He couldn't believe what he was reading. His eyes kept scanning over that text as he filled with anger. Earl had killed Maxine. He dropped his phone and kicked his kit bag. Rob looked over worried and asked Bolton what was up.

"I need to leave"

Bolton ran the whole way home he knew that Janeece might need him. How could he face her knowing what he had done. If he and Paul had told the police about the gun none of this would of happened. Sickness and fear ran through him as he threw up. What was everyone going to think he was a coward through and through. He got to his doorstep where Janeece was huddled in a corner with tears streaming down her face and her mascara smudged. He took off his jacket and placed it around her shoulders and sat down next to her.

"Shes gone Bolton, Earl killed her"

Janeece started sobbing leading to Bolton pulling her into his chest and rubbing her back.

"It's okay Jan. I'm here"

"I tried to save her"

Bolton took her hands and held her to him as he led her inside his house. He sat her down on the couch his mum came in concerned. Bolton left to talk to her.

"What's she doing her"

"Turn on the news mum"

As Bolton went back to comfort Janeece he heard the faint sound of the news. Janeece just sobbed into his chest he worried she would be able to hear but she was too wrapped in her grief.

Bolton felt his lungs sieze up it was wrong that Maxine was killed and he hated Earl for that but the fact that Janeece was there made it even harder. How was he going to go into school every day and face everyone knowing what he had done.

Paul had just sat down for his dinner with his foster parents. The TV was blaring showing news coverage.

"Good day Paul?"

"Yea it was alright thanks"

"Oh that poor girl"

"I know so sad isn't it"

Paul looked up to see his parents talking about the latest news story.

"Paul isn't that your form tutor and head teacher"

Paul froze. He turned up the volume on the TV praying that it was just a coincidence that the girl they were talking about wasn't who he thought it was.

"If you are joining us now we report the murder of local girl Maxine Barlow. She was shot dead by her boyfriend Earl Kelly. 2 other witnesses were at the scene"

Paul suddenly didn't feel hungry any more. He glanced up at the TV to see Miss Haydock being led out by Miss Mason then a crowd of people standing around a body bag: he now felt psychically sick. Earl Kelly didn't kill Maxine he did. He was going to have to walk into school every day and look at the faces of Maxine's family and friends.

He pushed his chair back and went upstairs to his room where he suddenly felt a suddenly burst of anger and sadness. Dropping to the floor head in his hands he sobbed. Sobbed because he made a mistake and would have to live with that forever, because of him someone who he and his friends cared about was now dead. He only wished he had done more. Said more. Acted more to protect Maxine.Taking his phone out he sent a text to Bolton. No matter what Bolton thought he needed to face up to what they both did.

He couldn't believe it.. after what happened how could Danielle, Aleesha and Miss Haydock joke about it. He knew Miss Haydock was hungover and in a bad way but something so frustrating had happened . He was meant to be the tough guy yet he couldn't be the tough guy with Earl. Bolton never had to deal with a situation like this he had always not cared about the consequences yet now he did.

"What are they doing here"

Paul was full of disbelief, he didn't ever expect to see the Kelly's back at school yet here he was. He was worried.. worried that Bolton and his secret would be revealed. Paul thought it was kind of soon. Maxine hadn't been dead for a full week and they were already back at school. He decided to go and tell Bolton. He knew that he would not be happy.

Bolton had no idea what he was doing. His heart was racing. Blood boiling his fist made contact with Marley's face and he lost it. Next thing he knew he was being pulled off... Paul and Miss Mason yelling on him. He felt he was delivering justice for Maxine. All attempts of concealing the secret was now over. He noticed in the corner of his eye Janeece was standing eyes open looking at the scene that was unfolding. She looked so confused and heartbroken.. she didn't understand what he was doing however he knew she couldn't find out. Mr Lawson pushed him to start walking down the hall.

Paul was bewildered. Yes the Kellys's should not of come back to school but he never expected Bolton to react in that way. How were they meant to stay quite now. Miss Mason was definitely going to ask him why Bolton punched Marley and he wasn't going to lie.

Bolton knew his anger was misdirected but now he was even more annoyed. Those words that

Mr Clarkson had just uttered stung Bolton in the heart. Miss Mason was the one teacher who he had a connection with and now she might be leaving. He blamed himself if he had been honest this could all of been avoided. He decided if she stayed he would tell the police what he knew.

Paul smiled sadly as he held onto the ballon about to release it. He was glad that finally justice was done. Now everyone could focus on healing and moving on from this period of time. He was happy that Bolton had finally told the truth and Denzil had been released

Bolton came out of the changing room with everyone cheering his name he felt good. He looked towards Janeece and winked he was going to win the match and he would win it for Maxine he knew she'd like that.

Paul was dancing with Karla and pulled her into a hug. He'd make sure any girl he was friends or dating in the future he wasn't a coward and looked after them. He had a lot to thank Maxine for if it wasn't for Maxine he wouldn't be with loving foster parents have great friends. Maxine set the path for future kids to have support if they were ever in trouble.

Bolton covered his ears with the gun in his hand. He had locked everyone in the room and had images running through his head. His best friend getting shot in battle.. Sam dying and returning for her funeral. Janeece crumpled on that doorstep and sobbing. Miss Haydocks empty look on the day of the court case and Miss Masons the one person who believed in him and cared about him how would she feel now to see him like this she'd be so disappointed but he had become the one person he'd vowed to never become. He pointed the gun at Kevin who Rhiannon had told him was another foster kid he grimaced he couldn't go back he really couldn't but he also couldn't end this kids life. He had the opportunity to tun around change the narrative but he couldn't move. He closed his eyes and lowered the gun and dropped it to the floor. He thought he'd moved on but all these years later it still affected him the failure to look out for Maxine. But maybe this was Maxine's way of telling him to move on to let go. He sniffed he was going to move on and let go and make them proud he was going to be as Mr Budgen put it 'the diamond in the rough'