him a kiss for you. He's already got his head on the pillow and his eyes are closed.' 'OK, bye'

'They'll worry.' Carrick says.

'I know but there's nothing they can do.' Grace says.

'Gracie.' I whisper as I open my eyes. 'I do miss my mommy and daddy.'

'I know darling boy but we'll let them have their meal and I'll call them later. You have a little sleep.' Grace says as she kisses my forehead and run her fingers through my hair. 'I'll pull the chair over and we'll all take turns to sit with you so that you're not alone.'

'Thanks Gracie, I does love you as well, and Wick and and…' I say as my eyes close and I sleep.