A/N Well, people seemed to like the first chapter, and I'm not feeling too great so I thought I'd update instead of doing anything useful! XD Hope you enjoy it. :-)

Thanks to Linneagb, Liveyourdaydream and Holly for reviewing, they made me so happy! :-D

I was also talking to Linneagb, about names of characters in this story. I'm naming people (and toys) after real people I met whilst doing the show, and was wondering whether it would be OK, for safety reasons. However, I am only going to give first names and maybe ages, like of Charlotte (as I don't know anything else), so any surnames are made up. People characters may have similar appearances as well (as Charlotte and her mum are based on real people), but I'm using actresses to portray them, so am not giving photos. I just thought I'd put it here, in case I mention it later and someone else brings it up. :-) (Sorry if that all sounded a bit, well, forcefully justifying, in a way, I just wanted to clear up any of those types of issues before I had a big argument on my hands, as I'd love to keep the names the same so I can enjoy writing it, so hopefully you'll enjoy reading it more. :-) )

Anyway, on a more positive note, I have some more explanations. XD The chapter titles are going to be titles (or lines and titles, like the previous chapter) of songs from the show, in order, which I will try and make work somehow. XD And the cover picture is of Bella, the little real dog they used for the show, who I got to have next to me for the photo (and then stroke as a result! XD). (If you look you can see a pink dress to the left of her, that's mine! :-D)

Charlotte POV

I was worrying about Tracy for the whole of the tour.

Tee took me around the downstairs, then the first floor of bedrooms, around the second floor of bedrooms and info the attic, and then back down and round to her room.

"I was thinking we could share my bedroom, because there aren't any spare," she said, opening the door.

I looked around. The walls were colourful, one red with patterns and masks, the other blue with silver spirals. The door and wardrobe were red and green striped, and the large window had yellow curtains.

"It's really nice," I said. "Where would my bed go?"

Tee looked thoughtful. "I don't know." She looked around. "We'll have to ask Mike."

"OK," I said.

Tee smiled at me. "Should we go and ask him now?"

"Yeah, OK," I said, nodding.

And with that we both went down to the office.

When we got down to the office Mike was sitting in the office, looking sad.

"Mike?" asked Tee. "Are you alright?"

Mike looked up and smiled. "Yeah, I'm fine." He saw me. "What can I do for you, girls?"

"Um, we were wondering about where Charlotte could sleep," said Tee. "We were thinking she could sleep in my room, but we can't work out how to fit a bed.

Mike sighed thoughtfully. "Um..." He paused. "I don't think we can fit another bed in your room, Tee." He paused again. "There's space in Elektra's room, but I'm not putting Charlotte in there."

"Yeah, Elektra's really mean," agreed Tee.

"So what we could do is get Sapphire to share with Elektra, just until she moves out, and put Charlotte in her room," said Mike. He had a think, sorting out in his head where everyone would go. "So that's Carmen and Lily, Sapphire and Elektra, Harry, Toby, Frank, Charlotte, Liam, Johnny, Tee, Gus... And Tracy's having the spare staff bedroom, so that..."

I picked up on what Mike had said immediately. "Tracy's staying here too?"

Mike nodded. "Yeah, just for a few nights." He gave me a reassuring smile. "She still works here, so you'll see her during the day after that, don't worry."

I wasn't worried about not seeing Tracy, and I'd known I'd see her anyway.

I was worried about why Tracy was staying overnight, because that meant she was sad.

And I didn't want her to be.

"Should I show you to your room?" asked Mike.

I nodded.

Mike smiled. "Come on, then."

I got up, picking up my rucksack I'd left on the floor earlier, and then followed Mike upstairs.

When we got to the room Mike knocked on the door, before waiting for a reply.

There wasn't one.

He knocked again, and when a reply didn't come, he opened the door.

As we went in I looked around the room. It was very arty, the walls covered in one big picture, with photos of the people who lived here.

And it was big.

"I'll have a word with Sapphire, but for now you can start unpacking your things," said Mike.

I smiled. "Thank you."

Mike gave me a smile back, before he left the room.

I was still sad from Mum leaving me, but I knew one thing that would cheer me up.

Dancing.

I began to sing a tune, dancing along to the music, spinning round and round.

And then I hit something.

It was a huge painting, being held up by an easel.

Well, it had been, anyway.

The painting flew into the chest of drawers, the corner making a huge hole in the painting.

And I fled.

I ran until I was in the garden. There was no one about, so I crawled onto some seats and curled into a small ball.

I lifted my head as a gentle hand was placed on my shoulder, and looked up to see Tracy, tears in her own eyes.

"Do you want me to take you to Mike?" she asked.

I didn't reply. I crawled over to where she'd sat down, wrapping my arms around her and giving her a big hug, trying to make her happy.

"Why are you sad?" I asked.

She took a deep, shaky breath. "My mum's gone to America too, for a job."

I looked up at Tracy in sad shock. Her mum had gone to America? And left her all on her own?

That was so mean.

"She thinks I love being on my own," said Tracy, hugging me tight. She paused as she began to cry. "But I don't. I hate it."

I could see how upset Tracy was, just by how much she was now crying. I hugged her tight, wishing I could do something to make it better.

"I'm sorry," said Tracy. "You're just a kid, I shouldn't be telling you all this."

I looked up at Tracy. "But it's hurting you. It's making you sad."

Tracy nodded.

We sat there for a few minutes, silently comforting each other.

And then Sapphire ran over to us.

"Charlotte!" she yelled angrily. "Did you ruin my painting?"

I gave a small, frightened nod.

Immediately she tried to get me, but Tracy stopped her, shielding me.

"Sapphire, leave her alone!" said Tracy. "I'm sure she didn't mean to."

"First she nicks my room, and then she destroys my painting!" yelled Sapphire. "Why should I leave her alone?"

"Because her mum's left her to go to New York!" yelled Tracy.

Tracy POV

I stopped as soon as I'd said it. Charlotte's mum probably wasn't even going to New York.

But mine had.

As the tears began to flow I ran inside, desperately looking for Mike.

And I found him.

It was like he knew exactly what was wrong. He gently sat me down at the kitchen counter, pushed the tea he'd been making in front of me, and then sat down beside me, enveloping me in a hug.

He held me as I began to shake, the sobs wracking my whole body.

"Shh," he said gently. "It's OK, you're alright, I'm here, I've got you."

"Cam..." I said, breaking off as another sob overtook me.

"I know, I know," said Mike. "But I'm still here, and I'm not leaving."

That promise filled me with relief.

Mike was never leaving.

Suddenly we heard a scream, and both our heads went up.

Charlotte!

I ran outside as quickly as I could, Mike following close behind...

Charlotte POV

Sapphire was angry.

Very angry.

Very, very angry.

As soon as Tracy was gone she pushed me to the ground, not letting me go. I screamed.

"I've spent months on that painting!" she said. "And you've put a huge hole in it!"

I swallowed. "I really didn't mean to," I said. "I was just dancing."

"In my room!" said Sapphire.

Suddenly Mike and Tracy were there, Mike grabbing Sapphire, Tracy gently lifting me up, giving me a hug.

"Back off, Sapphire," she said. "She's only little."

"She completely ruined my painting!" said Sapphire.

"By accident," said Tracy. She looked to Mike, who gave her a reassuring smile.

"I didn't mean to," I said, turning to Sapphire. "I'm really sorry."

Sapphire still looked ready to kill me, but I pretended to be brave.

"Come on," said Tracy. "Let's just all go inside, and make friends. Yeah?"

I watched Sapphire nervously, and something went through her head, before she finally spoke.

"OK, fine, whatever."

I sighed in relief, as did Tracy.

"Come on, then," said Mike. He waited for me and Sapphire to do it, before turning to Tracy. "You coming?"

Tracy POV

I slowly shook my head, sitting down on the car seats, needing some time alone.

"Come on," said Mike. When I didn't move he knelt down beside me. "I know it's hard, Trace." He gave me a reassuring smile. "I just want to do what's best for you." He sighed. "And I'm not completely sure what that is."

"I just, need some time alone, just to, think, and stuff," I explained disjointedly.

"Come with me first," said Mike. He held out his hand, and I slowly took it, before following him into the kitchen.

When we got there Mike sat me down on the same chair I'd been on before Charlotte had screamed, and pushed the tea in front of my again.

"That's my special tea, that is," said Mike. "Never fails to calm me down, that one."

"What's in it?" I asked.

Mike chuckled. "Sugar," he said. "Lots and lots of sugar. Six spoons to be precise."

I lifted the mug to my lips, taking a small sip. It was the sweetest tea I'd ever tasted.

"Mmm," I said, smiling. "That's really nice."

Mike smiled back. "Told you." He then looked at me seriously. "What was wrong earlier?"

I sighed. "I was trying to stop Sapphire having a go at Charlotte, and because her mum's going to America too, I gave that as a reason for her to leave her alone." I took a deep breath. "But I accidentally said she was going to New York, which is what Cam did, and then it all became too much, and..."

I trailed off as Mike pulled me into a small hug again, just trying to calm me slightly.

"You know it's going to be like this for a few days, don't you?" asked Mike.

I nodded, although a few days didn't seem nearly long enough for me to sort myself out.

"But you've got me, and you're staying for a few nights," Mike continued. "So if you ever need me, you can come and find me, yeah?"

I nodded. It felt weird that only this morning I'd still been completely on my own in this, and now I had Mike supporting me every step of the way.

"I'm glad I told you," I said quietly.

"So am I," said Mike, giving the top of my head a kiss.

Charlotte POV

I couldn't find anything to wear.

The kids had organised a surprise party for Tracy this afternoon, to try and cheer her up, and they'd told me to wear party clothes.

There was just one problem.

I didn't have any.

I'd left anything too small for me at home, knowing there was no point in carrying clothes I couldn't wear.

Well, apart from one thing.

It was a beautiful dress, white with sequins that sparkled everywhere.

But I hadn't worn it since I was six.

I tried to squeeze into it anyway, really wanting to wear it.

And then I heard it rip.

Tears came to my eyes straight away. Mum had bought me that dress, and it had always been my favourite.

But I couldn't wear it anymore.

I was just folding up the dress (having put my normal clothes back on) and putting it back in my bag when Carmen and Tee came in.

"Hi," said Carmen. "Um, Tee thought you might not have anything to wear for the party."

I nodded sadly.

"Well, I think I can help you," said Carmen. "I've still got all my old clothes, and I'm sure something will fit you."

"Really?" I asked.

"Yeah, come on," said Carmen, taking my hand and leading me to her room.

When we got there I looked around in amazement. The whole room was pink, covered in animal posters.

I loved it.

"Let's see," said Carmen, going over the the wardrobe. She opened it, taking out a pink dress with a gold sequin top, and held it up to me. "Try that on."

I did as I was told, taking my top and leggings off and putting the dress over my head, before I turned to Carmen.

She was smiling. "Wow!"

"It looks great on you," agreed Tee.

"It looks better on her than it did me," said Carmen. "You can keep it."

"Can I?" I said. I looked down at the dress. It really was pretty.

Carmen nodded. "Of course." She then looked at me. "I think I've got some shoes to go with that. And I could do your hair if you want."

I nodded, a big smile on my face.

She looked through the wardrobe, finding some flat pink shoes with a strap. I tried them on and they fitted perfectly.

I looked down at myself, smiling. "Thank you, Carmen."

Carmen smiled back. "You're welcome." She then came over, running her hand through my ponytail. "I think bunches would look good."

I smiled, nodding.

She sat me down, taking my ponytail out, and brushing my hair.

"Have you got another hair tie?" she asked. "And a brush?"

I nodded. "Yeah, they're in my bag." I looked to her. "Should I go and get them?"

Carmen nodded, and I ran to get them.

When I came back, Carmen sat me down again, before putting my hair into high bunches.

"You look amazing," said Tee, smiling at me.

I smiled back.

Lily then came in. "We need to get things ready for the party soon." She saw me. "Is that Carmen's dress?"

"Yeah, I gave it to her," answered Carmen.

"It really suits you," said Lily.

I smiled. "Thanks."

"I'll go and get changed," said Tee, leaving.

"Charlotte, do you want to go down to the living room?" suggested Carmen. "You could help set everything up."

I nodded. "OK," I said, before I headed down to the living room.

When I got there everyone was sorting things out for the party,

"Hi, Charlotte," said Gina, having seen me coming through the door. "Have you come to help?"

I nodded. "Yeah, Carmen told me to come down here."

She smiled at me. "Right, well if you go down to the kitchen, you can help the others bring up the food."

"OK," I said, and then I went down the stairs into the kitchen.

People were everywhere, putting food onto plates.

"I've come to help," I said, hoping they would tell me what to do.

"Um, I'm not sure we've got anything you can help with," said Johnny. "We've got enough people in here."

"Oh, OK," I said. "Is there anything else that needs doing?"

Everyone shook their heads and said no, and so I made my way back into the hall.

Tracy was coming the opposite way, deep in thought, and nearly walked into me.

"Oh, sorry," she said, noticing me just in time. "I wasn't looking where I was going."

I smiled at her. "That's OK."

She then walked past me, going down into the kitchen.

Mike then came down the corridor, smiling at me. "Hello, Charlotte. Are you alright?"

I nodded. "I just don't know what to do to help."

Mike gave me another smile. "Why don't you make sure Tracy doesn't come in?" he said. "If you go and stand near the back door and keep watch, then you can tell her to go somewhere else if she tries to come in. OK?"

Mike POV

I wanted to give Charlotte a job, because I could see on her face that she wanted to be useful, but at the same time I didn't want her getting in the way, or bothering Tracy.

I'd sent Tracy into the garden to get her out of the way, and to have some time on her own to relax.

And hopefully it would do her some good.

Charlotte nodded eagerly, before going back down the stairs to the kitchen.

I smiled to myself: this was going to be a great party.

Charlotte POV

I'd been standing at the door for about twenty minutes. The food was nearly ready, and everyone in the kitchen had told me loads of stories of things that had happened at Elm Tree House, some of them so funny I couldn't stop laughing.

Just then Lily came in, dressed in her party outfit. She smiled when she saw me.

"Hi, Charlotte," she said. "What're you doing?"

"Making sure Tracy doesn't come in," I replied.

"Well, Mike just told me to go and get her," said Lily. "Do you want to come?"

"OK," I said, smiling as I imagined Tracy's reaction to what we'd done.

"Come on, then," said Lily.

And with that we made our way into the garden to find Tracy.

A/N I think I'll end it there, as this has taken me forever and I'd like to get it up before I go to sleep, as I've spent the last two nights up until 1:00 reading and/ or writing, which is not a good idea! XD (And with it being Saturday tomorrow people might actually have time to read it, so I can see what you guys think. :-D) I know Sapphire was a bit OOC (out of character) in the chapter with the painting thing, but I based it a bit on how she reacted when Elektra cut off Jeff's leg, as I thought she'd be pretty angry with her painting being destroyed. Anyway, I just thought I'd give my reasoning before someone said that she wouldn't do that (although you still can, but at least you know why I did it).

In the last chapter, Linneagb commented on how my writing was getting better (thank you so much!), and I've been trying to get the characters to have their own voice and speak slightly differently (like in Charlotte's POV I'm trying not to use really long or complex words as she's only eight), so hopefully it's working! XD

The TBR super-fans among you (or maybe it's just me XD) may have noticed a reference to the 'Tracy Beaker Survival Files' (which my phone has on auto-correct as I type 'Beaker' and 'Survival' so little XD) in this chapter: the tea with six sugars is a reference to Tracy's quote about how with Lol and Bouncer from TSOTB "One without the other would be like tea without six sugars". I just thought I'd put it in, because when Tracy asked what was in the tea that made it special I thought of that quote, and I thought it would be cool. :-)

Lastly (I think I need to start making my A/Ns shorter, as this one's so long it now has paragraphs! XD), the dresses I mention in this that Charlotte wears are on a polyvore on my account (details are in the previous chapter), so you can see the actual dresses rather than just imagining them. :-) Anyway, really hope you liked this chapter, very sorry about the A/Ns (both at the beginning and the end; if you read them all I'll be impressed! XD), please review! :-D