I know I'm a terrible person as I haven't updated in over a year! I am so sorry I didn't realise where all the time went. :(

This chapter is a little sad and I am sorry but nothing in it will be changed.

... ... ...

Chapter 28: Goodbye

Phoebe POV

The last three months have been the best and the worst months ever. School started up again and Kenny and I were named the hottest couple of the year. Don't quite understand how that can be at the beginning of the year but hey ho. Ted has finally gone off to college and I have to admit I miss him more than I thought I would. Although he's come back a few times in the last couple of months.

Mum and Ashley have their birthdays on the same day so they had a joint party of some sorts. Dad had organized for Ashley's soccer friends and new school friends to come over in the afternoon to help him celebrate but in the evening we had mums friends and associates come by for a small get together and a few drinks to celebrate her birthday. Although that was after the compulsory family meal everyone had to attend. And Kenny of course.

James' birthday was nothing too extravagant, just as he wished, so we just had our family dinner and he had a few friends round to play in the games room. Nick was not happy when he was told he was being kicked out of there for the day so James could have fun with his friend. Also, James' birthday was when mum officially went on maternity leave, much to dad's enjoyment! He wanted her to take that before we went back to school but mum said that wasn't practical as she needed to hire someone to replace her and make a few arrangements before she could just leave the office. So they came up with the deadline of six weeks which mum was able to meet. We are now just waiting around for baby Mia to make an arrival.

Speaking of Mia's though, Aunt Mia isn't looking too good. Grandma has pulled so many strings and got Mia the best possible treatments, some even experimental treatments, but nothing seems to be working to fight this rare form of cancer my aunt seems to have. And since there was no information on her birth family there is no way of understanding where it came from. Grandma and grandpa have been a mess the last couple of weeks as they watch their daughter grow weaker and weaker by the day and can do nothing about it.

He won't admit it but I can also see that it's having an effect on dad. And wouldn't it? I've heard the stories about his early childhood and how grandma Grace saved him when he was four. But also Aunt Mia helped him come out of himself and she was the reason he started to speak after two years of silence. I know my aunt drives everyone insane sometimes but he absolutely adores her and I know he will be heartbroken if nothing can be done for her.

She was admitted to hospital last night. I don't know exactly what happened but I do know it was something about her struggling to breathe. I overheard dad talking to mum this morning when I was getting ready for school. My heart almost broke hearing his tone, I've never heard him like that before. He sounded scared and emotional, like he was about to cry. Of course I'd heard he was like that when I was in hospital but I didn't actually see or hear him like that. To be honest, it was quite unsettling to hear so I carried on past their bedroom and into the bathroom.

When I arrived at school I told Kenny about what happened and it didn't seem to sit well with him. He has gotten used to my aunts strange behaviours and finds her funny to hang with and to be honest, I think he has grown to love her as much as I do. She made him feel like one of the family and now she's getting worse.

"I'm sorry Bee. I know how much you love her. I hope she's going to be ok." He hugs me. Ava arrives and is not her usual bubbly self. I know she's worried about our aunt as well so we just hug.

"God, I'm so scared Phoebe."

"I know. Me too." Tears spring to my eyes at the thought of what could happen.

"Dad's letting me see her after school. Wanna come? I know she'll want to see you too."

"I'll see what dad says. You know what he's like."

We make our way to our class but neither of us are able to pay much attention.

… … …

Christian POV

"She was admitted last night. She couldn't breathe Ana," I say trying to hold back my tears as I tell my wife about my 5am phone call with my parents about Mia. They didn't want to call me but they knew I'd go mental if I found out later. My baby sister is dying and I want to know exactly what is going on with her. "She was so weak." My voice cracks.

"Oh Christian." Ana wraps her arm around me and holds me close to her chest. I wrap my arms around her waist and just hold her. "Why don't you take the day off work and go see her? You're in no state to run your empire today." I nod in agreement.

"What if she doesn't make it?" I voice my biggest fear.

"Stop it! You're making yourself feel worse. If she doesn't make it we will stick together and be a family while we recover. But I don't want you thinking that way. Understood?" I nod. I can tell she is trying not to cry as well and I cradle her to me. She lets out a sob. I know she is close to Mia, as much as she is to Kate, so if anything happened to her I fear Ana will struggle to cope too. After a few minutes she sits up properly.

"Right, we should make sure the kids are ready for school and get ready to go to the hospital." I just nod again. My brave wife taking control and pushing her own feelings aside for me. I love her!

Ana leaves the room to see that the kids are ready for school. I stay where I am sat on the bed with my head in my hands not wanting to face them. I can't let them see me this broken so I'll let Ana sort them out. I'll see them this evening when I've had a bit of time to get my head straight.

Ana is back fifteen minutes later and sits back next to me.

"Kids have gone. They asked me to say bye for them." I just nod. "Oh Christian, I hate seeing you like this." I feel her arm around my shoulder and I just let my head fall on her shoulder. She gently rocks me. I don't want to lose my sister. I remember when she was six or seven and just wanted to play tea parties with me. Bear in mind I was twelve, nearly thirteen, and tea parties were definitely not my thing.

… … …

Flashback

"Come on Christian! Play tea party with me," six year old Mia pouts.

"Mia for the last time I'm too old for tea parties." I snap. Life at school is getting difficult especially as my thirteenth birthday was coming up. I was starting to experience a feeling I had never had before and it mainly involved the girls in my school.

"Please! Pretty, pretty, pretty please!" she pleads with me. I sigh and finally agree. "Yay! Thank you!" she wraps her arms around me. I momentarily freeze but start to relax slightly. Mia is probably the only one who can touch me but that's only because she's never understood the boundaries I have. And I've always been close to her especially after she arrived as a baby. She saved me but I'd never tell her that.

I don't say much as she plays with her dolls, pouring the 'tea' and offering me cake. I just smile when she glances at me but otherwise I'm a moody teenager. But Mia doesn't seem to notice and I suddenly feel bad. She's smiling her innocent smile and completely oblivious to my mood but I know she's just trying to cheer me up after I got expelled from school and mom and dad went bat shit crazy at me. I remember Mia listening in and she looked so scared and upset I promised I wouldn't let her see that again. So I snap out of my mood and really get into the whole tea party idea to make sure that her beautiful smile stays on her face.

Because my baby sister is the most important person to me.

… … …

Present Day

At least until I met Ana. She is my rock and my life. The thought of losing my sister is painful but the thought of anything happening to Ana is unbearable.

I don't remember getting dressed and arriving at the hospital but when I see my sister I almost break down again.

She's laying on the hospital bed with what looks like a hundred wires coming out of her body. There were different machines surrounding her bed and a really annoying beeping sound that I realised monitors her heart rate. I can live with that as long as it tells me she's still alive. Not that her sitting up and smiling at me was enough of a clue. I rush to her side and sit in the chair dad vacated for me. I hold her hand and squeeze it slightly. It's the only place where she has no wires as the IV is in her other hand.

She looks pale and weak but she is still smiling brightly at me.

"Hey Christian," she whispers, her voice hoarse.

"Hey Mia. How are you feeling?" I ask concerned.

"A bit rough but I'm ok. But the cancers spread. I don't have long left." NO!

"Don't say that," I plead with her.

"But it's true, Christian. There's nothing more the doctors can do." She drops her smile. "There is only one thing I want from you now, Christian." I can see she's pleading with me.

"Yes? Anything Mia. I'll do anything for you right now."

"I want to see my niece and nephews. I want to say goodbye to them." Oh no. Anything but that please!

"Mia, I don't think I can. I don't want the kids to see this. I don't know how they'll react."

"Elliot's bringing Ava by after school. I want to see the boys and Phoebe as well. Please Christian! I'm begging you. Let me say goodbye to my niece and nephews." Ana places her hand on my shoulder and I know I don't have a choice. Reluctantly I nod agreeing to let my kids come and see their aunt later.

We sit in silence for a few minutes before I stand up to use the bathroom. My mom takes my place next to Mia and she and Ana start a conversation to take their minds off what's happening with Mia. When I return they're all laughing and joking obviously glad to not be thinking about my sister dying.

Dad and I leave the room for a minute so I am able to tell Taylor that the kids will be coming by after school so can he call security to let them know so they can bring them all here. Once that's done dad turns to me.

"You know she's really weak don't you?" he says.

"It's pretty obvious. But she won't admit it will she?"

"You know Mia. She'll never admit it if she thinks we'll leave her alone. But do you really think bringing the kids is a good idea?"

"She asked me to. I won't deny her the chance to say goodbye if that's what she really wants. But I won't let them stay long because the thought of them seeing her like that is painful."

"Good. I hate to think how scary it will be for them, especially Ashley. He doesn't understand all of this."

"I'm more worried about Phoebe. She was so scared when she woke up in the hospital after the Hyde business I'd hate to think about the memories it could bring back." He nods in agreement. "How was she last night?"

"She couldn't breathe. There was some sort of fluid in her lungs. The doctors have never seen anything like it with this form of cancer. It's too aggressive. We were lucky they managed to drain that fluid but the cancer is in her lungs now. And it's progressing so quick they're worried it won't take long to spread to her heart. We've been told a few days maximum. And there's nothing they can do." Then something I never thought I would see happened.

This man- who for as long as I can remember was always so strong and in control with a sense of confidence- broke down. He fell to his knees with his head in his hands and cried. I knelt next to him and wrapped my arm around him feeling my own tears trickle down my cheeks. We hold each other as we cry. Normally we would never let anyone see us in this way. But right now, we don't care.

… … …

Mr Reynolds (Phoebe's English teacher) POV

I don't know what is going on with the Grey children today but this is the fifth time I have had to regain Phoebe and Ava's attention. Both of them are either staring into space or whispering to each other. I've taken away their lunch break today due to their lack of concentration and work completed but they don't seem bothered. I have asked them to stay behind after class so I can get an explanation. Come to think of it, Theodore was a bit unfocused today. Well, more than usual as he is never focused in my class.

I turn around from writing something on the whiteboard and noticing the two girls whispering once more.

"Ava and Phoebe you have already lost your lunch break today. Would you like to have detention this evening as well?" I finally snap. Not giving them a chance to answer I make Phoebe sit up the front of the class leaving Ava at the back.

"Now if the two of would kindly stop distracting the rest of the class, it would be very much appreciated."

I get back to my teaching but notice once again that neither of them are paying attention. Ava is doodling in her work book and Phoebe is just staring at the floor.

"Girls! Is there something more interesting than my lesson that is taking away your attention? Thinking about the last date you went on over the weekend? Designing a new dress once again, Ava?"

I don't know what I said but their reaction is extreme. They both stand up, kick their chairs backwards and storm out of the room. But not before Ava shouts a "fuck you" in my direction.

I stand shocked as do most of my students left behind. I can see Kenny looking like he is about to follow them but he stays put. I just pick up the classroom phone and call the Principal to let her know of the girl's behaviour.

… … …

Phoebe POV

Ava and I storming out of our English class was a big shock to everyone from what I could see. Though I was not surprised that Ava told Mr Reynolds to fuck off since she and he don't get along very well.

Ever since Marx has been my security detail we have come to an arrangement where she will wait outside the school premises for me and only come in if I need her to. I'm so glad because it means that she won't know that Ava and I have just walked out of our class and are about to head to our secret hideout where no-one will find us when we need time to ourselves. This is one of those times.

We head out of the English building and towards the main field of the school. The main sports hall for the school has a fence around the back with a loose board that Ava and I are able to squeeze through to hide away in a secluded area. No one knows about this and we often come here when our heritage gets to us by the looks people give us. This is where we go now.

I know dad is going to go mental when he finds out what Ava and I have just done but right now I don't care. I'm too worried for Aunt Mia to care about anything at the moment.

"How you doing cuz?" Ava asks.

"I'm ok I guess. How about you?" I reply.

"Yeah, I'm good. Glad I finally told Mr Reynolds to fuck himself." We laugh. We know we're telling each other a load of crap. "How are you really?" she asks me seriously now.

"Terrified. I'm so scared Ava, what if she doesn't make it?"

"I don't know," she looks down, tears in her eyes.

"How are you doing really?"

"The same. I love her so much, Bee. I don't know what I'm gonna do without her."

"Well I think I got a bigger problem now," I state. She looks at me confused. "When dad finds out what I just did, I'm in deep shit." She laughs. That's what we need right now.

"And me. And I swore at him so my dad is going to go ballistic! Not to mention mum."

"Oh my God! I didn't think about my mum. When she gets angry she can be just as scary as dad!" Shit what have I done?

"Relax. I'm sure when we tell them that he was picking on us and that we needed some space to calm down they will be fine."

"Yeah I guess."

We sit in silence for a while before making small meaningless small talk to take our minds off things and to assist with helping us calm down. Although we are distracted when my phone suddenly goes off. It's Kenny. I sigh. I know I should talk to him but I don't want to risk us being found yet.

"For God sake Bee, answer it," Ava snaps. I sigh.

"Kenny?"

"Bee? Thank God, where are you? I've been looking everywhere for you!" he snaps at me down the phone.

"Ava and I are just getting a break from everyone. Mr Reynolds really got to us earlier."

"I get it, babe. But I think you two should come back now. Reynolds has gone to Gilbert. Your parents are on their way."

"SHIT!" I hang up.

… … …

General POV

As soon as Phoebe and Ava walked out of class, Mr Reynolds sent another student to the principal's office to alert her of what happened since the classroom phone had been disconnected. To say Principal Gilbert was angry was a bit of an understatement. She had told all of the Grey children's teachers about the home situation and to know that Mr Reynolds had completely disregarded it made her furious. And now, Ava and Phoebe were nowhere to be found. That would not be fun to explain to Mr Grey.

As predicted, he was furious. He was on his way to the school with Ana in tow to find out exactly what is going on. As if he doesn't have enough to worry about! Elliot and Kate were also on their way a bit more composed than their brother/brother-in-law.

Principle Gilbert had spoken to Kenny and several other students about what happened in class and most told her that Mr Reynolds was being harsh towards the two girls. Having a better understanding of what actually happened in class, her new worry was finding the cousins. Luckily Kenny had managed to get hold of Phoebe and told her that her parents were on the way. Hopefully this meant that they were going to make their way to her office.

Fingers crossed, thought the Principle.

… … …

Christian POV

I can't fucking believe it! Phoebe's high school has just rung me up saying that she and Ava have stormed out of their English class and are now 'missing'! Principle Gilbert better have some answers for me when I arrive at that school or there will be hell to pay!

Elliot and Kate follow Ana and me to the school and they and Ana are calm. Too calm for my liking but I know Ana needs to try and stay calm while pregnant. I don't want her stress levels to rise too high again so I can understand her staying calm. Besides, I think I'm stressed enough for the both of us. What I can't understand is why Elliot is so calm. I mean, his daughter is rude to a teacher and she storms out of class and now they can't find her. He should be fucking fuming as well, it shouldn't just be me.

I walk into the office and offer for Ana and Kate to sit in the two chairs opposite Principle Gilbert. She greets us and tells us the version of events from what the students have told her and it leaves me even more furious, this time at Mr Reynolds. It takes all my self-control and Ana's hand on my arm to not attack the man who is my children's English teacher.

"So what about finding the girls?" Elliot asks, noticing how wound up I am. At that moment, however, there is a quiet knock on the door and Phoebe and Ava walk in, heads down looking ashamed.

"Phoebe!" Ana exclaims standing to hug her. "Where have you been?"

"Sorry mum. We just needed a break. Mr Reynolds was being really rude and we couldn't concentrate."

"You were both being rude to me by not paying attention in my class," Mr Reynolds snapped at my daughter. I was about to say something but Ava jumped in.

"Our Aunt is dying in the fucking hospital! I'd like to see you focus on your work with that happening!"

"Ava!" Kate scolds. "There is no need for that."

"Yes there is mum. He's always picking on us for something or other and I'm sick of it. Aunt Mia is stuck in the hospital and there's nothing we can do to help her. And we're stuck here with nothing but our worst thoughts. And he's not helping!"

"While I will agree that Mr Reynolds should have been more understanding towards your situation, I also have to say that the way this situation was handled was not very appropriate or very grown up of you girls," Principle Gilbert explains. "We have always considered you to be mature for your age but your behaviour today was very immature. I think what is best for today is if you go home and have a bit of break from worrying about school."

"Maybe you we shouldn't have made you come in today after all," I add moving to wrap my arm around Phoebe who has started tearing up. Agreeing to keep the girls off for a few days we leave the office and Ted meets us outside, having been dismissed also for the day.

"Why don't we all go and see Mia? I know she's dying to see you all," I say before realising what I actually said. Luckily they all just nod. Ana smiles at me.

… … …

Ana POV

I must admit I was worried when the kids school rung us up to tell us that Phoebe and Ava had disappeared but I think Christian was worried enough for everyone. It took a lot for me not to worry or panic but thank God they arrived at the office not long after we did. I'm glad Elliot and Christian haven't gone berserk at them because this is such a difficult time for our family. Although I'm sure a quiet word with them later on needs to be had about the way they handled the situation.

I am so proud of Christian for agreeing to take them to the hospital to see Mia. I know he had already promised her but knowing him he could have found an excuse to keep them away. Nick, James and Ashley are going to meet us there early as Christian rung their schools to tell them he wanted them taken out of school early. We meet them at the entrance of the hospital and Christian takes this opportunity to warn all of them about what they will see when they go in to see their aunt.

It still wasn't enough to stop the tears coming.

"Ashley! Baby come here!" Mia says when she sees how upset he is. He just doesn't understand what all the wires are for. He runs into her open arms and she holds him tight, stroking his hair. "It's ok baby boy."

"Hey Aunt Mia," Nick says walking to her side.

"How are you feeling?" James asks.

"I've been better," she replies before having a coughing fit, causing Ashley to come back to my side. "Sorry, guys."

"It's fine. Honestly," Ted answers. Phoebe and Ava go and sit by Mia and they start a conversation about dresses and what style and colours they want for the next ball. The boys roll their eyes and start up a conversation about holidays and where they would take Mia when she gets better.

Obviously they don't know she's not going home and I don't have the heart to tell them. Christian has disappeared again and I notice Grace also isn't in the room. I poke my head out the room and see them embracing each other.

After a couple of hours, Christian announces that it's time for the kids to go as it is dinner time. He quietly asks me and Kate to go with them so he and Elliot can have some time alone with their sister. We agree and take the kids to a quiet restaurant across the road. They all have a tearful goodbye and Mia tells them all she loves them. I kiss her on the cheek and leave with the kids before giving Christians arm a squeeze of support and a kiss.

… … …

Christian POV

I ask Ana and Kate to take the kids for some dinner so Elliot, mum, dad and I can have some family time with Mia. I know Ana, Kate and the kids are family (and we are a close family) but we grew up together and there's just something special about just being with your siblings and parents.

The kids visit took a lot out of Mia, I can tell. But even though she is much weaker than she was this morning and her breath is getting hoarser, she's still smiling and chatty. I swear she's paler than she was this morning. Mum manages to get her to shut up and we all sit quietly for a minute.

"How you feeling Mia? Honestly," dad demands. She sighs and relaxes back against her pillows.

"Tired. So tired. But happy. Thank you Christian," she turns to me. I sit on her bed and wrap my arm around her.

"For what?"

"For bringing the kids by. I know you were worried about them seeing all this equipment but I really appreciate it." She starts coughing again so I rub her back.

"Hey what about me?" Elliot teases sitting on her other side and taking her hand. She laughs and pokes her tongue out at him.

A flash goes off and I notice mum has the camera in her hand and tears in her eyes. Even through this difficult time we are still managing to smile and mum wanted to catch one of her daughters last moments on camera. We all just sit and chat about little things when Mia starts to feel sleepy.

"Are you thirsty? Hungry? Do you need anything?" Mum starts faffing around her. Mia just shakes her head as her breathing gets hoarser. She is really starting to struggle to breathe again and just says she wants to sleep.

She closes her eyes and the heart monitor starts going crazy, beeping uncontrollably. The doctors rush in to see what the issue is and mum is going crazy doing CPR and dad is trying to pull mum away and everything is a blur and I go into some sort of trance.

I snap out of it when I hear the doctor say; "time of death, 20:06."

"No!" mum is crying uncontrollably, dad is holding her to his chest and they are shaking with sobs. Elliot is just sitting on the chair next to the bed staring at her and it's then I realise I'm still holding my baby sister in my arms, tightly to my chest. I rest my cheek against the top of her head and let my tears fall.

She's gone. My baby sister is gone.