Know the last few chapters have been centred around Poppy quite a bit so going to try and do some more Amy and Lucy storylines now.
It was the Easter holidays and Rachel was really looking forward to taking the girls to the Lake District for a few days to with Mel and Philip.
They were leaving in a couple of days so Rachel was trying to get everything sorted.
She was in the kitchen writing a list of all the food she needed to get when she went shopping when Lucy came in.
"Rachel I'm bored"
"How did I know you'd be bored?" Rachel said laughing, it always was hard to just have a day around the house because Lucy liked to go out even if it was just for an hour or so
"Well I need to go shopping after lunch so how about after that we go to the cinema?"
"Can we go and see that Cinderella film?"
"Yeah that's what I thought you all want to see that don't you?"
"Yes please"
"Okay but we have to go shopping first though"
Lucy skipped off happily and went back to playing with her dolls.
Once Rachel had finished writing her list she heated up the vegetable soup that she'd made for lunch
"Girls, lunch is ready"
The three of them came down and sat at the table.
"I was just saying to Lucy that I need to go food shopping after lunch but do you fancy going to the cinema after that to see the new Cinderella film?"
"Yeah that looks really good" Poppy replied
"What about you Amy, do you fancy going to see it?" Rachel asked Amy who was just playing around with her soup and not really eating it
Amy had seemed quite quiet over the last few days so Rachel was beginning to get quite worried. Every time Rachel asked if there was something wrong, Amy just said that she was fine.
"What did you say?"
"Do you want to go and see the Cinderella film at the cinema this afternoon?"
"Yeah okay"
It didn't take long before Rachel, Poppy and Lucy had all finished their soup however Amy still had quite a bit left.
"Are you not hungry love?"
"No not really"
"You've not been hungry at all over the last couple of days, are you feeling okay?"
"Yeah I'm fine, I didn't have breakfast until late though did I?"
"No I guess not"
"I've finished thank you"
They put their plates back in the dishwasher before going back to doing their own things.
About half an hour later Rachel said that it was time to go.
After putting their shoes and coats on they got into the car and drove to Tesco.
Rachel thought about going on her own and picking them up once she'd finished but she didn't think it would hurt for them to come and help out. Lucy liked coming with her anyway.
They did a really big shop so Rachel hoped they had everything they would need whilst they were at the Lake District, apart from the frozen stuff that she was planning on buying in a supermarket near where they were staying.
After they'd paid they went upstairs and had a quick look around the clothes isles before taking all of the stuff out to the car before driving to the cinema.
They were walking through the car park when Rachel remembered she'd forgotten to get the sweets out of the shopping bag.
"Oh Poppy can you run back to the car and get the sweets out for me please love?"
"Yeah okay"
Rachel passed her the car key so she quickly nipped back to get them before passing them to Rachel who managed to fit them all in her handbag.
They went and paid for the tickets before going straight in and finding somewhere to sit.
Rachel regretted coming in so early because the film trailers had only just started and they'd already been in there for about 20 minutes.
"Lucy don't eat all your sweets and chocolate so fast, you're going to feel sick in a minute" Rachel whispered
"But they're yummy"
"Well try and make them last for the whole film then"
Eventually the film started which they were all pleased about because they were starting to get a bit fed up.
They weren't very far into the film when Lucy tapped on Rachel's arm and said she needed to go to the toilet.
Rachel sighed, she couldn't believe she'd forgotten to make her go before they came in.
"Come on then" Rachel said before going out with her
Lucy ran ahead of Rachel but Rachel just presumed this was because she'd left it for so long that she was desperate now
Rachel decided to go too whilst they were there.
She came out and washed her hands but Lucy was still in the cubicle. Rachel waited for another minute or so but she was starting to feel a bit concerned about her when she still hadn't come out.
"Lucy are you okay in there?"
"Yeah"
"Have you got a bit of a bad tummy?" Rachel asked quietly
"No"
"What are you doing in there, we're missing the film?"
"I'm coming now"
Lucy flushed the toilet before coming out.
When she did Rachel saw the red rings around her eyes and realised she'd been crying.
"Hey what's wrong?" Rachel asked sounding concerned
"Nothing" Lucy said as she washed her hands
"You know those red rings around your eyes tell me otherwise, you seemed fine before the film started"
"I don't like the film"
"How come?"
"Because it's sad"
"What because the little girls Mummy died?"
"Yes"
Rachel knew how sensitive Lucy could get when they watched things when the child's parents died, she knew this probably had something to do with losing her own Mum but she decided not to bring this up.
"Well you've seen Cinderella before haven't you? You know it's a happy ending in the end"
"Yeah but this one has real people in, the other one's only a cartoon"
Rachel smiled at her.
"I know it was a bit sad at the start, but it will get better and she'll be happy in the end"
"Do you promise?"
"I promise, shall we go back in?"
"Okay"
Rachel took hold of Lucy's hand and they walked back in.
Even though Lucy had got a little bit upset at the start, she actually really enjoyed the film.
As they were walking out they saw a little girl wearing a blue Cinderella dress and Rachel had to admit she did look really cute.
"Rachel look at that girl wearing that Cinderella dress"
"I know it's very pretty isn't it"
"Please can I get one?"
"Maybe, we'll have to see won't we"
When they got home Rachel sorted out all of the shopping so that it was all ready to be put into the car on Thursday, before getting on with some ironing.
Amy was up in her bedroom trying on some clothes that Poppy had given to her because she'd been turning out.
However she couldn't think about anything apart from the lump she'd found on her boob a few days ago.
She'd been so scared since she found it, but this was just making her not want to tell anyone about it, all she wanted was for it to go away.
Amy was stood in her underwear looking at it in the mirror. She didn't think it was getting bigger but it definitely wasn't getting any smaller.
She started crying because she was so worried.
Rachel had just finished doing the ironing so was bringing it into the girl's bedrooms.
She opened Amy's door with the pile of ironing in her arms.
Amy jumped as soon as she saw Rachel come in as she didn't want anyone to see. She immediately put her top back on.
"Sorry love, I was just coming into give you your ironing"
"It's okay"
When Rachel looked at Amy properly her eyes looked quite watery as if she was about to cry.
"What's wrong sweetheart?" Rachel asked placing the pile of ironing on Amy's bed
"Nothing" Amy said however she burst into tears before running to the bathroom and locking herself in
Rachel was getting really worried about Amy now she just wanted to know what was going on.
Rachel went outside the bathroom door and knocked
"Amy, let me in darling" Rachel said but she didn't get a response
"Please Amy, I just want to help you"
Amy sighed however she knew Rachel wasn't going to go in away so reluctantly she twisted the lock so that Rachel could come in.
Rachel closed the door behind her and then wrapped her arms around Amy where she began to cry into her.
They were still cuddled up like that when the door suddenly opened causing Amy to pull away.
"Oh sorry I didn't know anyone was in here" Lucy said with her legs crossed so Rachel realised the must need the loo
"That's okay love, you go to the loo me and Amy will leave you to it"
Rachel put her arm around Amy and led her into her bedroom where they sat on Rachel's big bed.
"Now then are you going to tell me what's got you all upset?"
Amy shook her head
"Do you think you've done something I'm going to be cross about? Because if you have you mustn't be afraid to tell me, I'm sure whatever it is we can sort it out"
Again Amy shook her head
"Please tell me darling, I'm getting really worried about you now you haven't been yourself for days"
"But I'm scared"
"Well if you tell me I can help you"
Amy thought for a few moments before saying "I found a lump"
"Where darling?" Rachel asked tucking a piece of hair behind Amy's ear
Amy didn't want to say so just pulled her top down instead to show Rachel.
Rachel had a little look and of course it did make her worry, however she knew she needed to stay calm for Amy's sake.
"Is it bad?"
"I don't think it's anything to worry about, but I'll make you a doctor's appointment for tomorrow so that we can get it checked out"
Really Rachel had no idea if it was anything for them to worry about or not, but she wanted to put Amy's mind at rest for the time being. She really hoped it was nothing serious though.
"Okay"
"When did you find the lump?"
"On Saturday"
"Why didn't you say before?"
"Because I thought it would go away"
"I can understand why you didn't want to say, sometimes it's just easier to try and ignore the problem isn't it? But the sooner you get these things checked out the better"
"I know I was just scared"
"I know, I'll ring the doctors up as soon as they open tomorrow and hopefully they'll be able to fit you in"
"Okay, but do you really think it's nothing to worry about"
"I hope not, but I'm not a doctor so obviously I can't be sure"
"Okay"
Amy felt a lot better for telling Rachel. Obviously she was still worried but she was definitely glad Rachel knew because nothing ever felt so bad when Rachel was there with her.
Rachel got a tissue out of the box on her bedside cabinet and wiped Amy's tears away for her.
"Rachel Poppy's given me some of her old clothes, please will you come and see if you think this dress fits?"
"Of course I can"
Rachel followed Amy into her bedroom and Amy put the dress on.
"Do you think it fits?"
"Turn around" Rachel said so Amy did "Yeah I think so"
"Don't you think it's a bit big?"
"No"
"It was always a lot tighter on Poppy though"
"It will be tighter on you once you've grown a bit"
"Shall I take it away with us?"
"Yeah we'll probably go out for dinner one night so you could wear it then"
"Okay"
"Anyway, I need to go and get something sorted for tea"
"What are we having?"
"I'm not sure yet, what do you fancy?"
"Urmm.. can we have spaghetti and meatballs?"
"Yeah I think I've got some meatballs in the freezer"
Rachel went down and started getting tea.
Lucy came down not long after.
"Rachel I'm going to do some colouring"
"Okay love, tea's going to be about half an hour"
Rachel continued to get tea whilst Lucy started drawing a picture.
"Rachel is Amy okay now?"
"Yeah she's fine love, why?"
"I saw her crying when we were in the bathroom"
"Oh yeah Amy's fine now, don't worry about Amy"
"What was wrong with her?"
"She was just a bit upset before?"
"What about?"
Obviously Rachel didn't want to tell her why Amy was upset
"She was feeling a bit poorly but she's feeling much better now"
"Good because I don't want her to be poorly when we go away because then she won't be able to play with me"
"I think she's going to be fine"
Rachel and Lucy continued to chat until tea was ready.
When it was ready Rachel called Poppy and Amy down.
The rest of the evening passed quickly and Rachel made sure both Lucy and Amy went to bed at a reasonable time as she knew how moody they could both get if they had too many nights and she certainly didn't want them like that when they went away.
Although Amy had managed to take her mind off the lump for most of the evening, now she was lying in bed she couldn't stop thinking about it again which meant she was struggling to get to sleep.
Rachel came up to bed at about 11 with Poppy and checked in on Lucy on her way.
She was sound asleep however her quilt had fallen onto the floor so Rachel put it back on for her before kissing her forehead and then leaving again.
When she went into check on Amy she found her sat up in bed reading her book with the lamp on.
"What are you still doing up missy?"
"Sorry Rachel, I can't get to sleep though"
"Are you worrying about tomorrow?"
"Yeah I can't stop thinking about it again"
"I know it's hard, but just try not to think about it. Come on lie down I'll stay with you for a bit"
Amy put her book onto her bedside cabinet and Rachel flicked the lamp off.
Rachel then sat on the edge of Amy's bed and stroked her hair.
Amy closed her eyes and did eventually drop off to sleep with Rachel comforting her.
Once she was sure she was asleep Rachel crept out and went into her own room.
She went into her en suite to take off her makeup and brush her teeth,
Rachel came out of the bathroom ready to put her pyjamas on however she got a shock when she found Lucy in her bed.
Rachel quickly put her pyjamas on before slipping into bed next to Lucy who was pretending to be asleep.
"Any what do you think you're doing in here?" Rachel asked tickling her tummy slightly
"I'm asleep" Lucy mumbled
"No you're not"
Lucy turned around and faced Rachel
"I woke up, so please please please can I sleep in your bed?"
"Again? You slept in here last night"
"But I like sleeping with you it's better than sleeping on my own"
Rachel sighed, having Lucy sleep with her every night wasn't really a habit that she wanted to get into however she didn't really have the energy to battle with her now.
So she decided to let Lucy sleep in with her tonight, after all she was going to be sharing a room with Lucy when they were away so she would just have to try and break the habit after that.
"Okay then, but no talking because I want to go to sleep"
"Thanks Rachel" Lucy said happily wrapping her arms around Rachel
Rachel went to sleep with Lucy cuddled into her.
The next morning Rachel woke up and quickly jumped in the shower. When she got out she saw the time and realised that the doctor's would be open by now so sat on her bed with her towel wrapped around her and made the phone call.
She managed to get an appointment for Amy for the afternoon.
When she stood up again to decide what to wear she saw that Lucy had woken up.
"Why does Amy have to go to the doctors? Is she poorly again?"
"No but I just want the doctor to check that's all"
"Does she need medicine?"
"No I don't think so love"
Rachel got dressed, dried her hair and did her makeup before going to help Lucy to get dressed.
By the time she'd done this she went into check to see if Amy was awake.
When she went in she realised that she was so went and sat on her bed.
"Morning love"
"Morning" Amy said sleepily
"I've managed to get you a Doctor's appointment"
"When for?"
"Two o clock so we'll go after lunch"
"Do you promise everything's going to be okay?"
"I can't promise you darling, but hopefully it will all be fine"
Rachel left and went to see if Poppy was up yet. But when she went into Poppy's room her bed was already made and Poppy wasn't in there so Rachel went downstairs.
She went into the kitchen and found Poppy making breakfast.
"Morning Rach"
"Good morning love, you're looking well this morning"
"I feel it, I don't feel sick at all this morning"
"Well that's good isn't it?"
"Yeah, I'm just making breakfast"
"You're doing a very good job"
Rachel helped her and when it was all laid out she called Amy and Lucy down.
"Right we all need to pack today, and I want it done today not tonight so that we can relax tonight rather than me still rushing around trying to get everything done"
"Will you help me pack Rachel? I don't want to forget anything" Lucy asked
"Of course I will sweetheart. Me and Amy need to nip out this afternoon so are you okay to stay here with Lucy Poppy?"
"Yeah of course"
"Is that when you're taking Amy to the doctor's?" Lucy asked
"Yes love"
"Why do you have to go the Doctor's Amy?" Poppy asked
Amy looked at Rachel not really knowing what to say
"We've just got to get something checked out haven't we?" Rachel said and Amy nodded
Poppy picked up on the fact Amy didn't want everyone knowing so didn't ask any more questions.
They spent the morning packing and then after lunch Rachel took Amy to the Doctor's.
"Which Doctor am I seeing Rachel?"
"Dr Gilbert, I think she's new"
They got to the Doctor's surgery and parked up before walking in. Rachel went and signed Amy in whilst Amy found a seat.
Rachel went and joined her.
They'd been waiting for quite a while and Amy was starting to feel sick with worry. Rachel had to admit she was feeling a bit nervous too.
Rachel supportively put her hand on Amy's leg.
Eventually they were called through so Rachel picked up her bag before walking in with Amy.
Rachel knocked on the door and they were told to come in. They were both surprised to hear a male's voice. Rachel was sure she'd specifically asked for a female doctor, but then again she had to say she didn't think the receptionist was really paying attention to what she was saying.
The two of them walked in and saw a very young looking Doctor sat in the chair.
"Hi I'm Dr Gilbert, I'm a student doctor so I just need to check that you're happy for me to examine you today?"
Rachel looked at Amy knowing that she'd probably be a bit unsure about this.
Amy didn't know what to say, she really didn't want to show the man anything but she didn't want to seem rude.
"Would you feel happy seeing a female doctor love?" Rachel asked and Amy nodded
"I'm really sorry but I think Amy would actually feel happier seeing a female doctor, just because of what she's here for"
"That's not a problem, I'll go and see who I can find for you"
"Thank you" Rachel said smiling
The student Doctor came back a few minutes later with another doctor that Rachel recognised.
"Do the two of you want to come with me?"
Rachel and Amy both followed Dr Jones into her office.
"Please take a seat"
Amy sat down feeling really nervous and uncomfortable.
"So what can I help you with today?"
Rachel knew Amy wouldn't want to say so just went ahead and said it.
"Amy's found a lump on her breast so we thought we should get it checked out"
Amy's cheeks started blushing as soon as she said it.
"You've done exactly the right thing, hopefully it won't be anything to worry about. Do you mind letting me have a look Amy?"
Amy shook her head.
She tried to pull her top down but it was too tight so in the end she had to take it off. This was only making her feel more embarrassed.
Amy then pulled her bra down slightly revealing the lump.
The doctor had a look and a little feel.
"Right I don't think it's anything to worry about, it should go back down again. But if it gets any bigger or doesn't go away within the next few weeks feel free to come back again" the doctor said as Amy put her top back on hastily
"See I told you it would probably be all fine didn't I?" Rachel said and Amy nodded
"What would've caused it to come up?" Rachel asked
"Lumps are very common on the breast when girls are still developing because of all of the hormonal changes. Sometimes they can come up before girls come on their period and then they disappear by the time they come off again"
"Thank you very much for your time, sorry about having to change from Dr Gilbert"
"No I completely understand with a sensitive issue like this"
Amy and Rachel put their coats back on and then walked out.
"Thank you" Amy said as they left
"No problem Amy, and just remember to come back if you're still concerned"
"I will"
They got back into the car and drove off.
They were halfway home when Amy realised they were going the wrong way if they were going home.
"Where are we going Rachel?"
"I thought we'd nip into town quickly and buy Lucy a Cinderella dress. I bought you and Poppy lots when we went shopping at the weekend and she didn't really get much so I thought I'd surprise her"
"She's going to be so excited"
They parked in the car park before walking to the Disney shop, Amy still liked looking around herself.
Rachel found the blue Cinderella dress in Lucy's size before going to pay.
"We'd better get back or Poppy and Lucy will be wondering where we are, otherwise we could have stopped for a drink"
"That's okay"
Lucy rushed down the stairs as soon as she heard Rachel and Amy come back in.
"Did the Doctor say Amy's okay?" Lucy asked worriedly
"Yes the Doctor said she's absolutely fine"
It was only then that Lucy noticed the Disney bag that Rachel was holding
"What's in there?"
"Well we stopped in at the Disney shop on the way home and I saw something in there I thought you wanted"
"What is it?" Lucy asked now sounding extremely excited
"Have a look" Rachel said handing her the bag
Lucy took it and quickly looked inside it, her face was priceless.
"It's the Cinderella dress" Lucy said as she pulled it out of the bag
"Do you like it?"
"I love it, thank you so much Rachel"
"That's okay darling"
"Can I put it on now?"
"I would think so"
They went up to Lucy's bedroom and Rachel got her undressed and then helped her to put it on.
"You look like a Princess" Rachel said as Lucy span around
"I'm going to show Amy"
Poppy had only just realised they'd come home so came into Lucy's bedroom to see Rachel.
"Did Amy get on okay at the Doctor's?" Poppy asked
"Yeah everything's fine"
"Why did she have to go?"
"She found a lump on her boobs"
"Oh my God seriously? But it's nothing to worry about?"
"No the Doctor said it's just because she's developing"
"No wonder she'd been so quiet lately, she must have been so worried"
"Yeah she has, she's known since Saturday but she didn't tell me until yesterday"
"Well at least she got it checked out before we go away, so she won't be worrying while we're there now"
Lucy soon came back in so they stopped talking about Amy.
"Right let's finish packing your stuff shall we Lucy?"
"Can I keep my dress on?"
"If you want to" Rachel said smiling