Tato Potato, thank you for your review. I'm really glad you enjoyed the chapter. Luckily, the chapter set on the roof didn't really contradict Ethan's fear of heights so I was able to mention his PIMP. Not much would upset Dylan - but she really does like Luke.

X-Sammii-X, I'm glad you liked Ethan's objections to 'Taylor' - their relationship has improved a lot, but I thought Ethan would still have moments where he was annoyed with Cal. Thank you for your review - it's always so lovely to read comments like that.

Liveyourdream, thank you for your review. Even though Ethan has doubts that she's 'their' Matilda and even though he's very upset himself, he is a very caring person and I really wanted to show that. I'm really happy you like that part.

Gillian Kearney Fan, thank you for your review. It's going to be tough for Matilda, but she really has got the best possible support!

Applealice10, I'm glad you enjoyed the kiss! Especially as there's a good chance it will happen again. I'm actually planning the moment where Cal tells Matilda - I really hope I can make it good as it will be a big moment. Thank you for your review - I appreciate them all so please make them as long or as short as you like. I love hearing what you think.

Tanith Panic, Ethan the rent boy would be irresistible... and by that I mean I might have to write about him. I think Robyn would be mad to cheat on Lofty, but she might already have done enough to upset him. Grr at Max all you like! He deserves it! Thank you for your review.

Thank you to Tato Potato for the follow and favourite.

Dylan K selected a number from his contacts and lifted the phone to his ear. Almost immediately, it was answered.

"Hey, Dylan." Rita sounded surprised. "Is everything okay? Do you need me?"

It occurred to Dylan K, now relationships were so much in his mind, that Rita's second question would sound odd to anyone who didn't know Rita was actually asking if there was a need for extra nursing staff. "No. I was actually wondering if I could speak to Alfie."

Rita hesitated. "I'm afraid Alfie's busy at the moment. He's having a man-to-man chat with Iain. It could take a while considering those two only seem to communicate in grunts. Can I help?"

Dylan K considered. Rita wasn't a gossip like Robyn Chiltern, but she did have a reputation for knowing exactly what was going on just by looking at you. "I'm actually calling about Luke. I don't suppose you happen to know if he has a girlfriend?"

There was a silence before Rita spoke, her voice slightly odd. "Why would you want to know about that?"

"Because…" Dylan K sighed and decided he'd better tell her everything. "Because he's kissing Dylan and the last I heard, he had a girlfriend."

Rita sounded amused. "You really like your little namesake, don't you."

"She's hardly little," said Dylan K. "She's taller than you. But this is irrelevant. Is Luke still with Maya Wescott or not?"

"Yeah, I think he is," said Rita slowly. "Though I've heard she might be cheating on Luke."

"That hardly makes it better for Dylan," said Dylan K.

"Except," said Rita, "that Dylan might be kissing Luke to make you jealous."

Dylan K sighed. "That's ridiculous. I'm nearly forty years older than she is."

"Don't put yourself down," said Rita. "But think about it. Dylan's been at school with Luke for a few months. If she wanted him, she could have made a move earlier."

"Rita, this is speculation and it's not helpful. I want facts, not gossip."

Rita was silenced.

Dylan K wasn't particularly surprised, but when the silence continued, he began to worry. "Rita, are you still there?"

"Yeah, I'm still here," said Rita. "You're right, Dylan. I was just gossiping and there's no need for it. I can't possibly know what goes on in Dylan's head and I can't really be sure about Luke and Maya. I'm sorry."

Honey handed Lottie a cup. "There. It's my special tea for making boobs grow bigger. It's got fenugreek in it."

Lottie sniffed the tea, had a sip, almost made a face, and smiled instead. "It's lovely! Thank you, Honey. But it's a bit hot for me at the moment."

"So, how do I deal with Louise?" said Honey. While Lottie was in dire need of bigger boobs, Honey did think her problem was more pressing. "How do I make my dad listen?"

Lottie's phone, in front of her on the table, began to play that annoying song by the latest X Factor winner.

"Turn that thing off!" whined Honey. "I'm talking to you."

Lottie hesitated, then switched the phone off. "I'd like to help, Honey. I really would. But I'm only fifteen. What if I tell you the wrong thing?"

"I don't think you could make it worse than Louise telling me to get out," said Honey.

"That's true," said Lottie. "Unless your dad told you to get out too, but I don't think that's likely."

"That would never happen!" said Honey. "My dad loves me. He sold all his action figures for me. Except Batman." She was still slightly miffed about that. "He kept Batman."

Lottie smiled comfortingly. "Maybe he kept Batman so he would be there if you needed more money."

"Yeah, except he sold it for some loser who let him get beaten up," said Honey. "I wish I'd gone to the hospital to see him now. I'm sure I'd have seen what was really going on. I obviously really wanted to go, but I… I couldn't get away."

"It's like that sometimes," said Lottie. "I'm sure he knew you were with him in spirit."

Honey smiled. She liked that idea. "I'm always with my dad in spirit and not even that bitch Louise can stop my spirit," she said. Then she pouted. "But I want to be with him bodily too! No. I didn't mean that how it sounded."

"Of course you didn't," said Lottie. "Maybe the best thing to do is if you all sat down together. Your dad knows you both much better than you know each other so he might be able to help."

Honey nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah. It might, you know. Thanks, babe. You're smarter than you look."

Cal sat with one arm around Matilda and the other arm around Ethan. He wasn't about to admit it because he was actually the strong one for once, but it made him feel quite emotional. He hadn't forgotten the times when Ethan had shrugged away Cal's attempts at a hug – and he'd never expected to be able to hug Matilda again.

"So, the next stage is pretty big for both of you," he began. "Ethan, you want your wife back. Matilda, you don't want your parents back."

Ethan moved slightly. "Are you sure, Matilda? Sometimes these things can be worked out. You can come to a compromise."

"There's no compromise with abuse," said Cal, who hadn't missed the way Matilda had tensed. He stroked Matilda's shoulder. "But you won't be alone, Tilly. Me and Ethan will be your family now." He hesitated, aware that Matilda's response to his idea could leave him devastated. "I thought maybe I could adopt you. If you're okay with that." He avoided looking at Ethan. He could guess his response.

Matilda gasped. "Would you really, Cal? I'd love that. You'd be the best dad ever!"

Cal's eyes filled with tears. He couldn't speak.

Matilda wanted him to be her dad…

He hugged her tightly and felt her hugging him back.

Ethan sighed. "I don't think adoption is something you can rush into, but as far as I'm concerned, Matilda, you can stay for as long as you like. I don't know what Lily will say, but who knows if she'll ever come home?"

"She will, Ethan," said Cal, blinking hard, "When Lily comes home, we'll discuss the situation with her. But Matilda and I might decide we want our own home." He looked seriously at Ethan, then Matilda. "But whatever happens; wherever we all end up living – and Matilda, that will not be with your parents – I'll always be here for both of you."

Ethan spoke in a wobbly voice. "I think you might be the best brother ever, Cal. I never thought I'd say that."

"That's because it's not true," said Cal. "The best brother ever is Ethan Hardy – and although I'm not really in a position to judge, I reckon you're a pretty good husband too and I think Lily would be stupid not to come home."

Dylan prided herself on always knowing what to say, but she certainly didn't know what to say now. She was scared even of looking at him. He wasn't the first boy she'd kissed, but this was the first time she'd cared if he liked it.

She looked at the monitor. "Hmm. Respiration rate: up. Blood pressure: up. Pulse rate: up. I think my temperature has risen again too."

Actually, no: that was not a good thing to say. That was tantamount to saying it was the most incredible kiss ever.

Of course, it was the most incredible kiss ever, but only Ariana, Matilda and Lottie would ever know that.

"Level of response: very very poor," said Dylan to herself.

"I'm sure everything is up for me too," said Luke.

Dylan raised her eyebrows. "Yes, that's exactly the way to ensure I don't kick you out. And just to let you know: that was sarcasm."

"What… what's wrong with… oh God!" Luke went bright red. "I didn't mean… I only meant what you said… I'm not up in any other way. I promise."

Dylan found the news that Luke wasn't 'up' wasn't nearly as much of a relief as she'd expected. She was relieved when her phone rang, but concerned to see who it was. "Hi, Zoe. Is everything okay?"

"Dylan, you haven't seen Ariana, have you?"

"No, sorry," said Dylan. "I'm in hospital. Wound infection. I didn't tell the others in case they panicked." And because Luke's here, but I'm not admitting that in front of him.

"Oh, I hope you're okay," said Zoe distractedly. "If you see her or hear from her, please will you let me know?"

"Of course I will," said Dylan. "Have you tried Matilda and Lottie?"

"Lottie didn't answer her phone," said Zoe. "I'm going to try Matilda now. But if you hear anything…"

"I'll let you know," promised Dylan. "Don't worry, Zoe. I'll have a think and I'll do everything I can."

Matilda pretended not to listen while Ethan talked about how much he missed Lily. She knew it was none of her business, but her heart ached for him. Anyone could see how much Ethan loved Lily – and Lily couldn't do any better than Ethan. Unless she left him for Cal, of course, but apart from the fact that would never happen, Matilda had the impression Cal wasn't interested in girls. She wondered if he was gay. Gay marriage had become more common over the last ten years, but maybe Cal had never met anyone special enough.

The thought made her sad. Cal was so lovely and she wanted him to be happy.

At the same time, it showed Cal was very particular about who he shared his home with. So the fact he actually wanted to adopt her…

Matilda's phone began to ring and she apologised to Cal and Ethan, but they both said it was fine. When Matilda saw the call was from Zoe, her heart plummeted. She could guess what Zoe was phoning about – and she was right.

"What's wrong, darling?" said Cal, once Matilda had said goodbye to Zoe.

Matilda burst into tears. "Ariana's missing. Zoe and Max were arguing and she left the house. I'm so scared something's happened!"

Cal hugged her tightly. "Of course you are. But I'm here and if you want to go out and look for her, we can go now."

"I can look too," offered Ethan.

Cal hesitated. "I think it's best if you stay here. In case Ariana comes here. Or Lily. Promise me you won't leave? Unless Lily asks you to, of course." He kissed Matilda's head. "I'm here, sweetheart. Your dad's here."