Thank you for all the reviews on chapter one, it's made me happier about continuing. This chapter won't be as detailed about everyday life as last time and hopefully it won't be as long.

For those who read chapter one before my slight change and couldn't find what I have changed this is it. It's near the beginning just after Ana joins Christian and Phoebe in the kitchen:

'Phoebe didn't like her parents making out in front of her and her brothers but it showed that they were still completely in love after nearly 20 years of marriage. Their wedding anniversary was in three months and there was a lot to put together for the celebration the family was organising for them, behind their backs. It was more like a ball, there were so many guests going. Hence all the early planning.'

I have also changed the security for the kids. Teddy's security guard is called Ryan, Phoebe's is called Mason, (thought I haven't mentioned it yet) Nick's is called Jennings, James has Richards and Ashley's is called Jenson.

After that everything's the same:

Chapter 2: The Revenge

Christian sat in his office for over an hour thinking about how lucky he was with his family, when a soft know at the door alerted him that either Ana or Phoebe was there. He admitted them kindly and saw Phoebe enter quietly. She smiled at him and he smiled back as she walked over to him, he moved out from behind his desk as she neared letting her curl up on his lap like she often did when she was really tired, wanted something or if she was upset. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close as he kissed her forehead. He loved these moments with his baby girl and he wouldn't trade them in for the world. "You ok, Cupcake?" he asked. She nodded and sniffed and he realised that she had been crying. "What's the matter?" he asked concerned.

"Nothing, dad." She said

"I know that's not true, Phoebe. Tell me," pushing her off his chest a little so he could look at her properly. She sighed and sniffed, wiping her nose with the back of her jumper.

"This thing with Nicky and Carly. It's getting to me a bit. Dad, I really like him and he dumped his girlfriend because he wants to go out with me, not her. My cheek still stings a bit," she said and tried a laugh. "Sorry, it's not your problem, dad. I'm just being stupid." She went to stand up but her wrapped his arms around her again.

"Whatever you do concerns me, Cupcake. If you're hurt, I like to know about it. It's bruised slightly so I'll be ringing Principle Gilbert in the morning."

"Dad, seriously. It was only a slap, it's not like she punched me," although it felt like a punch. She felt him tense up and sighed quickly. "But if it will make you feel better then fine." Another argument she knew she couldn't have won. Why shouldn't she let him ring the Principle? She had her little revenge plan sorted already. All she needed was to talk to Ava tomorrow and the most annoying boy in their year, Johnny. She was sick of being the one who always appeared weak, when really she was strong (considering there were 5 men to 2 women in their house). "I'm going to go and wash my hair," she said looking at him hopefully. He smiled and stood up with her and followed her out of his office. Christian's been washing Phoebe's hair for her since she was a very little girl and she loved it because she loved people playing with her hair.

When they got upstairs, Phoebe went to get a towel from her walk-in closet while Christian placed a chair in front of the sink so she could easily lean her head back. He liked washing Phoebe's hair, and Ana's for that matter when she'd let him as she tended to wash his more than he washed hers. He found her favourite mandarin (orange) shampoo and turned on the taps to get the right temperature. She re-entered the bathroom and gave him the towel. He told her to sit down and lean her head back. She had taken her jewellery off so he didn't have to worry about that. He then remembered that he still had the little matter of Phoebe lying to him about her test and thought of a way to bring it up without upsetting her. "So Phoebe, apart from Carly slapping you, how was school?" he asked picking up the cup that was nearby to pour the warm water over her head.

"Alright. Music went well as usual, I text you my test results, science was the usual sit down and make notes lesson and English gave me a look that said 'don't pull the same trick as your brother' as he thinks I'm anything like Teddy. A new kid started today, he's in our form and Mr Ryan gave Ava and me the privilege of looking after him and showing him around. And when I say Ava and I, I naturally mean just me as she decided not to bother with him,"

"Sounds like a busy day. Is that who the kid was hanging with you at the gate? He looked a little upset,"

"Yeah, he's worried that we're not allowed to be friends because of his mother," she said simply as he picked up the shampoo and squeezed some onto his hand. "I kind of got a bit honest about my life and told him how you only like me to hang with certain people. No dodgy backgrounds, you know?" Christian laughed.

"You make me sound like I over-exaggerate." He joked, "What's wrong with his mother anyway?"

"She's in prison for hitting him and his dad. And I only said that you were protective and like me to hang with people who won't have any unpleasant surprises up their sleeves." He stopped running his fingers through her hair as she said all this. Definitely not the kind of boy he'd want his daughter hanging around with.

"Phoebe, I don't want you hanging around with this boy, understand?" he said strictly. She sighed, about to reply but he interrupted her. "I mean it. If his mother has a history of violence, I'm pretty sure that when she gets out of prison, she will come looking for them. I don't want you to be involved in any of that,"

"Dad, how can I say that to him? I'm the only friend he's got at the moment, as he doesn't know anyone. It's not fair to ditch him just because you say so," she had a good point and he knew it. However, he had to think of something, as he couldn't let his daughter come to any kind of harm.

"Ok, let's make a deal," he replied, noticing they were making a lot of deals today, "introduce him to some other people in whatever classes you're in together and encourage people in his classes to hang out with him. Once he's made some friends you then don't have to bother with him," he rinsed the shampoo out of her hair, carefully avoiding her eyes with the water. She sighed and agreed knowing she wouldn't win the argument. Although it wouldn't really change anything. Kenny was her friend and if she wanted to hang out with him, she will. Christian can't control her life forever. "What's his name anyway?" he asked.

"Kenny,"

"Last name?" she thought for a minute. Mr Ryan introduced him as 'Kenny', no last name. Funny for a teacher who is obsessed with calling the students by their last name, Mr Ryan always forgets to introduce them with their last name. The same thing happened with Rebecca. She hadn't sat near him in science or English, and they didn't have music books at the moment as they were only doing rehearsals. None of the teachers had mentioned his last name and he didn't tell her. She told her father the honest answer but he asked again. Eventually he accepted the fact that she didn't know Kenny's last name and wrapped the towel around her head, to stop water dripping all over the place. It was eight thirty but Phoebe was getting ready to go to bed. Going to bed early means it was easier to get up earlier in the morning. The boys never understood why their sister like to get up and go to school and learn, but they gave up judging her about it. It would only end up in an argument.

He left her to get changed into her light grey nightshirt, then returned to brush through her hair and dry it. It was copper, like his and was long. It stopped at her elbows so drying it took some time but he didn't mind. He saw her smile in the mirror at the relaxation of him running his fingers through her hair. Her grey eyes met his, giving him comfort at the thought that his daughter still looked like she needed her daddy. She got warmth and comfort at the thought that she knew she could always rely on him. Eventually, when her hair was dry, he picked up a hair band and plaited it for her. It was a single plait that was quite thin so it wouldn't cause discomfort while she was sleeping. When he was finished she stood and kissed his cheek, wished him goodnight and slipped into bed. Christian watched his daughter fall asleep then continued to watch her sleep until Mrs Grey entered. She smiled before tapping him on the shoulder. It was nearly 10.30pm when she did, he hadn't notice the time fly, he didn't realised that he had spent so long watching Phoebe.

"She's not going anywhere, Christian," Ana whispered, gently.

"I know. I just like watching her sleep. It's some sort of reassurance and you know I need that," he said.

"Christian, it was twelve years ago," she replied knowing what he's thinking about. "I know, it was serious but she pulled through. Your mum was a literal lifesaver. Christian, she doesn't even remember being that ill. Yet every night for the last twelve years I come in here to find you just sitting, watching. Tonight's the latest you've stayed in a while. What's the matter? What happened?" he stood up and led his wife out of the room. He sighed.

"She had an argument with some girl at school and got slapped, although I think maybe punched, in the face. You saw her eye?" Ana nodded. "It just reminded me that, even though I try, I can't save her from everything. It reminded me of when she was so ill, nearly killed her. I was powerless to help her, Ana and I hate that,"

"But, you'll have to let her go eventually, Christian. One day she's going to get into something that you can't control. Relationships for example. Maybe one day when she has a family of her own and there's little people calling you granddad," she laughed and he looked mock scared.

"I think, Mrs Grey, I may have to lock our daughter up until she is thirty," he laughed. "Where are the boys?"

"I sent them to bed. James and Teddy went to bed at 9.00 as punishment for their behaviour and Nick and Ashley went to bed not too long ago. They were asking where you were. They wanted to say good-night,"

"I'll go and quickly check on them, in the meantime, Mrs Grey, I think you should go and get yourself into bed and I shall be with you shortly," he smiled his mischievous grin, she returned it before heading in the direction of their bedroom. What was she grinning about? Teddy was sitting on his bed staring out the window, quickly getting into his bed when Christian entered. They said goodnight and Christian went into Nick's room, next door to Teddy's, to find he was just falling asleep. He smiled at his father before his eyes closed completely. James, surprisingly, was asleep as well, snoring loudly symbolising that he was tired. Ashley, on the other hand, was wide-awake and busy jumping up and down on his bed. That's what Ana's mischievous smile was about. She couldn't get Ashley to settle down. He smiled and walked in taking his youngest child into his arms. "Ashley, it's time to go to bed."

"No! I'm not tired," he said stubbornly, crossing his arms. Oh! You're your mother's son all right.

"Ashley, mummy and daddy are tired and we all have to be up for school tomorrow. You don't want to be asleep in school do you?" he questioned. Ashley seemed to be thinking for a minute before he sighed.

"No. But I want a story first!" he said wiggling out of his father's arms and sitting on his mattress. Christian thought for a moment. Ana was waiting for him but he needed to get Ashley to sleep.

"Ok, a quick one. Which one do you want to hear?" Ashley thought hard. He looked like Ana so much, with his blue eyes and brunette hair. It made him smile.

"The one about the poor pretty girl who fell in love with the rich man," Ashley decided. Our story Christian thought. He and Ana often told the kids the story about the ordinary college girl who met the rich entrepreneur and fell in love. Leaving out the BDSM relationship. The kids didn't know it was their parent's story and it happened to be their favourite story.

"Ok. There was once a pretty little brown-haired woman who was an ordinary college girl named Amy. She was an innocent young lady who preferred her own company to others, reading a good book. She lived alone with her best friend, Kitty, and never did anything to harm others. One day, her best friend was very ill but had a meeting arranged with a rich business owner who didn't like to give interviews. It took her forever to organise it so she asked Amy to go for her. She did, but was very nervous, so nervous in fact; she stumbled and fell into his office. Do you know what happened after?" he asked his son.

"He helped her up and they thought the other was beautiful," Ashley giggled.

"That's right. She thought that the meeting went badly though and convinced herself that she wouldn't see him again. Until he turned up at her work and invited her out for a date. They met up often, had a bumpy ride," he said bouncing Ashley on his knee since he sat on the edge of the bed. "But they couldn't deny that they were in love with each other. Eventually, he asked her to marry him and she accepted, gladly." Ashley was starting to doze off. "They had a nice long honeymoon, relaxing in the sun. They settled down when they got home, had their own businesses and had a few children together. And they're still living happily ever after," Christian finished his story standing up, son in his arms, and putting him under the duvet. After kissing his forehead, Christian left the room, heading towards his own bedroom to find his wife lying down on the bed snoozing away softly. He smiled at the sight and flicked the light off, climbing in beside her and wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her close. With his nose in her hair, he inhaled her scent, drifting off into a peaceful, dreamless sleep.

The next morning was the same as any other morning in the Grey family. Christian and Phoebe were always up first and had a short conversation about what to expect in their day. Ana would be up shortly afterward, closely followed by Teddy and Nick. Christian would then have to go and wake the last two Grey children as they had issues with mornings. Once she'd 'eaten' Phoebe would go get dressed and ready for school and get back downstairs to find her brothers sitting around waiting to go to school, but couldn't be bothered to go early, like she did. She was leaving early again today but it was to organise her revenge plan on Carly. No one mentioned her black eye, but she knew it looked bad. Christian had already left by the time she came back downstairs as he had another important meeting. Her mother was leaving shortly as well and the rest of security would take her brothers in when it was time. She thought she'd get the bus, if her mum would let her.

"I'm off, mum," she said kissing Ana's cheek.

"Already? Again?" Ana asked.

"Yes, got more rehearsals to do today," it wasn't a complete lie but rehearsals were later in the day.

"Ok, how you getting there?"

"Well, since dad's already left I'll get the bus. I'll be fine mum, I'm meeting Ava. Not to mention I'll have Mason sitting nearby." Ana looked unsure but nodded anyway. She warned the boys not to tell Christian and gave Phoebe instructions to ring her as soon as she was in school. After saying goodbye to everyone, Phoebe ran out of the house, down the road and hopped on the bus. There she saw Ava, who looked shocked at the view of her cousin on the bus. Phoebe made her way over and sat down next to Ava.

"Is your dad ill?" she asked. Phoebe laughed.

"No, just went to work early. Mum wasn't sure about me getting the bus though. Gotta ring her when I get to school,"

"Blimey. I take it Christians not allowed to know?"

"What do you think, Grey?" she asked. The laughed only to be shushed by other passengers. At the next stop, Johnny got on the bus. Phoebe smiled and whispered to Ava. "I have decided to get revenge on Carly. Wanna help?"

"Thought you'd never ask. By the way your eye looks terrible. Does it hurt?"

"A little. But I'll live," Johnny sat near them and smiled.

"Morning ladies," he winked.

"Get lost Johnny," Ava said and Phoebe elbowed her lightly, whispering that she needs Johnny's help for her revenge.

"Morning, Johnny." Phoebe said sweetly. "Can I ask you for a favour?" he smiled at her.

"Depends what I get in return. What is it?"

"Not here. Wait till we get to school, meet me on the field before registration." She said and they said nothing else until the bus stopped outside their High School. Phoebe and Ava stepped off the bus together and Johnny followed. Phoebe quickly phoned Ana to let her know she was safe while Ava went to the toilet. Phoebe and Johnny went to the farthest side of the field out of sight. Mason hung back and didn't hear their conversation. She turned to him a batted her eyelids at him. "Johnny, how much do you like Carly?" she asked sweetly.

"She's a total bitch. Have you seen the way she treats Nicky? Thank God he got out of that relationship. Why do you ask?" he asked.

"I need you to get some revenge for me."

"I take it she done that to your eye?" he said grinning putting his hand up to her face. She slapped it away and scowled at him. He took the hint and put his hand down.

"Yes she did, now stop being your usual annoying self and listen." She took a bottle out of her bag and handed it to him. It looked like cola or something else like it.

"Don't drink it, Johnny. It's a special formula, designed to irritate the skin. I need you to be clumsy at lunch and 'accidentally' spill it on Carly. It will irritate her skin so much it will turn red. If you can, aim for her face. That way she will have a lovely red face for the show on Saturday."

"Isn't that dangerous?"

"No, it's not dangerous but don't get too close to the eyes. It won't damage them but I don't wanna take any chances. Can you help me out?" he thought for a minute.

"I think so, but what do I get in return?" she smiled. He always wanted something in return but he got results and never revealed whom he was working for.

"What do you want?" he pulled out a homework book.

"I want at least a C. Make it easy to copy up, yeah? Who would have thought you could be so evil," she grinned.

"Homework will be done, but only after you've held up your end of the deal," with that he slipped the bottle into his bag, she slipped his book into hers, he walked away as Ava turned up.

"So, what was that about?" she asked. Phoebe explained her revenge plan to Ava, who failed to understand where she fit in with the plan. She thought it was all good though. Carly needed to be taught a lesson. "That's great. What do I need to do?"

"I'm going to need you to help me and Nicky get together. That's another part of my revenge. I'm going to be happy with the boy I've had a crush on for years, while she watches with envy. Bitch-face Carly will learn not to mess with me," they laughed as they walked towards registration.

"So what did Johnny want in return?" Ava asked. Phoebe held up his German book.

"He wants a C at least," she said as they entered registration. Kenny was sitting in the seat in front of her usual seat again. She smiled and tapped his shoulder once she sat down. He turned and she pointed to the empty seat next to her but he just smiled and shook his head. She frowned, was about to ask if he was all right, when Mr Ryan walked in. He was in his usual happy mood.

"Good morning class. How are yo-? Good God Phoebe, what happened to you?" he asked taking in the fact her eye was slightly swollen and discoloured.

"Oh, you know me, sir. I'm a cluts. I just tripped and fell onto someone's fist that's all." She joked. He frowned but said nothing else and proceeded to take the register. "Grey number 1," he said grinning at Ava who smiled. "Grey number 2," he said and Phoebe announced she was there. When he got to 'L' there was a name she didn't recognise. "Loggins," who was that?

"Here, sir," Kenny said. Of course Kenny. She thought. He sounded sad and lonely. Once registration was finished went over to him.

"Kenny, are you ok?" she asked. He looked at her.

"Fine." He said coldly, "you?"

"Yeah, I guess. What's the matter?" she asked worried.

"Nothing. Why? What's the matter with you?"

"Nothing. Have I upset you?" he sighed and looked guilty.

"No. I was just trying to get over it. I know you can't be my friend Phoebe so I was trying to make you think I don't like you. Not working much is it?" he tried a smile. She smiled back. "Anyway, trying to get over you and that guy Nicky being together," she suddenly frowned.

"What about me and Nicky?" she asked, curious. Surely Ava hadn't managed to spread rumours already?

"That you're a couple? After he split up with Carly and she attacked you didn't you two get together?" he looked confused. Yes, Ava had managed to start rumours already. She smiled at the thought.

"I don't know. We haven't really talked about it yet," as if on cue, Nicky turned up behind her. He greeted her with ease, not like the other day when he was all nervous. She smiled. They'd been friends for years and since he'd gone out with Carly things had become awkward between them. Kenny excused himself and headed off to his lesson, leaving Phoebe and Nicky alone.

"So, we're a couple now are we?" he asked. She smiled a genuine smile. She didn't know why she'd felt so awkward lately.

"Apparently so. Do you want to be?" she asked. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulled her close, and smelled her hair.

"You know how much I want to be your boyfriend Phoebe. But do you want to be my girlfriend?" she smiled and nodded. He kissed her forehead and led her to her classroom, hand in hand. As she was heading towards English, however, she bumped into her older brother. "Hey Teddy," she said. He looked at her hand suspiciously in another boy's hand.

"So it's true?" he asked narrowing his eyes at Nicky. She sighed and nodded.

"Don't tell dad. I want to tell him. And it's only been official for ten minutes. Honestly, news travels fast." She snapped.

"I won't tell dad, but you'd better tell Mason. Before your phone starts ring-" he was interrupted by Taylor Swift's 'Haunted' filling the hall. Phoebe answered the phone call to her father, knowing if she rejected the call; it would end up in n argument later.

"Morning, daddy," she said causing Nicky to giggle. She elbowed him and gestured for him to go to his own class.

"Don't you 'daddy' me. What's this I hear about you having a boyfriend?" he snapped. She sighed.

"Dad, it's only two people of the opposite sex, hanging out and really liking each other. I really like him and he likes me. Don't worry, nothing's going to happen. I promise," she said. He sighed.

"If anything happens and I don't know about it that boy better run and remove his balls himself as I will find the most slow and painful way to remove them,"

"Thanks for the reassurance dad. I'll be sure to let him know. Anyway, I got to go, as I need to get into English. Love you,"

"Love you too, Cupcake. Oh! I also have rung the principle about what Carly did. She will want to talk to the two of you later." They hung up and Phoebe went to enjoy an hour and a half of impropriety in society while discussing Sense and Sensibility. That's one thing she inherited from her mother, her love for classic books. She later had Accounting, German and music. That was going to be the highlight of her day, going to her music class. She got to sit next to Kenny in English and helped him catch up on work that he'd missed. He didn't say much and didn't appear to be listening to her. She couldn't bear it.

"Kenny, what's the matter? You've been ignoring me all day," she insisted.

"I told you earlier. I'm trying to get over you and Nicky. And also trying to make some new friends, I know your dad wouldn't want me to be friends with you, given what you told me yesterday," she sighed.

"Kenny, I spoke to my dad. He said he didn't mind me being your friend, even if he did, I wouldn't pay much attention. I'm sick of him controlling everything in my life. Honestly, I want to be your friend Kenny. And don't worry about me and Nick. You could do better than someone like me," she said lightly touching his arm. He smiled but it was sad, but said nothing else. They walked out the classroom together at the end of the lesson, but didn't get very far when Ava was running along the corridor shouting Phoebe's name. Taking hold of her arm, she dragged her cousin away, excusing her from Kenny's company for the time being, and led her to Phoebe's locker.

"So, when were you going to tell me about Nicky?" Ava questioned her cousin.

"I was going to tell you as soon as I saw you. I didn't have time before the lesson as I was nearly running late. However, it is true Nicky and I appear to be official. Anyway, you know. You spread the rumour didn't you?" Ava smiled and looked up innocently. Phoebe rolled her eyes and grinned at her cousin. "Thank you. I wouldn't have had the nerve to start those rumours."

"You are most welcome, my darling cousin. You asked me to do it though didn't you." Ava giggled, leaned in and whispered, "It was part of your plan, though wasn't it?"

"Not just for revenge. I really like him, Ava. I'm glad we're together, the fact that it gets to Carly is just a bonus." She smiled and on cue, Nicky turned up and kissed her on the cheek. They all talked for a while and went to the field while on their break. They saw Susan and Rebecca hanging with the rest of Nicky's band, Kian, Shane and Mark. Kenny was there as well along with Julie, Celine and Taylor (not Christian's security guard). They were all in the same music class and often hung out to rehearse or talk about music. Ava went into her bag and pulled out an iPod station, took Phoebes iPod and plugged it in, playing all sorts of music for them to dance around to. They all had a free period next, except Taylor, and they thought they'd stay where they were. Lunch was after the lesson and then she had German. Phoebe was looking forward to lunch, Johnny was going to do that favour for her and she couldn't wait. She only hoped that her dad wouldn't find out. Of course he wouldn't, she was daddy's little angel. Her thoughts were interrupted by Teddy approaching them. She smiled and walked over to meet him.

"Hey, Teddy. What's up?" she joked.

"Not a lot. The sky, some clouds. The sun's up there too," he laughed and she playfully punched his arm. "I was only wondering if I could borrow you for ten minutes in your free. I want to show you some of my artwork I'm considering to use for the class exhibition, before I choose. I need your opinion about what to choose and also if you think dad would like it," he asked nervously.

"Of course I'll come and check it out. And don't worry about dad, he's proud of everything you do, I'm sure he'll like whatever you choose to use." He smiled at her friendliness. He loved his little sister and she loved him. They were close and always helped each other where others couldn't. He gave her a quick hug and kissed her cheek lightly.

"Thanks Bumble Bee," he chuckled at her dislike to the nickname. She sighed and pushed him lightly.

"Watch it, brother, or you're on your own," she giggled. Break ended and she excused herself from her friends and went with Teddy to the art rooms, where his year's artwork was still hanging. It was all amazing. Teddy's work was mainly focusing on family in an abstract way. He enjoyed reading so it all involved books in one way or another. One piece Phoebe said he should use was a large book made of clay with pages folded over into raindrop style patterns. It hung upside down so it looked like it was raining the pages. In between some of these pages were photos of their family, all in different colours, Phoebe was pink, Nick was green, James was yellow, Ashley was red, Ana was purple and Christian was grey. It was really good and she told him that he should use it.

Another piece of work he was told to use was a family portrait, he'd painted. It was the seven members of their family all standing and sitting together smiling at their last family Christmas. It was originally a photo that Teddy changed into a painting, changing certain things to make it his own. Christian and Ana were standing with their arms around each other half facing the front, smiling a genuine smile at the camera. Ana was wearing a simple grey dress with spaghetti straps, the flowing skirt falling at her knees and a black cardigan over the top, with matching heels. Her brown hair tied neatly in a ponytail out of her face to show off her true beauty. Christian was wearing black trousers and a grey shirt, top button undone, with short sleeves and a black jacket over the top and plain black shoes. His copper hair was slightly messy but still looked neat and breathtaking. Teddy and his brothers were all wearing a similar kind of outfit. A pair of smart trousers- grey, black or navy- with a plain, black or white, shirt, along with shoes similar to their fathers. Phoebe was wearing a gorgeous red dress with a green bow around her waist and gold holly leaves on the left shoulder, just visible under her cream cardigan. Her dress was in a similar style to Ana's, the only difference was the colour. She wore gold sandals, with a small heel, to show off her Christmas spirit. Her copper hair was straight and left down to fall over her shoulders; a holly-shaped hair slide was clipped on the left of her hair, pulling it a little off her face. Phoebe was sitting with Ashley on her lap next to her piano in front of Christian, James and Nick were standing in front of Ana and Christian together, while Teddy stood next to his mother, holding onto her free hand. They were all heading out for a meal with Christians parents, brother and sister. The photo was taken before they left. There were seven happy smiling faces and they couldn't ask for anything more.

"Teddy, you have to use this one. It's amazing. I love the blending of the paints. However, why is the background so dark? It was Christmas, it should be happy and jolly,"

"I wanted to focus on us as a family. Only brightening up what was important to us. You've got the piano, mum and dad have each other and the family, Nick has his baseball bat, James is holding onto one of his test tubes and Ashley has a soccer ball at his and your feet. And if you look close enough, you can see me holding a paintbrush," he explained and Phoebe could see what he meant. True the background was dark, using dull colours, but the main focus was really brightened up. Teddy had a real talent when painting. Phoebe grinned and hugged him.

"I think they're all amazing. I really want you to use this portrait, brother. How many pieces do you need to pick out?" he told her about two or three. "How about the clay book, as you love reading as well? I also think you should use that collage of photographs from us growing up. The one where you've used paint and making things stick out of the pages and stuff like that?" he nodded knowing which piece she was blabbing on about.

"Ok, Phoebe. Thank you. Love you whittle sister,"

"Don't push it, Teddy bear!" she joked and left the art room to find her friends. They were right where she left them. No one else was around so they thought they'd turn the music up and start making new dance routines.

(Christian's office)

Christian let out a sigh of relief when he left the meeting that morning. Another successful business deal was completed (AN: I'm not giving details because I don't understand the way his business works) and he was thrilled about it. He may take his family out to dinner, providing his children get their homework done in time, otherwise it would be just him and Ana. He liked the sound of that. Him and Ana. His phone rang, distracting him from his thoughts. "Grey," he answered not looking at the caller ID.

"Is that any way to answer your wife?" a familiar voice said.

"Good afternoon Mrs Grey, what do I owe this pleasure of a phone call?"

"I was just wondering what time you were home tonight? I have some news to tell you but I need to tell you face-to-face," she sounded unlike her usual self. He automatically started to worry.

"What's the matter?" he asked.

"Nothing's the matter. Honestly Christian it's nothing bad. So what time will be home tonight?"

"I should be home by six. Although if this meeting I have later goes well, I will be home by four. Are you sure everything's alright?" he needed to be sure.

"Everything is fine, fifty," she giggled. He loved that sound. "I'll see you tonight, I love you."

"I love you too, baby," he smiled. If anything was seriously wrong Ana would tell him, and she said everything was fine so he would believe her. Shouldn't he? Of course, he should it's his wife. He checked his watch. The kids should be at lunch by now and he was thinking about giving them a call. He dialled Teddy's number first. His son answered on the second ring.

"Hello?"

"Hello, Ted. How's school going today?" Christian asked.

"Alright. I apologised to my English teacher and he said lets not think about it anymore. Just walking over to detention for it now as I told Principal Gilbert I couldn't do it after school,"

"What's wrong with after school" Christian thought his kids were never busy after school.

"I promised Phoebe's music group I'd help finish painting some of the decorations for the show on Saturday. She said that was fine as long as I can make up the detention another time. Thought you'd like to know, since knowing Phoebe she won't tell you, Principle Gilbert is going to speak to her and Carly after school as she doesn't have time before then."

"Thank you Theodore. And you can't keep putting off your detention. Tonight is a one off for going to lunch instead of after school. What time will you need picking up from helping out?"

"Ryan will be bringing me home by five. Is that ok?" Christian could hear Teddy's sarcasm and annoyance over the phone and could sense him rolling his eyes. He agreed with his son and hung up the phone. He tried ringing Phoebe's phone but she didn't answer. How odd, she always answered her phone. He tried again. "Hey, you've reached Phoebe's phone. I can't pick up right now so leave a message" Straight to voicemail. She turned her phone off? He called Mason. Maybe he knows what's going on. He answered almost straight away.

"Sir?"

"Mason? What's going on with Phoebe's phone? She's not answering and now it's turned off." He snapped.

"Sir, I'm sitting near Phoebe now. She's fine. Would you like to speak to her?" Mason was calm but also sounded worried. He gave Phoebe the phone and her voice was a relief to hear.

"Phoebe, why weren't you answering your phone?"

"Dad, chill. Ava was messing around on my phone, sending prank texts, and wouldn't give it back when you rang. Also, I forgot to charge it last night and the battery's just died. Sorry, were you worried?" she said. Christian sighed and nodded, even though she couldn't see him.

"Of course I was worried. I just wanted to see if you were ok and hoping school was going ok. Sorry I snapped at you," he could sense her smile. She told him school was fine and she was fine. They hung up and he couldn't stop smiling. He loved his family, and the kids were so well-behaved. Well, now that James has a different teacher and Theodore has promised never to talk to teachers that way again. He thought. But life was perfect and he wouldn't change it.

(Phoebe's school)

"Hey, Phoebe. Looks like your plan's about to take shape," Ava whispered so none of their friends could hear. Phoebe looked up from her sandwich, which she was picking at, and saw Johnny 'stumbling' over towards Carly's table. He had the water bottle in his hand and was waving it about. He was acting like he was drunk. As he passed Carly he tripped over his own feet and, as planned, the cola-looking formula went all over the girl. Everyone in the hall burst out laughing while Johnny said sorry repeatedly, but didn't mean it, and Carly fussed about the irritation the mixture was already causing. She hurried from the room, her friends following, presumably to go to the toilet and wash her face while everyone continued to laugh at her. Phoebe grinned to herself and joined in the laughter. She and Ava looked at each other laughing, knowing very well who planned the whole event, without there being any way to link it to Phoebe or even that it was a planned attack.

The rest of the day went by fast for Phoebe; going through rehearsals in music again was the highlight. And another full score for her accounting test. She felt she could do them with her eyes closed by now, although she would never tell Christian that. She'd had the meeting with Principle Gilbert and Carly about yesterday. Carly got detention while Phoebe wasn't punished at all. Well, she didn't do anything wrong, did she? Once she and Teddy had finished painting the final decorations for the show on Saturday and arrived home, they were greeted by a very happy father indeed. Although there was a slightly nervous and unsure mother of theirs.

What they had to say was very unexpected. And the eldest children didn't know how to react...

Sorry to do this to you. But I felt maybe it was time to cut it here and actually start getting to the plotline. What do you think Christian and Ana have to say to Phoebe and Theodore? Let me know your thoughts.