'She won't turn around.

The shadows are long and she fears,

If she cries that first tears, the tears will not stop,

Raining down.'

- Superchick - Stand in the rain

I sat in the shade of the tall green leaves of the tree. The rain still hadn't stopped it had soaked through my dress and was soaking my skin. I knew that I was being childish but I couldn't face him. I didn't want to see that same pity in his eyes again, some birthday. I subconsciously touched the necklace that he had given me on my second birthday. It was a hand carved wooden heart with a wolf in the middle and on the back was the word 'always.' That was a complete lie!

I choked back my tears because I knew that if I was to cry one tear I wouldn't be able to stop. My back was beginning to ache but I welcomed the pain, it was a distraction from the whole in my chest. I could see quite far from the branch that I was sitting on. The view was beautiful and on any other day I would appreciate it but not today, not now. I lay my soaked head against the trunk of the tree and closed my eyes. That was a mistake. As soon as I did his face appeared in my head and the whole burned and I gasped in shock. I flung my eyes open not wishing to experience the pain again.

I could hear voices calling my name in the distance but I couldn't be bothered answering them. The voices faded to the west so I jumped down from my hiding place, which held so many happy memories for me, and I headed east, back to the house.

My shoes got caught in the mud so I took them off and walked barefoot. The mud covered my feet and splashed my legs but I was beyond caring. I was too busy worrying about my mother. How would she feel if she saw me broken? Would it bring back painful memories of when my dad left her? I couldn't bare it if I caused her unnecessary pain. I would put on a brave face, pretend that I was ok. I knew that I couldn't trick Daddy and Uncle Jasper but they would be smart enough not to mention anything to Mum. I just hopped that he wasn't there.

The house appeared suddenly in front of me and I took a deep breath. I could do this. I slowly made my way to the front door. I knew that if anyone was inside that they would have heard my heartbeat and knew that I was coming. Well maybe not Grandpa Charlie but I doubted that they would leave him alone. I wouldn't care who was there as long as it wasn't him or mum. I didn't want to deal with either of them, especially not him. It hurt to even think his name.

I slowly opened the front door and was assaulted by a pink fluffy towel.

'I am so glad that you're safe. I was worried sick.' My Grandma Esme cried, giving me a huge hug through the towel.

'Sorry, I fell asleep, lost track of time.' I knew my excuses were rubbish but she didn't push me for the real reason.

'It's ok. Go have a shower then go to bed, you look exhausted. I'll phone the others and tell them that you are here.' I just nodded my head and made my way slowly over to the stairs.

I looked in the living room and saw my Grandpa Charlie watching me closely looking for signs that I would be like my mum. I saw in his eyes the exact thing that I didn't want to see.

Fear.