The week had gone as planned and having spoken to Rachel a couple of times this week; they were clearly on track to having Grace move in on Saturday. Maria was relieved that she had a week off as she was exhausted. Tuesday night had gone to plan, and it had stated that Grace was to get ready for bed at Maria's. Maria took this as a prime opportunity to ensure that Grace had a shower. She knew that she needed to get this fear out of the girl. They could discuss it in more detail when she moved in but just now it was important that she at least got in the shower. Maria had moved a chair next to the bathroom door and when in the shower, Grace took the chair into the bathroom with her and barricaded the door with it.

Wednesday had been their day off, but Grace had phoned Maria at night to say goodnight. This was important as it ensured continuity and allowed Grace to feel safe and in control.

It was now Thursday, and Grace had just finished school. Maria was picking the girl up and had Liam in the back of the car.

"We are going for dinner tonight" Maria said and Liam cheered.

"Where are we going?" Grace asked.

"Just to the pub but Marcus will be joining us" Maria explained.

"Who's Marcus?" Grace asked.

"He's my boyfriend" Maria said wondering what Grace's reaction would be. Grace just nodded and then stayed silent the rest of the way home. Maria was taken Rachel's advice and meeting Marcus in a public setting. He also would not be going back to their flat which would leave Maria and Grace the night alone to make Grace feel more comfortable.

When they arrived home, Maria got Liam settled while Grace completed some of her homework. Maria helped the girl where needed.

"It's just going to be dinner with Marcus. He isn't coming back here" Maria explained. Grace nodded and thought for a moment.

"Is he nice to you?" She asked nervously and Maria nodded.

"Very nice. He's a midwife as well" Maria explained, and Grace nodded. Maybe she could meet him. They continued for a bit longer before it was time to go out for dinner. They arrived at the pub and Liam had spoken the whole time about how he was going to sit next to Marcus. So when they arrived, he jumped to the other side and slide in. Maria was stood debating what to do with Grace. She didn't want the girl to feel suffocated by her sliding in first but then she also didn't want her feeling uncomfortable being directly across from Marcus. Luckily the decision was taken from Maria's hand when Grace slide into the booth moving along to make room for her mother.

Once they were all settled, Marcus walked in. Liam shouted out for him and he picked the boy up and kissed the top of his head. Maria also stood up and allowed Marcus to kiss her on the cheek.

"This is Grace" Maria said introducing her daughter. She made sure to position herself between Marcus and Grace to act as a security between them. Grace smiled unsure what to do.

"Hello Grace, it's so nice to finally meet you. Your mum has told me so much about you, and Liam" he said and instantly made Grace relax and feel more comfortable.

They sat down and ordered drinks. Maria got herself a gin and tonic as they could just walk home. It was only going to be one drink anyway.

"Can I have whatever I want?" Grace mumbled to Maria and the woman nodded.

"Am I allowed fizzy drinks?" Grace mumbled again embarrassed that she didn't know the basic rules her family followed.

"Sure, as long as it's just one" Maria said reassuring the girl. Grace nodded and ordered herself a fanta. She relaxed as Maria helped her with the menu. Although the girl could read, Maria still knew that she was nervous and unsure what to do.

Their food came quickly, and they ate happily. The conversation floated positively, and Maria could feel Grace relax. Both Grace and Liam had had a children's meals, so they got them a dessert to share.

They stayed until 7:30 before going home as Liam was shattered. They said their goodbyes and Marcus headed home. As they walked home, Maria spoke with Grace. She needed to check that the girl was okay.

"Was that okay?" Maria asked and Grace nodded.

"Marcus won't stay over until you are ready" Maria explained.

"Does he normally stay over?" Grace asked.

"Usually a couple of times a week but he will stop until you are ready" Maria said.

"You don't need to stop just for me" Grace said.

"I do, I want to make sure that you feel comfortable" Maria explained. They arrived home and Maria knew that she needed to get Liam to bed as he was almost asleep on his feet.

"Right, Grace I want you to have a shower while I put Liam to bed" Maria explained.

"But doesn't he need into the bathroom?" Grace asked.

"He can use my ensuite" Maria explained. Grace sighed but agreed. As soon as they were in the house, Maria changed Liam into his pyjamas and then took him to her ensuite to brush his teeth. On her way out, she ensured that Grace was in the bathroom. She was and the chair from outside had been moved meaning it was in the bathroom with Grace. She would place it under the door handle to stop people getting in even though there was a lock on the door.

Once Liam was in bed, Maria read him a story. Maria had just gotten comfortable and opened the first page when she noticed Liam fidgeting.

"Didn't you go to the toilet?" Maria asked. She had left him to go. Liam shook his head.

"Go now" Maria said as she helped Liam climb over her and run to the bathroom. She was just about to remind him to go to her ensuite when she heard a scream.

"Liam, my ensuite now" Maria said as she grabbed her phone. Usually she'd call Marcus or Kirk but she knew a male in the flat would not help. She opted for Michelle. Luckily, Michelle was able to come instantly and arrived just as Liam was getting back into bed.

"Can you please read Liam a story while I deal with Grace?" Maria asked and Michelle agreed.

"Grace, I'm so sorry. That was Liam. Can you please open the door for me?" Maria asked. She did not know what to do. She managed to unpick the lock but knew the chair would be in the way. She stepped back and gave the door a really good push and it opened. Maria was surprised to see that it was just placed in front of the door, previously it had been tilted and locked under the door handle perhaps the girl was feeling more secure already.

Grace was in the far side of the bathroom with a towel pulled around her sobbing. Maria ran over to her and pulled her into her arms, not even caring if the girl was soaking wet. Maria managed to encourage the girl into her bedroom and Maria dried the girl's hair. This made her feel calmer and more ready to speak.

Once her hair was dried, Maria instructed the girl to get changed into her pyjamas while she thanked Michelle. She wouldn't ruin the trust of her daughter by telling Michelle what was going on but did owe the woman a bit of an explanation.

"Thank you so much, Grace has been through a lot and can get really upset" Maria said and Michelle shook her head.

"Don't worry about it. That poor girl, she sounded terrified. I'm glad she is settled now" Michelle said before leaving. Maria checked that Liam was sleeping and then met Grace as she came out of her room.

"Do you want to speak about it?" Maria asked and Grace shook her head.

"I will speak to you at some point but I'm just not ready now" Grace explained, and Maria nodded.

Maria encouraged the girl over to the sofa and then snuggled up with her pulling the girl on top of her and getting comfortable. She kissed the top of the girl's head and then rubbed her back. Grace drifted to sleep on Maria and the woman let her stay like this until 11 o'clock where she encouraged the teenager into her own room and then went to bed herself.