It was the morning that they were going to the Lake District so Rachel was up early getting everything sorted.
She was just putting the last few bits into her suitcase when Lucy woke up, who had ended up coming into her bed in the middle of the night again.
"Morning sweetheart" Rachel said going over and sitting on the bed next to her
"Rachel I still don't feel very well"
"Oh dear, are you still all achy?"
"Yes and I still feel really hot" Lucy said despite the fact Rachel had told her to just sleep in her knickers to try and keep her cool
Rachel put her hand to her forehead and realised she felt quite clammy.
"Think we're going to have to keep you dosed up on calpol today, we can't have you poorly while we're away can we?"
"No"
"I'll just nip and get it, you stay there"
Rachel returned a few minutes later with the calpol and a glass of water.
She poured the medicine out onto the spoon and gave it to Lucy.
"Hopefully that should kick in soon, I'm going to go and wake your sisters up"
Rachel got Poppy up first who got up quite easily but getting Amy out of bed was a lot harder.
"Come on out you get, Mel and Philip are going to be here in less than an hour"
Amy sighed before chucking off the covers and getting out.
Once Amy was out and getting ready Rachel went back into her room and straightened her hair.
"Let's go and get you dressed Luc"
Lucy got out of bed and walked into her own bedroom with Rachel. She sat on the bed while Rachel got her changed.
Rachel then took her through to the bathroom so she could brush her teeth before getting her all comfy on the sofa.
After getting Lucy sorted, Amy and Poppy helped her to load up the car so then she got breakfast sorted for everyone.
Rachel, Amy and Poppy were sat at the table eating when Mel and Philip walked in.
"Morning" Mel said cheerily
"Morning, we're nearly ready" Rachel replied
"No rush, I'll put the kettle on"
Mel was about six months pregnant so was getting quite big.
"Where's Lucy?" Philip asked
"She's lying on the sofa, she's not feeling too great"
Philip went into see the little girl. The two of them got on really well and Lucy loved having Phil around.
When Phil got into the lounge he found Lucy in there crying.
"What's wrong Lucy?"
"I want Rachel"
"Shall I go and get her for you?"
Lucy nodded so Phil went back into the kitchen.
"Rach"
"Yeah"
"Lucy's crying, she says she wants you"
Rachel went in and saw the teary girl sat on the sofa cuddling her teddy bear.
"What's wrong love?" Rachel asked putting Lucy onto her knee so she could cry into her
"I feel poorly" Lucy said sounding very sorry for herself
"I know feeling poorly isn't very nice is it, it always makes you a bit tearful. Mel and Philip are in the kitchen, shall we go and say hello?"
"Okay"
Rachel wiped away Lucy's tears and then picked her up and carried her through to the kitchen before sitting back down with her so she could finish her crumpet.
"Are you going to give me a cuddle Lucy so Rachel can finish her breakfast?" Mel said
"No" Lucy said before burying her head into Rachel's chest, she always did get very clingy to Rachel when she was poorly
Once everyone had finished their breakfast they decided to get going.
Rachel got Lucy strapped into the car.
"Try and have a little sleep love and hopefully you'll feel better when we get there"
"Okay" Lucy said before closing her eyes
Rachel went back to lock up and then got into the car.
They were just pulling off the driveway when Poppy remembered she'd forgotten to pick up her phone that she'd left in her bedroom to charge.
"Rachel stop, I've forgotten my phone"
Rachel rolled her eyes at her before stopping the car so that Poppy could go back into the house to get it.
Mel got out of her car and walked up to Rachel's door so Rachel wound the window down.
"What's going on?" Mel asked
"Poppy forgot her phone"
Mel laughed before going back to her car.
It didn't take long for Poppy to get back in the car so they set off.
Lucy fell asleep which Rachel was glad about because she hoped she'd feel better after a little sleep.
"Are you okay Amy? You've been very quiet this morning love" Rachel asked Amy who was staring out of her window
"Yeah"
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah I've just got a bit of a stomach ache that's all"
"When did that start?"
"Just when I woke up"
"Why don't you close your eyes for a bit too then? You might feel better for a little sleep" Rachel said
Amy decided to do this as she was feeling quite tired and ended up falling asleep leaving Rachel and Poppy chatting in the front.
They'd been on the road for about an hour when Lucy woke up.
Rachel glanced in her mirror and saw Lucy had her eyes open again.
"Did you have a nice sleep love?" Rachel asked and Lucy nodded
"How are you feeling?"
"Lots better"
"That's good then"
Rachel was hoping she would feel better, she knew kids bounced back easily when they were feeling unwell.
Lucy realised that she needed to go for a wee as soon as she woke up but she'd been trying to hold on, however now she was getting really desperate so she started jigging her legs.
"Rachel I really need to go for a wee" Lucy said sounding urgent
Rachel looked at her and saw how uncomfortable looked so realised she'd have to pull in at the next service station. She sighed, she couldn't believe she'd forgotten to make her go before they left home.
Luckily she saw a sign saying they were only a mile away from the next service station.
"Poppy can you text Mel saying we're stopping"
Lucy was starting to get worried now as she was worried she wasn't going to make it in time.
"Rachel I need to go now"
"I know you do, look we're here now" Rachel said as they pulled into the car park
They all got out of the car and then Rachel ran on in with Lucy who luckily got there just in time.
The rest decided to go while they were there too.
When Amy was on the toilet she noticed her knickers were covered in blood.
She didn't know what to do because she hadn't brought any stuff with her and she didn't want to say anything to Rachel in front of everyone.
Amy put some toilet roll in her knickers and just hoped it would be okay.
She came out and washed her hands but Rachel noticed immediately how worried she looked.
"Are you okay love?"
"I'm fine"
Rachel was unconvinced but she knew Amy wouldn't want a fuss made in front of everyone.
They stopped for a quick Costa before getting back on the road.
The rest of the journey passed quite quickly and they soon arrived at their cottage.
The couple the cottage belonged to were there to meet them and give them the keys.
They were really friendly and showed them around before leaving again.
"Rachel what are we doing today?" Lucy asked who was clearly feeling a lot better
"I'm just going to unpack and get things sorted and then I thought we could go for a little walk"
"Can we go swimming today too?"
"Yes I would think so, the swimming pools only about a half an hour walk I think"
"Yay"
Rachel and Mel unpacked the food and all of their stuff.
By the time it was done it was lunchtime so Rachel made up some sandwiches.
"Are we going out now?" Lucy asked once they'd all finished their lunch
"Yes, we just need to pack up our swimming stuff and then we'll go"
Rachel noticed Amy's face drop when we say this.
"Rachel is it okay if I don't go swimming? My stomach's still hurting" Amy said
"Yes of course love, do you want some painkillers then?"
"Urmm yes please"
Rachel went up into her bedroom to get some tablets out of her wash bag. Amy got a glass of water and then followed her up.
Amy realised now was a good time to tell Rachel about her period with no-one around, however she felt a bit embarrassed and didn't really know how to tell her.
"Rachel" Amy said nervously
"Yes love"
"I've come on my period, do you have any pads?" Amy said as her cheeks went red
"Oh that's a shame when we're away, yeah I've got a whole pack with me. I think I put them in the bathroom when I unpacked"
"Okay thank you, I'm going to go and get sorted now"
Rachel gave her a weak smile
Rachel packed up swimming stuff for her and Lucy before nipping into Poppy and Amy's bedroom.
"Amy can I have a quick word love?"
Amy nodded before following Rachel out into the hallway.
"I was just going to say if you did want to go swimming you can always try using a tampon"
"No I don't want to, they sound disgusting"
"I know the idea isn't particularly pleasant but you soon get used to them I promise"
"I don't think I'm ready yet"
"That's fine love, I just didn't want you missing out that's all"
"I don't mind"
Everyone took their stuff down stairs so it was all ready to pick up as soon as they got back from their walk.
"Rachel why can't we go swimming and then go for a walk?" Lucy moaned
"Because then you'll say you're too tired to go for a walk once we've been swimming"
"No I won't"
"Yes you will, come on let's go"
Reluctantly the kids all put their wellies on ready to go for a walk.
They all went outside and Rachel locked up before they set off.
"Where are we walking to Rach?" Poppy asked
"I don't know, we'll just see where we end up shall we?"
Even though Mel and Rachel were the only two who actually wanted to go for a walk, everyone did end up enjoying it once they were out which was what usually happened.
They went for a walk around a lake but Lucy's legs were starting to get quite tired so they stopped in a coffee shop for a drink.
Once they were done in there they headed back to the cottage that they were staying in.
"Are we going swimming now Rachel?" Lucy asked
"Yes, pick your stuff up and we'll walk down to the swimming pool"
"Are you just going to stay here with Mel while we go Amy?"
"Yeah okay"
"Is that alright Mel?" Rachel asked
"Of course it is"
Rachel, Poppy, Phil and Lucy picked up their stuff before walking to the swimming pool.
"How come Amy's not coming Rach, is she on her period?" Poppy asked much to the embarrassment of Philip
Phil walked on a bit ahead clearly feeling very awkward.
"Yeah she is"
"What's that?" Lucy asked
"I'll tell you later love" Rachel said giving Poppy a look, not that she really minded because she knew it was important to be open about that sort of thing with Lucy
They got to the swimming pool and Rachel paid for them all to go in before they went into the changing rooms.
"See you in a minute Phil"
Lucy went in a changing room with Rachel and Poppy went in one next to them.
Once they were all changed they went into the swimming pool.
Lucy's face lit up when she saw how good it looked.
Rachel hadn't been expecting there to be quite so many slides. She felt a bit sorry for Amy though having to miss out on it all.
They ended up spending a couple of hours in the pool and going down all the slides but Lucy was starting to shiver a bit so Rachel thought it was about time they got out.
"I think it's time to get out now"
"I don't want to get out yet, please can we stay a bit longer?"
"You're shivering love, we can come back another day"
Eventually they got Lucy out of the pool so they headed back to the changing rooms.
Rachel got Lucy in the shower whilst her and Poppy got all of their stuff out of the lockers.
"Did you bring shampoo and conditioner?" Rachel asked Poppy as she'd forgotten to put it in the bag
"No I've forgotten"
"Me too, oh well it's not like we're going out anywhere tonight"
Once the three of them had had a shower they got changed before finding Phil and then walking back to their cottage.
When they got back Mel and Amy were in the kitchen making some brownies.
"Something smells good" Rachel said as she walked into the kitchen
"We made brownies" Amy said "and we've made the dough for the pizzas"
"Oh thank you, that saves me a job"
Lucy still hadn't really warmed up from being in the swimming pool for so long so Rachel decided to put her in the bath.
"Let's get you in the bath before we make the pizzas love, and then it's all done"
Rachel unpacked their stuff and then started running a bath for Lucy.
Once it was run Rachel called Lucy through to the bathroom however she didn't come so Rachel had to go and look for her.
She found her lying on the bed they were sharing fast asleep.
Rachel felt bad waking her when she looked so peaceful but she didn't really want her to have a nap now because she knew she wouldn't sleep tonight otherwise.
She shook her gently and Lucy opened her eyes.
"Rachel I'm not feeling very well again"
"Oh aren't you love? Maybe I should get you some more medicine. You get ready for your bath and I'll go and get the medicine"
Rachel went and found the medicine before going into the bathroom.
Lucy was undressed but hadn't got in the bath yet.
"Aren't you going to get in love?"
"I was waiting for you to come back first, because you always say I'm not allowed to have a bath if there's not someone with me"
"I wasn't going to be long so you could have got in, anyway in you jump now"
Rachel gave Lucy a couple of spoonfuls of medicine before putting the lid down on the loo and sitting on it.
Lucy laid in the bath and just had a bit of a relax. Normally she would play a bit more but she wasn't feeling her normal self so she just wanted to lie there.
"Rachel what was that thing you were talking about with Poppy?"
"When?"
"When we were walking to the swimming pool"
Rachel had to think for a moment but then she realised what Rachel was on about.
"Oh when you asked what a period is?"
"Yes what is it?"
"Well when you get older you go through lots of changes and one of them is starting your periods, which is where you bleed for a few days every month"
"From where?"
"From… around where you go for a wee from"
"Eugh that's disgusting"
"No it's not love, it's completely normal all girls have them"
"How old will I be when it happens?"
"Girls start their periods at lots of different ages, you could be as young as 8 or it might not happen until you're 16 most girls start when they're around 12 or 13 though"
"So I've still got a long time at the minute then"
"I would think so yes"
"Good"
Lucy started talking about something else after this which Rachel was glad about.
Once Rachel had washed her hair, Lucy pulled the plug out and insisted on waiting in the bath until all of the water had gone.
"Come on it's all gone now out you get"
Rachel wrapped a towel around her and then lifted her onto the bath mat. She then took her through to their bedroom and dried her hair off and got her changed into her pyjamas.
The two of them went downstairs and Rachel took Lucy into the lounge where Amy and Poppy had a film on.
Lucy happily went and sat with them so Rachel went into the kitchen and got everything ready for them to make their pizzas.
She got it all laid out on the table and then called everyone out.
Once they'd all made a pizza each Rachel cleared up and got them in the oven.
When they were ready they came and sat at the kitchen table to eat them.
"Suppose I'll be the only one having a glass of wine tonight" Rachel said as she poured herself a glass of white
"No need to rub it in Rach" Mel said laughing
"I'll have a glass" Amy said
"I don't think so young lady"
"Please"
"Fine just a bit though, and I'll put some lemonade in it"
Rachel rolled her eyes before getting another glass out for Amy and making her a drink.
They all really enjoyed their pizzas.
Once they'd eaten Mel cut up the brownies and put some icing sugar on top so they could all have one.
"You haven't sneaked some laxative chocolate in there again have you Phil?" Poppy asked laughing
"Haha very funny"
"I don't think there's any need to bring that up Poppy is there now?" Rachel said raising her eyebrows at her
"Wow these taste delicious, thanks you two"
"It was all Amy really, you know what a disaster it is whenever I bake"
They all helped to clear up after tea so it didn't take long.
After that they all went into the lounge and put a film on.
It was so nice being away together. Rachel often went away with Mel and Phil and Easter but it was lovely having the girls there too.
The film had only been on for about half an hour when Rachel looked down at Lucy, who had her head resting on her lap, and realised she was fast asleep.
"Aww Lucy's fallen asleep bless her" Rachel said stroking her hair
"Hopefully she'll feel better tomorrow if she has a good night's sleep"
"Yeah she's just a bit under the weather, I think she'll be fine by tomorrow"
They watched to the end of the film before Rachel carried Lucy upstairs. She sat her on the loo so she could go for a last wee before carrying her into bed.
She hardly stirred at all, so Rachel tucked her in nicely before giving her a kiss and going back downstairs.
They watched Gogglebox and then they all went up to bed.
Rachel got ready for bed as quietly as she could because she didn't want to disturb Lucy. Luckily she managed to do this so she climbed into her and wrapped her arms around Lucy before drifting off to sleep.
The next morning Rachel woke up because Lucy was fidgeting about. Lucy was quite a fidgety sleeper anyway but she moving about loads.
Rachel opened her eyes and saw that Lucy was awake too.
"Morning love, how are you feeling this morning?"
"A lot better today" Lucy said
Rachel looked at her and she certainly did have a lot more colour in her cheeks than she had yesterday.
"You're looking better"
"Can we go downstairs now?"
"We only just woke up, can't we stay in bed for a cuddle first?"
"Okay but I have been awake for ages"
Lucy stayed snuggled up to Rachel for a while before the two of them went downstairs.
When they went into the kitchen they saw Poppy sat at the table with a glass of water.
"You're not looking too good this morning"
I feel awful"
"Can I get you anything?"
"No thank you"
It wasn't long before Poppy had to run upstairs to be sick.
She absolutely hated this and really couldn't wait for the morning sickness to be over.
Poppy still wasn't feeling great but she didn't think she was going to be sick again so she went back downstairs.
It took a couple of hours for everyone to be ready to go. By the time they were leaving Poppy was feeling fine again.
They were planning on driving somewhere today but they hadn't decided where yet.
Rachel had a quick look on her phone before deciding to go to a town to look around.
"Can't we go swimming again?"
"Maybe later, we're going to go out first though"
"But it will be really boring"
"You haven't been there before so how would you know?"
"I can just tell"
They got into their cars and Rachel typed in into the satnav and then they set off.
Rachel ended up getting quite lost but eventually they found it.
By the time they got there Lucy was bursting for the loo so Rachel went on with her to try and find some toilets.
After Lucy had been they met back up with the others.
They spent the morning looking around and going to a little museum.
It was about lunchtime so the children were all starting to moan about being hungry.
They had a walk around trying to find somewhere to eat and eventually decided on a little pub.
Rachel found a table for them so they all went and sat down.
Once everyone had decided what they wanted Mel and Rachel went up to order.
They came back with the tray of drinks and handed it out.
"How long's it going to be I'm starving?" Amy said
"You're always starving, I don't know do I"
"Rachel please can I go on your phone?" Lucy asked
"No not now"
"Why not you normally let me go on your phone"
"Because I haven't got that much battery left and I want it to last"
Lucy leaned across the table where Rachel had it next to her and tried to pick it up but ended up knocking over a drink which went all in Amy's lap.
Amy quickly jumped out of her seat.
"For gods sake Lucy I'm covered in orange juice now"
Rachel grabbed some napkins and tried to dry Amy's leggings off the best she could.
"Right now stop messing around Lucy and just sit there quietly until your food comes"
Rachel hadn't really been that strict with her or shouted that much but Lucy hated it even if Rachel was the tiniest bit angry with her so she quickly ran off so that they wouldn't see her crying.
Rachel got up and followed her into the toilets.
"Come here love" Rachel said
Lucy turned around and walked over to Rachel.
"Oh sweetheart don't cry"
"It was an accident I didn't mean to knock the drink over"
"I know but if you hadn't have been trying to get my phone when I said no it wouldn't have happened would it?"
"I'm sorry"
"It doesn't matter, just try and be a bit more careful next time. Let me get some tissues"
Rachel grabbed a bit of toilet roll so she could wipe up Lucy's tears. She gave her a quick cuddle before the two of them went back to the table.
"Sorry for spilling the drink on you Amy"
"That's okay"
It didn't take much longer for the food to come. Everyone was really hungry by the time the food came so they all really enjoyed it.
After lunch they went for a walk around another lake.
The sun came out in the afternoon so they ended up stopping there for a while and having a bit of a paddle.
Luckily Rachel had thought about this and put a few towels in the boot of the car.
They stayed there for the rest of the afternoon before heading back to the cottage so they could get ready to go out for a meal in the evening.
Please review xxxx