Hey guys I'm back :p Sorry that I haven't updated in ages, I just really didn't get the time to sit down and write this chapter but I am back from my hiatus and I will endeavour to update regularly again. Thank you so much to everyone who's reviewed and alerted this story so far You're all amazing. I hope you continue to enjoy this story xx Lo

Chapter 24- You're not alone, cause you're here with me

April was conflicted for ages about what she should say in her speech. There were a million things that she wanted to say, but just could not find the words to express them. The gesture for the boy who was one of her best friends was proving to be one of the most difficult things April had ever done. She tried to keep her composure as well as possible while writing the speech, but every few minutes April would break down in tears again as she remembered a good memory they had shared or something Xavier had said. The fact that he was gone hit her in waves; she would remember and forget and remember again, and the anguish she felt didn't lessen at all.

It broke Heath's heart to see the woman he loved in such a state, but he knew there was nothing he could do that could possibly make her feel better. Nothing could make up for the loss she was experiencing. Despite this, Heath vowed to remain by April's side. Whenever she began crying again, he would silently pull her into his arms and hold her tight. Heath, Casey and Brax had been trying their very best to look out for the young girl but there was only so much they could do. April needed to come to terms with this by herself; no-one else could do it for her.

When the morning of the funeral came, April felt numb. The mixture of nerves, despair and morning sickness only made the situation worse. She knew she would need a lot of strength to make it through the day. April put on the black maternity dress that Bianca had bought for her the day before and she awkwardly put on black heels whilst trying to avoid her baby bump. She stared at herself in the mirror and frowned. There was something missing: colour. April knew that Xavier wouldn't want everyone to wear black. He was such a fun loving and vibrant person. She picked up a large colourful butterfly clip from the dresser and secured it to her curly up-do. April smiled. That clip had been given to her by Xavier for her birthday a year ago. He knew that she loved hair accessories. Heath joined her in the room. He was wearing a black suit, white shirt and a black tie. Heath took April's hand and kissed her softly. "Are you ready to go?" The sympathy was evident in his voice.

April nodded briefly. "Just promise me one thing?"

Heath nodded. "Anything."

She sighed against his chest. "Stay with me. I don't think I can do this without you."

He frowned. Heath hated that he couldn't do anything to help her. "Of course. I'll be by your side all day, I swear. I just want you to know that you're not alone." That was all he wanted.

April nodded. "I know, because I'm with you. When I'm with you I'm never alone."

When Heath and April arrived at the church they met Liam, Bianca and Irene outside. The minute Bianca saw her sister she pulled her into a hug with all the force she had. She needed April just as much today as her sister needed her. "How are you feeling?" Bianca wondered lowly.

April sighed. "Okay, I guess. I just wish this little one would give me a break today of all days." She said and placed her hand on her bump. It was still quite small considering that she was nearly five months pregnant.

"How are you doing Irene?" Heath wondered, making April smile. Their relationship had vastly improved in the past month or two. They were able to have a civilised conversation now which made everyone's life a lot easier.

Irene nodded. "Well darl, it seems to be just one thing after another these days but I guess I'm doing okay. I'm starting to feel like myself again."

Heath smiled. "That's great. You can really see the difference."

Bianca was still finding it hard to come to terms with the fact that things had become so casual with themselves and Heath. "We should probably go inside." She suggested and they all made their way into the church.

During the service, April found it very hard to concentrate. She couldn't stop thinking about the speech she would have to make soon. After all her deliberation, April had decided it would be best if she just went up to the altar and spoke from the heart. It would have meant more to Xavier than just reading from some cue cards.

"Now I would like to invite Xavier's good friend April Scott to come up and say a few words." Elijah said and Heath gave April's hand one last reassuring squeeze before she made her way up to the pulpit. She looked down at all her friends and relations and took a deep breath before speaking. "When I first arrived in Summer Bay, I didn't like Xavier. I thought he was self absorbed and rude but I couldn't have been more wrong. I had heard some bad things about him and made my own assumptions, but fortunately soon after I got to know the real Xavier Austin. He was a guy that was kind, caring and selfless beyond belief. I only knew him for about three years, but in those three years he became one of my best friends. Xave always looked out for me, even when and after I nearly killed us both. He really had a sense of right and wrong. I know he would have made an amazing police man one day. It's nothing less than a tragedy that someone like Xavier has been taken by us and even more so because we never got to say goodbye. And I know no matter how much I'm hurting, it doesn't even compare to the grief Gina and John are experiencing at the moment. I just want to tell you two that my thoughts and prayers are with you and that all of us are going to give you all the support we possibly can. No parent should have to lose a child.

"If I got the chance to say one last thing to Xavier it would be that I love him. The two of us had our highs and lows but I never stopped loving him and I never will. I would also thank him for everything he's given me. He helped me through some of the darkest times in my life and I just want him to know how grateful I am to have had such an amazing person in my life, even if it was for an unbearably short period of time. Finally, I would like to say- no swear- to him that I will never forget him. I love you Xave." April finished and the tears trickled down her cheeks. April made her way back down to her seat and cried on Heath's chest.

Really hope you liked that I have just made a Twitter account that ties with this one and my handle is Gleefulbabe. I'd love some of you to follow and tweet me. I will follow back xx