Matt

Jangling his keys in his pocket, Matt was getting ready for another lonely evening in front of the TV. Usually he would be out with Steph but she had to check on Maxine. Lately Sambuca kept him company however she was allowed back with her mother today he sighed he loved that kid and wanted the best for her so if being back home was it he could live with that. Matt always knew it was going to be temporary however he didn't expect himself to get this attached well what could he expect after all he did watch Maxine and Stephs relationship develop over the past year. He decided he would ask Steph what to do how to cope with a foster kid moving on as well Maxine was leaving school in a couple of months.

As he reached his door he noticed sam sitting outside. She looked pale shocked and her eyes were red from crying.

matt comes up the stairs* sam? What are you doing here?

looks up has been crying and panicked* *sitting down* sorry sir I had no where else to go

looks shocked, holds out his arms for a hug* come here.

Why don't you come in and tell me what's happened

Okay *walks in* well it's our Earl sir he's... well it's complicated *draws shaky breath*

It's okay, why don't I get us some tea. Calm you down a bit

Okay that sounds good sir

Matt couldn't quite believe it what on earth could have happened in the couple of hours since the end of school to make Sam this upset.

goes to the kitchen and makes the tea* *comes back and hands it to her* so...

sips tea* its Earl he... he killed Maxine *looks at matt*

eyes wide*

What? Is this some kind of wind up, some practical joke?

He couldn't quite believe it he knew Earl was a trouble maker and a bit of a piece of work but he didn't know he was capable of murder. He honestly thought Earl loved Maxine so many thoughts running through his head. How, Why and When. Oh God... Steph and Janeece he knew how much Maxine meant to both of them especially Steph... sambuca was already talking he had to try and focus

No *voice goes shaky* the police came round our house apparently Maxine dumped Earl and Earl shot her two people were at the scene and miss mason had to be called.

So much was going through Matt's mind he had to help he wanted to. He knew if the shoe was on the other foot. Steph would of dropped everything to help him after all she was supportive when he first started fostering Sambuca.

"Oh my God, I need to call Steph"

Everyone's gonna hate us sir

Why don't I take you home? I'm sure your mum will want to see you

gets a text from Marley* no it's okay sir Marley says we all have to go the police station * gets stuff* thanks for everything and sorry I guess

"Come on sam, why don't I drop you off".Let me walk you there at least"

"Okay then I guess that'll be nice "

"I don't want you to be alone"

"Okay *gets his keys and coat* people won't hate you sam - it was always Earl people didn't like"

"I know I did try sir to warn people" *puts on coat*

"I know you did, but you know what ms Mason's like- she won't give up on anyone"

"Yea... I just hope that everyone will be okay"

"Everyone will be alright eventually"

"Hmm that's true it takes time to heal"

"Exactly"

walks to police station* "do you think the police will have to question us ask us what we know"

"Maybe"

"I mean do we really know anything"

"You might do You just might not know it"

thinks* yea thats true *enters the police station* thanks sir for walking with me. You coming in?

"No I won't, see you sam"

"See you sir"

As Matt walked away he felt a little pang of sadness in his heart. He wondered if he would ever see Sam again he desperately hoped he would as he loved having that kid around. He hoped that Sam knew that she wasn't to blame and she was given support to deal with this massive shock... they didn't need another kid's life to be ruined by earl Kelly.

"Alright I am just going to grab some money from the ATM. You can get on the bus with your students"

Matt and Steph ushered the kids onto the bus. Suddenly Matt heard a loud commotion and went to the side of the bus to look at what was happening. He noticed Steph's eyes widen and fix on the couple fighting. All of the kids were filming it now. Matt knew why... why Steph had now gone pale and the kids were watching it with such intensity.

"I hope they are okay"

"I keep thinking... that poor girl"

"Should we do something"

"I don't trust myself anymore Matt"

"What happened with Maxine.. it wasn't your fault"

"It was, I should of seen the signs"

"No one did and by the the point we did it was too late"

Steph took her eyes off Matt and gazed off into the distant. Eyes started to widen.

"I'm sure they'll work it out"

"I can't stop thinking about what would of happend if I had listened to her"

Matt put his arm around Steph and pulled her closer to him. He just wished he had the right words to say to Steph but deep down he knew that his friend would never be the same again. The problem is Maxine's death had not only shattered the school but also changed everyone forever. There was no way Matt would be the same teacher or person wise. He went onto the school coach at looked at all the faces going about their normal lives. Though they may not of been affected to the extent that some people had. There was no doubt that their school experience would be shaped by it.

"The winner of north west choir of the year is... Waterloo Road" Matt couldn't believe it never in a million years did he ever expect to win. He dropped to the ground letting out all the adrenaline in his body out. He saw the cheers and grins of everyone in the crowd and he saw Steph's smile as he looked over. He knew that this moment meant a lot to the school.. after months of pain and anguish there was finally something good to celebrate.. he remembered Sambuca's speech that in his opinion won this.. "he fostered me when I needed fostering". Matt sighed this school was unique he knew that whatever school he worked at it wouldn't be as unique as this. The teachers literally take in the kids like they are their own. He has never seen it before and probably wouldn't again. Fostering Sambuca was a experience that he loved every moment of however he knew that their was one kid. One kid who deserved to have a happy ending. A kid who was one of the reasons why he pushed forward with his plans to foster. As he smiled at all the kids and teachers clapping him he was glad. Glad that he was part of the reason why moral was now high. Yes that song had only been written in half an hour but it was not only for the competition but also a message for Maxine that Waterloo Road would never forget her that she truly changed the school forever.

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