'Abby?'

I couldn't believe she was standing in front of me. It's been months since I last saw her. Last time we spoke, she'd been planning on moving to Spain. Partly for the sun, partly for her job and partly to escape the ghosts of her past. That's something Abby & I have always had in common...we run.

'Hey Squirt' She flashed a pearly smile 'Aren't you going to let me in?'

I stood to the side, opening the door wider. Abby floated through the door, her auburn hair bouncing behind her, her tanned skin was positively glowing & she smelled of very expensive perfume. She enveloped me in a hug, squeezing tightly.

'I have missed you so much Squirt' She whispered in my hair

'I've missed you too' I squeezed her back.

'Abby?' Mom's voice came closer 'What are you doing here?'

Abby pulled away, smirking at her sister.

'Well, a little birdy told me you were having a family day, and since I'm family, I thought I'd invite myself'

Abby gave a mock salute to Joe.

'Joseph'

'Abigail' Joe wiped his hands on a towel as he gave her a kiss on the cheek 'So glad you could make it'

'And what are you making?' Abby teased, looking at his messy apron. She sniffed the air. 'Cammie's cookies?' She turned to me, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

'Nutmeg?' She asked.

I shook my head 'Not even close'. All three adults groaned. Abby looked at me seriously.

'I have ways, effective ways, of finding out the recipe' She teased.

'Over my dead body' I retorted. Instantly I wanted to take those words straight back. The atmosphere stiffened immediately. Here we were, all four of us, together with without Dad. And not just without him, but without him on his birthday. Thankfully the oven timer went off.

'I'll get that' Joe said 'Rachel, could you help with the potatoes?'

'Sure' Mom turned away quickly towards the kitchen. I sighed.

'I seriously just put my foot in it, didn't I?'

'Don't worry, hun' Abby stroked my arm compassionately. 'We all know what you meant. Anyway, how have you been?'

'Fine' I said automatically. Abby kept looking at me.

'Come on now Squirt, you can try to fool your mom but you can't even attempt to fool me. Spill' I groaned. Mom definitely sees when I lie or hide things but decides not to say anything, opting to wait until I speak first. But Abby...oh Abby cuts through my bullshit straight away with no regrets. She will tell me everything up front, bluntly & honest. I wouldn't have it any other way.

'Now…' Abby pulled me onto the sofa, wrapping her legs under her, making herself comfortable 'How have you been?'

'I'm coping, I think' I twiddled my thumbs as a distraction. 'Things at school hasn't been the easiest at times, but I have a great group of friends'

'Boy friends?' Abby raised an eyebrow. I rolled my eyes.

'Yes Abby, friends who are boys'

'But have you got a boyfriend?' Abby leaned in closer. Gone were the years of adulthood, stress & the abuse and the person sitting in front of me looked younger, brighter, healthier and safe.

'Um…'

'You do!' She squealed.

'Shhh,' I said quickly.

'What are you girls gossiping about?' Rachel said.

'Nothing' We said in unison. Mom rolled her eyes.

'I hate it when you two gang up on me'

'We do it because we love you' Abby blew a kiss.

'Love you too' Mom said. Abby whirled round to face me.

'So...what's going on with them two?' She whispered, signaling behind her.

'What do you mean, Abby?' I asked, trying to act innocent.

Abby narrowed her eyes. 'Don't act dumb with me' I shrugged.

'I have no idea what you're talking about'

Thankfully, before Abby could interrogate me further the doorbell rang.

'I'll get it' I moved towards the door. Who else could this be?

I opened the door to see Zach.

'Um...hi' I said. I did not expect him to be here, nor did I hear his bike pull up.

'Why weren't you in class today?' He asked. I folded my arms.

'What? No hi Cam, how are you?' I quipped. Zach rolled his eyes.

'Hi Cam, how are you?' He mocked. It was my turn to roll my eyes. 'Now, why weren't you in class? Is it because of us?'

'No actually' Abby came up behind me, placing her hands on my shoulders. She flashed Zach her winning smile, but she had a hard look in her eyes. Translation: Don't mess with me.

'Cammie's having a family day today. I'm sure you can understand that' Her smile tightened. 'I'm Abby by the way. Cammie's aunt'

'Please to meet you Abby' Zach held out his hand (which thankfully Abby shook), 'Cammie speaks very highly of you'

'I'd hope so' She winked at me 'And you are?'

'I'm Zach. I live next door and I'm a friend of Cammie's'

'Oh,' Abby raised her eyebrow and smirked at me 'So he's you boy-'

'Thank you, Abby!' I pushed her back inside. 'I'll be back in a sec' I shut the front door behind me, stepping onto the porch with Zach.

'Sorry about that' I tucked a loose piece of hair behind my ear 'Abby likes to get involved in my business'

'Glad someone is' Zach muttered under his breath.

'I guess Macey didn't tell you why I wasn't in today?' I folded my arms

'No' Zach shook his head 'We asked her and she refused to say, nearly started crying. That got all of us worried. Then you weren't picking up the phone, so what did you expect us to think? I skipped class to make sure you weren't lying in a ditch or-'

'Dead?' I raised my eyebrow. Zach pursed his lips but didn't say anything. I ran my hand through my hair.

'Look, I'm sorry that I've been acting weird recently. But Josh...Josh has a way of getting under my skin. He's someone who is still connected to the old me and as much as moving and trying with all my might to be better, it's a slope and sometimes I slip'

'You love your poetic speeches, don't you?' He had a little smirk tugging on his lips. I gave a half-hearted laugh.

'It's my dad's birthday today' I said 'It's always been a day of family and even though he's not here, we still want to celebrate family'

'Cam, I'm sorry-'

'Don't apologize' I shook my head 'I just…' I sighed 'I should get back. We're eating soon. I'll talk to you later?'

'Um. Yeah. Sure' Zach put his hands in the front pocket of his jeans. Somewhat deflated. 'Talk later' Zach went down the steps, hopped over the fence & into his own house. Before he shut the door, he glanced back at me, shooting me a sad smile.

I sighed again. Zach and I most definitely need a chat. I walked back into my house & straight into Abby & her mischievous smile.

'He's cute, Squirt. So…' She took a step forward 'Are you sure you told me everything?'

'Um…'

Author's note: Sooo I actually uploaded quickly this time! Yay! So, Abby is back in the picture! But how long will she stay? I know I said that Zammie would have a 'make or break' relationship talk but I decided to save it for the next chapter. I wanted this one to focus on Abby & Cammie. There's A LOT of Zammie in the next chapter, so keep your eyes peeled! O_o. See you next time xxx

Duchess12: Thank you so much! I'm glad you're enjoying the 'Know' Series - I still can't quite believe how I managed to get 4 stories out of one little idea that I had but I'm forever grateful for the support I received on this platform. Looking back I can definitely see how my writing style has evolved yet I still have the same core values running through. I always love playing with people's emotions & pushing the characters out of their comfort zones. I know that a lot of people want Zammie constantly, but to me, it's not interesting if it's a straight forward love story - relationships are never that simple and neither are these characters. They're complex & brave & vulnerable & they evolve much as they do throughout the 6 stories as well as within fanfiction. Everyone has a different interpretation of the characters and I'm so glad that I can explore my interpretation of the characters and for it to be so well received by everyone. So thank you so much! I've LOVED seeing all your reviews on the chapters & each one has made me smile so I hope you know that :). xxx

GallagherGirlsEmbassyRowFan: Yes, I'm finally back! It's been too long and I apologise for that. I really wish that I could have come back earlier but I've been focused on reality (which is NOWHERE near as interesting). I can't wait to share with you what happens next. xxx