It was Saturday morning and Maria had just arrived at the children's home to take Grace home. She had had an enjoyable goodbye party last night and now she was ready to move in with her mother. It is what she has been waiting on for so long. She still couldn't believe that this was actually happening.

Maria arrived at 11 o'clock as planned. She made the visit quick and said hello to the care workers as they helped her pack the last of Grace's belongings into her car. She knew that it was stated that when moving a child it is important to allow them to say goodbye but not to prolong it. Grace was also aware that she could get in touch with any of her care workers any time she needed and that she could also visit them whenever she wished. However, Grace was ready for a new state.

Once in the car, they drove home. They spoke about what their plans were next week. Maria still had another week off and it was now the Easter Holidays, it was the key time for them to spend quality time together. Although Maria knew that she wouldn't be able to go away with the children, it was too soon after Grace's arrival, she would ensure that she took day trips with the children. There was plenty of activities on around Manchester that she could take them too.

They arrived at the flat and took the rest of the belongings into Grace's bedroom. Throughout her 9 days transition period, she had gradually moved in all her things from the care home and now it really was starting to look like her bedroom. Maria had gone to the shops a couple of times and collected things for the room to make it more personal. She had also told that the girl that they could paint it and go shopping for anything else later in the week.

It was then time for lunch, Maria made them a picnic and then they walked to the local park. It was nice for Maria to sit back and watch her children play. It was beneficial for both of them. After 45 minutes of playing, she called them over to eat.

"You know, I helped out with a little boy at the care home called Tom" Grace said, and Maria smiled.

"I didn't know that. I'm sure he'll miss you" Maria said, and Grace nodded.

"I think he will, but he's be okay. I think he will get adopted soon anyway. He is 6 so a bit older than Liam. I didn't realise that I could help him until I started helping with Liam and now he comes to see me all the time" Grace said and again Maria smiled. She loved the positive affect that Liam had had on Grace. Liam also loved having Grace with them so it was a win-win situation.

After eating, Liam and Grace disappeared to play for a bit longer before they returned complaining of being cold. Maria took them back to the flat where Liam disappeared to his room to play.

"Grace, I'd like to ask you something" Maria said as she sat on the sofa and encouraged Grace to sit beside her. Instantly she noticed how scared and worried her daughter looked.

"Don't worry, it's nothing to panic about" Maria said as she tried to calm the girl down and release her tension. Grace nodded but just wanted her mother to say whatever it was she wanted to speak about.

"After Easter, I want to give you the option as to whether you want to stay at your current school or make a fresh start?" Maria said and Grace nodded. Previously, she would have hated the idea of moving schools, she had been to 4 schools already since she started reception but she didn't mind the idea.

"I just thought that it could be a fresh start. Help you make new friends, perhaps in the right group. I know you have said in the past that you misbehave because of the friend group you have and how you feel that care kids have to misbehave. This could be a new you, you do not need to worry about the past anymore or being in care. You are back home with your family, where you belong" Maria explained. She was nervous and said this all in one breath. She did not want to sound mean but it might help Grace.

"Can I think about it?" Grace asked and Maria nodded.

"Of course, you can, whenever you are ready just let me know. I made some enquiries and they have space for you at the local high school. I also have the forms and they had added you to the class list but if you don't want to move them I'll just say you have changed your mind" Maria explained and she saw Grace's face drop slightly.

"I only did that because I thought that it would be difficult for you going back the second day of the new term if you did decide to move. It's still all your own choice" Maria explained and that was enough to relax Grace and she nodded to her mother. She still needed time to think about it but still she did like the idea that her mother had suggested. It made sense.

Grace headed to her room to listen to her music for a while. Maria hoped that she hadn't pushed Grace too much and made sure to check on her an hour or so later. Both children seemed happy and Marcus had the day off. She knew she needed to check with Grace first.

"Grace, do you mind if I have Marcus around for an hour or so?" Maria asked. She knew that it was important to incorporate Marcus into their routine so that Grace was used to him. The girl agreed but was barely listening to her mother.

Marcus arrived 20 minutes later and kept Maria company in the living room. Then both then started making dinner and called the children through. Maria was glad to see that Grace was started to relax in his company and didn't look so scared. She knew that it was important to gradually increase the amount of time she spent with Marcus and Grace so that they got used to each other. Grace and Marcus were even able to share some jokes which was lovely for Maria to see.

Once dinner was finished, Marcus tidied up while Maria put Liam to bed. Usually she'd ask Grace to shower during this time but knew it was not a good idea to do this while Marcus was around. She would just have to shower in the morning. Maria, Marcus and Grace all watched a movie together before Marcus left leaving Maria and Grace snuggled up on the sofa together.

"I can't believe I actually live here now" Grace admitted and Maria smiled.

"I'm so glad you live here too. Its been so long and we have both worked so hard to get to where we are" Maria said kissing the girl on the top of the head.

"Are you okay about what we said about the schools?" Maria asked and Grace nodded.

"I understand what you are saying and I think that moving schools would help me. It's different to the other times. For once, I'm moving schools for a positive reason" Grace explained, and Maria agreed. She understood what the girl was saying. She kissed her on the head and pulled her into her arms.

"I'm so proud of you sweetie" Maria said before cuddling for a bit longer.

Sorry it's been so long. Hope this is okay :)