The end of their holiday came too quickly for the Sutherland/Connor family. It had taken time but by the end of the holiday, Grace was completely relaxed with both her grandparents and became more accustomed to spending individual and quality time with them. She enjoyed it when they spoilt her as it wasn't something that she was used to.

Grace was emotional when they got to the airport. Being in care, she became accustomed to people leaving her and saying goodbye. Within the first few years, she learnt the importance of not getting close to people because saying goodbye hurt. Now that she was with her mother, she didn't think it was something that she was going to have to go through again.

"Remember it's not goodbye, it's see you soon" Dot said as she kissed her granddaughter's head wiping the tear that was coming down her face. Dot didn't like seeing her granddaughter so upset. She pulled the girl into her arms again. Before Grace moved onto her grandfather. She liked the feel of her grandfather's hugs, they were nothing like the feel of Dave and that made her feel so much better.

"Come on baby" Maria said as she put her arm around her daughter, and they walked through security. Maria hated seeing her daughter so upset but then she knew that the more they visited Cyprus, the more the girl would get used to leaving knowing that she was going to return.

They went through the family lane at the airport and were quickly in the departure gate. It wasn't until they were through that they saw their flight had just been delayed by 2 hours. Maria cursed if she had known earlier they would have stayed with her parents for a bit longer. She noticed that both children were getting cranky already, she was glad her mother had made them a large lunch to keep them going but now the children were full and tired. She guided them over to a row of spare seats. They placed their bags down and Maria put the stroller seat back. Liam feel asleep not long after he sat down and Grace lifted her knees onto the seat beside her and snuggled up against her mother.

"Close your eyes" Maria said as she stroked the hair out of her daughter's face. Grace nodded and did what her mother asked. Within minutes, she drifted into a gentle sleep.

Maria stayed where she was with her two sleeping children for 2 hours before deciding to wake them both up. She wanted them to get organised for their flight. They disappeared to the shops to buy some snacks before having a look around. Their flight details came onto the screen and they headed to their gate.

It was getting late now, and Maria just wanted to get home. They were able to board quickly and soon up in the air. The flight felt like it went on for ever and when they arrived at the airport they were all ready for bed. Marcus was picking them up and all three of them fell into his arms on arrival. They were shattered and just wanted to get into bed.

They all clambered into his car and he drove them back to the street. Grace and Liam were dead on their feet as they stumbled up the stairs. Marcus took Liam into his room to get him changed and Maria took Grace into her's.

"Come on, jammies on" Maria said as she found the girl a new pair of pyjamas. She handed them to Grace and the girl quickly stripped off.

"Nip to the bathroom and I'll sort your bed out" The woman demanded. Grace nodded and rolled to the bathroom and returned less than 5 minutes later. She flopped down on the bed, allowing her mother to help her get comfortable underneath the covers. Grace put her arms around her mother not allowing her to move.

"Do you want a quick cuddle?" Maria asked and Grace nodded. She was nearly sleeping but she just wanted her mother's comfort.

"Are you okay about leaving nana and papa?" Maria asked wanting to check that the girl wasn't still upset. Grace nodded, she had her eyes closed but she was still listening.

"I know that I can see them again, it was just at that moment. I don't know, it just made me feel how I felt when everyone I liked left me when I was in care" Grace mumbled. Maria knew the girl was also more honest when she was tired. She didn't overthink everything.

"It must have been hard and I'm not going to promise that you are never going to have people leave you again in life because that's probably going to happen. But I will never leave you and I will support you during any difficult time you have" Maria explained.

"I felt better when you put your arm around me" Grace mumbled. Maria smiled at her young daughter in her arms.

"I'm glad, I always want to make you feel better" Maria explained. Grace nodded before drifting up to sleep. Maria stayed with the girl until she was sure that she was in a deep sleep and she left the room.

"You took longer than I thought" Marcus said.

"Sorry, I was just speaking with Grace" Maria admitted. "She was basically sleeping but she was just being so cuddly"

Marcus smiled.

"I've missed you so much." Marcus said as she locked lips with his girlfriend.

"I missed you too" Maria said before kissing him back.

"Shall we go to bed?" Marcus asked as he guided his girlfriend into her room. Maria laughed and allowed him to guide her.

Sorry it's short. Hope its okay :) Please review.