A.B. Sooo sorry it took a while to update, but I have been having MAJOR writers block grrrr… Not overly happy with this chapter, but had to get something up for you all. Many thanks for all your fab reviews… I love you all.. Mwahs!

For Mel (my mentor and for listening to my ideas), love ya hunni… and for Charliiee (think she's a little down) Chin up babe.. You know where I am if you want to chat xxx

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Chapter 35 Words

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Staring into the window of the small boutique on the mainland, Donna sighed softly. Just looking down at the gorgeous baby outfits, made her wonder if she and Sam would ever get their wish. It was now a few hours after their confrontation in the laundry room and Sam had wanted them to come shopping together. Even though they'd talked things through and managed to get everything out in the open, Donna was still a little mad at her husband, for hiding it from her…

…As far as she was concerned, husband and wife, shouldn't keep secrets from each other. They were a partnership, that should work as one…The more she thought about what Sam had done for the sake of their sons, the more her angry feelings subsided. No matter what Lorraine had called Sam, or said about him in rage, she could never accuse him of being a bad father to the boys. From what Ben and Zack had told her about their dad, it was plain to see, he put them first over anything else in his life. She could relate to that. It was completely the same with her and Sophie.

Hearing her husband talking into his cell phone behind her, Donna turned round to face him. As she stood quietly for a few moments, waiting for him to end his call to James, Donna couldn't help but notice two pretty Greek women, eyeing up her husband. They couldn't have been much older than Sophie and Donna shook her head, as she watched them giggling as they checked out Sam's rear.

"Unbelievable." Donna whispered to herself, at the cheek of them being so obvious, when she was stood right next to him.

Finishing his call and placing the phone back in his pocket, Sam smiled at his wife. "Did you say something darling?" He asked, completely oblivious to the additional female attention he was attracting.

"No honey." Answered Donna, with a forced smile. "I'm going in here…I'll leave you with your admirers." She finished, nodding in the direction of the women and walking into the shop.

Sam slowly turned to see what his wife was pointing out. As one of the dark haired women winked at him, he couldn't help but laugh…

His wife was jealous and he found it quite amusing. Donna should've known by now, that she was the only one for him. She was the only woman he ever wanted. The one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with…Yes they had their arguments, but that was all part of married life and the making up after, was always so much fun.

After a short while, Donna remerged from the shop and was greeted by a grinning Sam. Looking up at his expression, she tilted her head to one side…With his boyish charm, he was so good looking. No wonder other women found him attractive, she thought to herself.

"And what's so funny Carmichael?" She asked, unable to stop a small smile creep across her face. "Don't tell me…You scared them away with your terrible Greek?"

Pulling his wife close, Sam shook his head at her. "You're jealous." He giggled, quickly kissing the tip of her nose.

"I am not." Donna fired back, laughing at her husband's confidence. "Okay…Maybe just a little bit." She finished, moving forward to place a sweet kiss on his lips.

"You're crazy woman." Said Sam, delicately stroking her cheek and gazing into her green eyes. "I have the most beautiful wife in the world…Why would I want to look elsewhere?" He added, giving his wife's pert rear a squeeze.

Donna laughed. "Because you're a man…And I think your brain's in your pants." She answered, rolling her eyes at him.

"Donna Carmichael." Sam responded to his wife's last comment. "Not all the time darling." He added, with a cheeky wink.

Giggling, Donna wrapped her arms around Sam's waist. "Let's go home…I think it's time me and our elusive daughter, had a little chat." She said, as her husband took the shopping bags from her and draped his arm over the shoulder.

Since Sophie had gone off at her, the day the Dynamos arrived on Kalokairi, Donna hadn't had a chance to speak to her properly. Her daughter had been keeping herself to herself and very rarely ventured out of the goat house with baby Emma. Sophie seemed so down, but Donna had simply put it down to the 'baby blues'…

…She had been the same for a while, after she'd given birth to Sophie. The reality of being all alone in the world, with the extra responsibility of raising a child, had stunned her at first. In an endless routine of feeds and diaper changes, Donna had nearly cracked under the strain of broken sleep and high pitched crying. There was no denying it was a difficult period of her life, but she got there in the end. Now looking at her beautiful grown up daughter, Donna realised how proud she was and that she hadn't done such a bad job raising her.

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Pausing in the doorway of the goat house, Donna could hear her baby granddaughter crying upstairs. Taking a deep breath, she slowly climbed the stairs, wondering what type of mood her daughter would be in today. These days, Donna didn't know whether to hug her, or run for cover. As she reached the top step, she came across Sophie with her back to her and soon realised, she was packing a small suitcase, that was laid on her bed.

"Sophie." Donna said softly, but still causing her daughter to jump at the sound of her name. "Why are you packing sweetheart?" She asked, walking over to the crib and picking up her crying granddaughter.

Turning to face her mother, Sophie bit her bottom lip, before looking down at the floor. "I'm ermm…Going on a little trip." She answered, not really wanting to make eye contact with Donna.

Donna cradled a now quiet Emma in her arms and walked over to her daughter. "What do you mean, a little trip?" She asked calmly, hooking her finger under Sophie's chin, to make her look at her.

Peering into her daughter's big, blue eyes, Donna could sense she was nervous about telling her something… She knew this look all too well. It was the look Sophie had, when she'd done something she knew her Mom wouldn't approve of. Something that nearly always ended in tears…Sophie's tears.

"Sophie, what have you done?" Asked Donna, narrowing her eyes at her daughter, not sure if she wanted to hear the answer to her question.

Swallowing hard, Sophie smiled nervously at her mother. "I'm going to London." She answered, desperately looking for approval in Donna's eyes.

"What? Why?" Donna replied in a shocked tone, shaking her head at her.

"Sky's parents have paid for me and Emma to go visit them." Answered Sophie, looking down at her now sleeping daughter in her mother's arms.

Shaking her head, Donna stepped back, to place Emma carefully in her crib. "You're joking right?" She asked with a nervous laugh, as she turned back to face Sophie. "After everything they said about you and Sky getting married." She continued, walking over to take her daughter by the shoulders.

Sophie looked at her mom, as tears formed in her eyes. "They want to meet their only grandchild." She replied quietly, knowing Donna was far from

impressed with her.

"Are you forgetting, they wouldn't even show up for their own sons' wedding?" Donna asked, trying to stay calm. "And now they want you to take your five week old daughter, on a five hour flight, to see them?…They've got a nerve." She finished, her tone becoming more and more angered as she thought about it.

Breaking from her mother's hold, Sophie turned back to her packing. She didn't know what to say. She knew full well her mom was right about Sky's parents, but something in her heart was telling her she should go to London…

…When Sky had decided to settle on the Island of Kalokairi, his parents had been far from happy with him. They had funded his travels with his friends, on an understanding, that when he returned to London, he would continue with his education. There had been an almighty row, when Sky called home to say he's fallen in love and was staying in Greece. His parents threatened to cut him off and provide him with no more money, if he didn't 'stop being so stupid and come home'. He of course, followed his heart, instead of listening to his mother and father and from that day, he rarely called home…Until that was, Sky called them to invite them to his and Sophie's wedding. They had flatly refused, accusing Sky of making a huge mistake and throwing his life away.

That evening, after seeing her daughter and Sky so upset, Donna had taken it upon herself to contact his mother herself. Wanting to speak to her woman to woman, mother to mother, Donna had practically begged her down the phone, to reconsider. All it had got her, was a load of verbal abuse. Telling Donna, she was a terrible mother for allowing her daughter to marry so young, Sky's mother had then hung up. That was the first and last time, the two women ever spoke. To save her baby girl, from further heartache, Donna had never told her about the phone call and decided to keep it to herself, knowing she'd tried her best.

"Sophie…Sweetheart." Said Donna, moving to sit on the bed, next to the suitcase. "You know I told you, I would let you live your life and only step in if I thought you were going to get hurt?" She asked, looking up at her daughter.

Nodding, Sophie wiped away a single tear, as it escaped her stinging eyes and continued placing folded clothes into her case.

Taking hold of her daughter's arm, Donna sighed. "Well I'm stepping in honey." She said, stopping Sophie from what she was doing.

"I know you're going to hate me." Answered Sophie, shrugging her mother off and turning to go downstairs and collect some of her belongings. "But I'm going to London…I have to." She finished, as Donna quickly followed her down to the living room.

"Why do you have to?" Asked Donna with a confused expression, as she watched Sophie gather up Emma's pink teddy and blanket from the coffee table.

Sophie paused to looked at her mom. "Because I've done the whole growing up, not knowing who my father is and I don't want Emma to go through it Mom…I've told you before, it's crap." She responded, her voice becoming raised.

Shaking her head, Donna couldn't believe her daughter was getting mad at her. "Is it my fault Sky decided to leave you?" She asked, raising her voice to the same level as Sophie's. "That boy has no one to blame but himself."

"Do you know what?…I'm not going to do this with you now Mom." Replied Sophie, walking past her mother, to go back to her packing.

Grabbing her arm, Donna stopped Sophie in her tracks at the foot of the stairs. "Wrong young lady." She said firmly, looking deep into her eyes. "This is exactly what you are going to do now…You obviously have things to say, so let's hear them."

Sighing, Sophie closed her eyes for a few moments, before looking back at her mom. "Sky's going to be there…But he doesn't know I'm coming." She said, more tears welling up in her eyes. "His parents didn't want him to know, in case he took off before I got there."

"Oh this is getting better by the second." Donna responded, rolling her eyes and letting out a small sarcastic laugh. "Sophie Sheridan, get your head out the clouds." She whispered, now shaking her head at her.

"And what's that supposed to mean?" Sophie asked quickly, her voiced raised, she was almost shouting at her mother.

Taking a deep breath, Donna composed herself before answering. "Don't you see darling?…Even Sky's parents have realised what a coward he is, if they think he's going to run." She said, trying to soften her tone. "He's a selfish bastard and if you think I'm going to stand here and let you run after him, with Emma in tow, you better think again."

Sophie's mouth dropped, as she shook her head at her mother's last statement. "I'm an adult Mom and whether you like it or not…I'm going to London." She said angrily. "If nothing else, I owe it to my daughter." She finished, pulling away from Donna's grip on her arm.

"For fuck sake Sophie, have some self respect." Hissed Donna. "You're running off to another country, to hunt down a man that has made it pretty obvious, he doesn't want anything to do with you or your daughter." She continued, quickly glancing round at the door, as Sam walked in with a worried expression, looking at her and Sophie. "If he did, don't you think he'd be here now?"

Letting out a sarcastic laugh, Sophie shook her head at he mother. "Oh my god Mom…Is that what you had?…Self respect?…Sleeping with three guys within a few weeks and not bothering to inform any of them, that they might have fathered a child." She said, causing her mother to recoil with a shocked, hurt look on her face.

Walking over to try and diffuse the heated situation, Sam looked in total disbelief at the warring women. "What the hell's going on here?" He asked, first looking at Sophie and then at his wife.

"Ask your daughter…I'm through with it all." Replied Donna, quickly wiping her tears and storming out of the goat house.

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Sitting alone on the beach, Donna pulled her knees up towards her chest and wrapped her arms tight around her legs. She soaked up the warm sun and allowed the sound of the lapping water, soothe her racing mind. She was hurt and angry for the second time today and now she felt completely, emotionally drained…

…She had never argued as bad as that, with Sophie, let alone used that sort of language whilst doing so. That was one thing Donna regretted saying, but there was something about Sky that got her so worked up. The way he'd treated her beautiful daughter and now his parents expecting her to travel all the way to London, with baby Emma. Donna was fuming with them too.

Donna was brought out of her thoughts, by a hand placed on her shoulder. Looking round, she smiled at her husband, to try and reassure him she was okay. Holding out his hand, Sam pulled Donna up to stand, as she took hold of it. He entwined his fingers through hers and smiled lovingly at her.

"Are you alright darling?" He asked, gently wiping a tear away from her stunning cheekbone. "Sophie's filled me in."

Sighing, Donna moved close and wrapped her arm around his waist. "I'll be fine…But what the hell, is that girl of ours thinking?" She answered, resting her head against Sam's chest, as he placed his free hand on the small of her back.

"She's hurting Donna." Sam responded, tenderly kissing the top of his wife's head and gazing out across the glistening water. "I hate the idea of it, as much as you…But we've got to let her find her own way sweetheart…Maybe closure."

"She's going to end up getting hurt again and I'll be the one picking up the pieces." Whispered Donna, raising her head to look into Sam's eyes. "Sophie's a grown woman, but she's so naïve."

Sam nodded and kissed Donna's forehead. "I know, but she's not going to listen… She's got the Sheridan stubborn streak darling." He said, holding her tighter. "She all packed and ready to go."

"Then let her go." Donna replied, closing her eyes and swallowing hard. "Soph's made it pretty clear, what she thinks of me…A slut that goes out of her way to hide things from people." She finished, looking back up at her husband, as more tears began to cascade down her already tear stained cheeks.

Shaking his head, Sam smiled sweetly at her. "No baby, Sophie doesn't think that at all." He answered, wiping Donna's tears once more. "She was heartbroken when you walked out, my shirt's soaking wet to prove it…. People say things in the heat of the moment, they don't mean."

Resting her head back on Sam's chest, Donna sighed. "I meant every bit I said about Sky." She whispered, wiping her tears. "I could kill him for what he's done to her and our granddaughter."

"Shhh." Soothed Sam, stroking her long, blonde waves. "It's all in the past and neither of us can change that…But we have got to be there for Soph, even if we know she's making a big mistake."

"I know Sam." Donna replied, rolling her eyes. "I know."

Sam pulled away from their embrace and cupped his wife's face in her hands. "Sophie's leaving soon and I know you wouldn't want her to go without you saying goodbye." He said with a loving smile. "Come on sweetheart." He added, taking her hand to lead her back to the villa.

The pair walked silently hand in hand, up the stone steps to the hotel. Donna paused as she reached the courtyard and saw her daughter cradling a tiny Emma, in her arms. As Sophie walked over and stood in front of her, Donna could see by her red rimmed eyes, that she too had been crying. She hated seeing her daughter upset and hated the painful feeling in her heart, knowing she'd caused it with her harsh words.

"I'm sorry for what I said Mom." Sophie whispered, looking at her mother through fresh tears that were blurring her sight. "I really didn't mean it."

Pulling her daughter close, Donna closed her eyes to stop her own tears from falling once more. "Shhh baby girl…Let's forget about it now." She whispered, softly stroking Sophie's golden curls. "I'm sorry for swearing at you."

"But you think I'm being foolish right?" Asked Sophie, looking up into her mom's teary, green eyes.

Sighing, Donna shook her head. "It doesn't matter what I think Soph…You're a grown woman and you have to make your own decisions in life." She responded. "You know I'll always be there for you, you're my baby."

Sophie smiled sweetly and wiped the last of her tears. "Thank you." She whispered, looking down at her blissfully, sleeping daughter in her arms. "We'll miss you." She finished, peering back up at Donna.

"I'll miss you both too honey…but you'll be back in a few weeks won't you?" Answered Donna, bending down to delicately kiss her granddaughter's forehead.

Nodding, Sophie leant forward to give her mom a kiss on the lips. "Try not to worry…I'll call you when we get there, I promise." She said, turning round to find Sam picking up her bags. "I have to go." She finished, turning back to face Donna. "I love you Mom."

Gently stroking her daughter's cheek, Donna forced a smile, even tough her heart was breaking. "I love you too." She replied quietly. "Look after my little girl." She added, gazing down at her perfect granddaughter.

"I will." Sophie whispered, holding tight onto Emma. "Bye Mommy."

Donna's heart ached at the sound of Sophie calling her 'Mommy'. It reminded her of when she was a little girl. So young and innocent, without a care in the world, Donna thought to herself, as she watched her leave for the airport, accompanied by Sam.

As they disappeared out of view, down the steps to the entrance of the villa, Donna wrapped her arms around herself and took a sharp intake of breath. The sickening feeling of emptiness engulfed her body, just like it did, the night Sophie left to explore the world with Sky.

"Drink?" Asked a familiar voice behind her, causing Donna to spin round.

She smiled at the welcoming sight of Rosie holding out her arms to her and Tanya holding up two bottles of ouzo. Even though she felt like falling into bed and sleeping away the next few weeks, Donna knew a few hours with her best friends, would do her the world of good. They'd find a way to keep her occupied until the Birthday boy returned to take her to bed. She needed to get through the next two weeks and with the love of her husband and the Dynamos, Donna knew she would be kept on her toes until Sophie returned.

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A.N. I'm soooo sorry if that was a tad boring =( But I couldn't leave poor Sophie depressed and pissed at Donna for too long lol.. I've got a bit more planned… so I'll have to get writing and pray the writers block doesn't get the better of me again grrrrr…Thanks for reading, reviews greatly appreciated hunnies… Loads of love, Liv (aka Tanya..I've turned to the wine my friends lol) x