The head arrived at the hospital with the A3 card in hand and headed towards the ward where Max was with his daughter. He was sat at her bedside and they looked as if they were enjoying their time together considering the circumstances.

"Hey. How are things?" She asked as she approached the bed that Pandora was lying on.

"Much better. Still a bit tired but oh well." She looked to Max who cracked a smile.

"This is for you. Miss Campbell got other teachers to cover her classes so she could make this." Rachel beamed as she placed the card on the bedside table, Pandora smiled before speaking to Rachel, "Dad told me that you helped him last night when I was being sorted out. Thank you Miss. I know that it mustn't have been easy for him." Pandora had reached out for Max's hand as she said this, pausing half way through to think about how to word what had happened. Max was smiling as he held her hand, proud just like he should be.

"It's not a problem. Your father is a good man. He just needed someone to make him realise that. Can I have a quick word Max?"

"Of course. I'll let you look at the lovely card Pandora." He got up and followed Rachel and they went outside. Max knew that it must have been important to have not just said it on the ward.

"Make sure you thank Kim when you see her. And you know how grateful I am for last night."

"I'll let her know in the morning. Any idea how long Pandora's in hospital for?"

"A few days yet but she can't come into school until she has been at home for two weeks. I won't be back in school until she is." Max took a step forward and whispered curiously, "Why did you come out here if you were just going to say that?"

"Are you going to tell Pandora the truth?"

"About what?"

"Who her mum really is? I'm not stupid Max." Max's eyes suddenly widened with the realisation as to what Rachel was talking about, "No. She can't afford to know Rachel."

"Fine. But I think we both know that if no one tells her, she's going to find out herself one day. I'm only looking out for her just as much as you are Max." The head then walked back into hospital and made her way out as Max went back to the ward, thinking about what Rachel had just said. He knew she was right because he knew that Pandora wouldn't appreciate being lied to. That didn't mean he was going to say anything though.

"Hey dad." I smiled and greeted as I saw him approaching the bed once again.

"Hey. You okay?" He put on a friendly smile before sitting beside by bed. Part of me thought this was all a dream but I knew it was real.

"Yea. What did Miss Mason want to talk to you about?" I sat up properly so my back was against the wall.

"She was just asking how long it is before the doctors send you home. I've told her I won't be able to come into school until you are fit to."

"How did you know what was wrong with me? I've never seen you look so certain about anything." He then sat on the edge of the bed and put a hand on my shoulder before admitting something to me, "I've had the same thing as you. I was much younger than you but I knew what you were going through and what to do."

"Really?" I was very surprised to hear that dad had the same operation as me even if it was a long time ago. Experience is a wonderful thing. What can nearly kill you can save lives later on down the line.

"I promise. My scar has faded so much now that you won't be able to see it but you have to trust me on it."

"I do. If it wasn't for you I'd probably be dead. If that doesn't make me trust you nothing will."

"I'm glad. As soon as you get out of here I'll make sure we do something together."

Author's Note: I know this is a shorter chapter compared to the usual length but I'm happy leaving there until the next update. Thanks to Waterlooroadfan, StellaPriceFan & CSI Encyclopedia for reviewing the last chapter and thanks to the rest of you who are reading and following!

Danni x