I wake slowly, my eyes becoming accustomed to the bright light. Hannah is back but no-one has woken me. She must have laid on the bed next to me as she has left a hair tie and book on the duvet. I am cross as I head downstairs because I asked mom to wake me. Mom is in the kitchen.

'Hi darling boy, did you sleep well?'

'Yes mom, where's Hannah?'

'She in the garden darling with the other girls, she's not been back long.'

'I asked you to wake me.'

'I know darling, don't be cross. I sent Hannah up but she said you were fast asleep and didn't want to disturb you. Dad went to the store and got you some ice-cream.' Mom says smiling at me.

'Really, can I have some now? Please mom.'

'That's put you in a better mood, you're like my little boy again' she says opening the freezer and taking out the tub. 'Eat it in here otherwise they'll all want some and they will be having dinner soon. I take it your throat is still sore but you're hungry.'

'Yes, but this is helping.'

'Good, you can go outside when you've finished.' I'm finished quickly and head outside. Dad is sat at the table on the deck with Christian and Elliot; they are all drinking beer though dad has his head in a book whilst my brothers chat.

'Thank you for getting the ice cream dad, it was good and really helped.'

'No problem Matt.' Dad says.

'Vanilla?' Christian asks.

'Yes you know it's the only sort I like' I reply.

'Sometimes it's good to try something more exotic' he says smirking at me.

'Oh me and Kate definitely prefer a mix of vanilla and exotic' Elliot adds. I narrow my eyes at them, why do I get a feeling that they are talking about something else and teasing me. They both look at each other and grin then both reach towards their left nipples and laugh. Oh, they have been talking about me.

'You can both f…'

'Matthew Grey, stop right there before I have to slap you for swearing again.' Mom says. I freeze and gulp, eyes wide. Christian looks at first me, then mom and back to me. I turn in the direction of the jetty and walk away. I can hear the start of Christian's conversation to mom.

'Mom, I didn't tell you last night but Elena slapped…'

I carry on walking towards the shore, past the four girls who are all lying on some picnic rugs chatting. I sit on the edge of the jetty, hugging my knees. A few hours ago I sat here with Ana and Christian and we were all happy and relaxed.

'Shoes off and dangle your feet in the water' I hear Ana say as she sits beside me and does the same. 'Someone special told me earlier that this helps you relax and then you'll feel better'

I turn and smile shyly at her 'Thank you' I say.

'Hannah was going to come but when you stormed passed us she thought she might have upset you for some reason. You looked so angry and upset Matt'

'I was. I woke up cross and then my lovely brothers were teasing me'

'And they upset you?'

'Yes and something mom said.'

'Your mom upset you too?'

'She was going to slap me because I was about to swear at them.'

'I'm sure she was only joking'

'Oh, I didn't think it was very funny. Ana can I ask you something?'

'Sure'

'Do you like Mrs Lincoln?' she freezes. 'I take it from your reaction that's a no. Last night I thought she looked like a black widow spider full of poisonous venom. I must have voiced my thoughts and she heard me. She found me outside and slapped me twice, it hurt but then she tried to kiss me. I was so disgusted that I sat out here all night until the guests from the party had gone. So when mom said she would slap me I froze, she didn't know and I will have upset her again'

'She will understand. If it makes you feel any better I threw one of your dad's lemon martinis in Mrs Lincoln's face and your mom slapped her.'

'Really' I say smiling at her.

'Yes really' Ana says grinning. She then puts an arm round my shoulder and gives me a hug.

'Hi baby' Christian says giving Ana a kiss. 'Your alone time with my baby bro is up, a little lady would like to say hello.' He helps her to her feet and I turn to see Hannah waiting nervously at the end of the jetty. I smile at her as Christian and Ana walk away hand in hand. Hannah runs to me and hugs me.

'Hi baby, I missed you' I say hugging her back.

'Hi Matt, I missed you too. I thought I'd done something to upset you.'

'No, just my brothers teasing me about the love bites you gave me'

'Oh, did they see' she asks.

'Christian did when mom had to check me out.'

'Your mom saw as well. I'm so embarrassed. She never mentioned it when I got back. She told me how sick you are though.'

'I'm just tired baby, and I'm desperate to kiss you but am not allowed for a few weeks.'

'I'm desperate to kiss you as well.'

'How was your weekend with your dad?' I ask trying to change the subject.

'Interesting' she says. 'He wants me to move to Chicago with him.'

'No' I say without thinking, my heart sinks.

'Yes, but I put my foot down. It's my last year at school. I can't be doing with changing now. He suggested that I could rent an apartment near school, he would pay.'

'And' I say playing for time as my breathing returns to normal.

'And when he dropped me off he spoke to your mom about a few things. She came up with an idea but we both have to be happy with it.' Hannah says looking at me cautiously. I stare back at her waiting for her to continue. 'She suggested that I stay here, separate rooms on the nights before a school day. We have a month's trial once school starts and if our grades aren't as good as last year or if we don't stick to the rules then dad rents me an apartment.'

'Wow, can you live with that?'

'Yes, can you?'

'Yes' I whisper and smile at her. I'm so happy. I hug her and only just stop myself from kissing her. 'We'll have to be good'

'I know' she replies 'but it will be worth it.'

'Hannah when Christian and Elliot were teasing me they were referring to ice cream flavors and how it's good to try stuff more exotic than vanilla. Do you know what they were on about?' she looks at me embarrassed. 'You do know?'

'Yes, vanilla is just straight sex.'

'Oh' I say and look away into the distance.

'Matt, don't go quiet on me.' I turn and look at her not knowing what to say 'Don't sweat it, people at school talk about this sort of stuff; you just don't talk to many people.'

'It means I haven't got a clue about stuff though. People are right when they say I've been too over protected and that I'm naïve.'

'Yes but I love you just the way you are' she says kissing my cheek.

'I love you too baby.' I say kissing her ear 'I want you'

'Now?'

'Yes, but they'll all be watching us. Mom will be concerned about something she said earlier. I'd better go and see her.' We get up together and walk up the garden holding hands. 'Go back to your girly talk on the picnic rug, I'll go and find mom.'

'Are you sure?'

'Yes, we'll have plenty of time together this week. I can't see Christian wanting me in the office much. He'll say that I need to rest so I might as well take advantage.' I say grinning at her and then kiss her cheek 'I'm so happy that you're back baby and staying here' I whisper as she goes off to join Mia, Ana and Kate.

As I pass by the patio and decking area dad is firing up the barbeque. Christian and Elliot are still sat at the table enjoying the evening sunshine. I look at them through narrow eyes before going in search of mom. I hear the piano so head straight to the family room and she looks up as I enter. I go over and sit next to her, my fingers playing the odd note to compliment her tune. She turns to me when it's finished.

'Darling, I'm sorry for what I said earlier. I had no idea what that evil woman did to you'

'Mom its ok, maybe I should have told you last night but I was so tired by the time I saw you.' I say giving her a small hug.

'I know you're tired again now but how else are you feeling?' mom asks kissing the top of my head.

'I'm OK now, I spoke to Hannah. Thanks for letting her stay here mom.'

'They'll be rules darling. We'll discuss them altogether tomorrow. I need to go to the hospital in the morning for a couple of hours but then I will be home. I want you and Hannah to come with me for blood tests so that we can confirm your case and check to see whether Hannah might have it.'

'OK'

'And I want to check you over again now, we'll go to dad's study' she says and gets up from the stool. I follow her as I know there's no getting out of it. She does the same checks as last night. When she touches my back its still sore.

'Does it hurt?'

'Yes mom' I reply.

'Matt your spleen is really swollen. You won't be able to do anything that might impact on it, you might be able to do a gentle swim in a few days but that is it do you understand? If you get any pain in your left shoulder or stomach you must tell me straight away and if I'm not here get Hannah to call the paramedics. If it ruptures it dangerous.'

'OK mom, I understand.'

'Why were you about to swear at your brothers earlier? It's not like you.' Mom asks as she listens to my heart.

'They were teasing me and I got upset.'

'Do you want me to have a word with them?'

'No mom, they will be going to their homes soon. They didn't mean to upset me and I guess I'm a bit fragile at the moment.'

'Ok, let's go and join everyone else. Dad should have cooked by now. Will you try and eat something; your throat doesn't look as swollen at the moment.'

'I'll try mom' I say giving her a hug and kissing her cheek. She hugs me back and then kisses my forehead.

We walk through the house together and out into the back yard. The girls have all pitched in together and made salads and set the table. Dad is just finishing the meat whilst Christian and Elliot sort out drinks. Christian takes me to one side as everyone sorts themselves out with seating arrangements.

'Are you OK now?' he asks. I just nod at him. 'I'm sorry for earlier, Elliot and I were out of order and we took it too far. We shouldn't have said what we did.'

'I asked mom about why you would be going on about vanilla and exotic ice cream.' I say innocently.

'What did she say?' he stammers and looks shocked.

'Gotcha.' I say and smile sweetly at him.

'Matt, even ill you're still trying to catch me out.' he says slapping me on the back and then hugging me 'Fair play to you'

I try not to grimace as he hugs me and then I take my seat between Hannah and mom. Christian is opposite me next to Ana. I put a small amount of food on my plate and he looks at me questionably. I raise my eyebrows at him to let him know to leave it. Everyone is talking and relaxed throughout the meal, though I sit there quietly. When everyone has nearly finished I turn to mom and whisper

'Mom, I don't want you to make a fuss but can I speak to you in the kitchen'

'Sure darling' she asks. I just get up and leave expecting her to follow.

'Matthew' dad says 'We haven't finished.'

'Cary, I think something is wrong' mom says quietly to him. 'I need to be with him' and she is by my side. As soon as we're in the kitchen she looks at me with concern, waiting for me to speak.

'Mom, I don't want you to worry but I've got a small nagging pain in my left shoulder. It might be nothing.'

'How long have you had it?'

'Since we sat down for dinner.'

'Ok, lift up your shirt. I'm not going to put any pressure on but I just need to feel gently.' I do as she asks. 'Have you knocked it at all, the swelling has gone down slightly which suggests there might be a small tear.'

'No mom' I say rather guiltily knowing exactly when it happened.

'OK, I haven't been drinking luckily so I'll drive you to the hospital now so that they can take a look.' She says gently. 'I'll just go and tell dad'

'Mom, everyone will fuss'

'No they won't, wait here. I'll be discreet. Do you want Hannah to know?'

'No, not yet. I don't want her to worry.' I say and go and sit down on a chair and resting my elbows on the table I put my head in my hands and close my eyes. Mom is soon back but Christian is right behind her. I knew he would find out. The concern is etched all over his face.

'Matt, did I do this to you?' he asks. I look away before mom sees the guilt on my face because I lied to her to cover up for Christian.

'Matthew Grey, what haven't you told me?' mom demands.

'Nothing' not looking her in the eye and giving a warning look to Christian. They are both staring at me now.

'OK, Ok, Christian playfully slapped me on the back just before we sat down for dinner. Please don't be angry with me, either of you'

'In the car now.' Mom says, her face set in stone. 'Christian, I'll call as soon as I have any news.'

'Can I come with you?' he asks.

'No, please stay here and take care of Hannah. I don't want her to worry.' I say.

'Car' mom says to me 'I'll call darling as soon as I can' she says to Christian and then she follows me out.

As mom drives in silence the tension builds between us.

'Mom, I forgot my phone. Can I borrow yours please?' I ask.

'There's a surprise' she replies sarcastically. 'It's in my bag, help yourself.' She adds.

I send two texts. The first to Hannah 'Don't worry about me baby, I'm sorry I didn't say goodbye. I love you Mx' followed by one to Christian 'Mom is pretty pissed with me at the moment and she's not talking to me. It wasn't your fault so don't feel guilty. I know what you're like but don't blame yourself I should have told her straight away. Love always Matt'

He replies instantly as I knew he would. Mom looks at me and asks 'So what did he say?' I look at the text and smile as I read it 'Remember you are using mom's phone to text. She will read them and be more than pretty pissed with you! Take care, love from us all x'

'He just tells me to take care mom' I say, she'll read it later herself. I sigh and close my eyes. 'I'm sorry mom'

'Matthew I told you to tell me straight away.' Oh shit she's angry and is back to calling me Matthew.

'Mom, please don't be angry'

'We're here now' she says pulling into her car park space. She climbs out of the car and heads inside the hospital. I follow behind and by the time I enter she's already giving my details to the receptionist. I sit down on a plastic chair. I hear the receptionist say to mom

'Everyone thinks they are ill otherwise they wouldn't be here. The doctors are busy and you will seen shortly' Oh dear, mom was already angry she will be even more so now. Perhaps this receptionist doesn't know she's a doctor.

'I understand fully that people are ill, my son's condition could be life threatening. Who is the doctor in charge tonight?' mom asks.

'Dr Robertson. He will be here shortly. Mrs Grey if you'd like to take a seat I'll call you over'

'Thank you' mom says sitting down next to me and searching in her bag before she smiles when she's found what she's looking for.

'Mom, what are you doing?'

'Paging Dr Robertson, he'll be with us quicker this way'

'Can you do that?'

'I have now.'

'Dr Trevelyan' a man says as he approaches mom and shakes her hand. The receptionist looks embarrassed, she obviously realises who mom is now. 'Let's get Matt through to a room and get him checked out' I go to stand and follow them but am feeling dizzy and almost pass out. Mom catches me and then everything goes dark. I slip in and out of consciousness, I'm in a room and the doctor is shouting instructions. 'Get a drip, and we need blood for a transfusion.'

'Mom'

'I'm here darling boy'

'Mom, I'm scared.'

'You're in good hands, you'll be OK.'

'I love you' I say feeling the pull back into unconsciousness 'Mommy'

'Grace, we need to work on him. You might be best waiting outside' the man's voice says and then there's lots of noise and machines bleeping but I feel like I'm sleeping.