Author's Note: This is going to be the last chapter I can do for a while because, as you all know I'm going to be competing in a competition over the next few days! Just in case any of you hear about it, it's called the Special Olympics and is taking place in Bath. I will be swimming so wish me luck! :D Can't wait to get there!

Thank you all for your support with this story and I will update as soon as I can after getting home which is the 2nd of September.

Danni x

"Are you sure you're alright?" Dad asked, still concerned. He probably thought I was putting a brave face on. That was true but I couldn't prove him right.

"I have to be. She's been there for me before and now I have to do the same."

"Come on then. I think Rachel will be relieved to know that you are alright."

We then walked out of the cooler and found Kim outside the offices. I assumed she was waiting for us. She asked if we were fine and Max answered saying that we were fine but we want to check on Rachel. Even if she tells us to give her more time, she has to know that we are fine. Kim agreed to this and let us through to the offices.

I knocked on the door and heard a weak, 'Come in'. With dad stood behind me, I took a deep breath and opened the door. Rachel was sat where Mr Mead and Michael had been earlier when we were trying to work out where everyone was.

"Are you okay mum?"

"I'll be fine. Are you okay?" She gave me a smile and I returned. I looked over to my dad who gave a smile.

"We're fine. Listen," Max sat down next to mum and placed his hand over hers, "I don't want to lecture you but you have a daughter to look after Rachel. You have a family. We were so worried about you."

"I know and I'm sorry. I won't do anything like that again. I realised today how much we all need each other."

"How about you stay over tonight mum? You can stay in my room and I'll sleep on the sofa. The last thing I think you need is to be on your own."

"Are you sure love? I'll sleep on the sofa if you want."

"You need a night's sleep more than I do. I honestly don't mind as long as dad is okay with you sleeping over."

"I think it's a great idea." We then agreed that dad would drop Rachel off at hers so she could get anything she needed and then for all of us to go back to our place. I couldn't wait!

About an hour later, we were all at the house that my dad and I lived in and Rachel had put her bag in my room. We were just deciding what to do for tea. We were thinking of maybe getting Chinese or maybe Indian. We, eventually, decided on getting Chinese. We were now just setting up cutlery and all that before setting the food out. I decided to try and use chopsticks and challenged both my parents to do the same, just for a laugh.

"So, how has your recovery been since the op?" Mum asked as she placed our drinks on the table.

"It's fine. The scars a bit bold but dad has said it fades really quickly. In a few months it'll be near enough invisible."

"Didn't you say you've had the op done when you were a kid Max?"

"Yea. I was about half her age but my parents thought it was some persistent bug but it all got sorted eventually. I showed Pandora my scar and she said she wouldn't have guessed if I hadn't told her."

"I'm just annoyed I can't do any sport. I have to wait about a month just to make sure everything heals properly."

"I'm sure Mr Clarkson will be happy to have you back on the team. What sports do you like to do?"

"Bit of this bit of that. I'll go wherever I'm needed most."

"She was the team captain of the football team back at John Foster's. She did an extremely good job too. It was very rare that we lost a match." I occupied myself with my drink as I let shyness take over. Unlike my father, I didn't mention past achievements because I didn't want to look cocky or anything like that.

"At least you're not like your father." Mum said in a jokingly way as she took a sip of her drink. Max nearly spilt his and I just burst out laughing. Thank God I didn't drink then! Max then started play fighting with mum which was funny to watch actually since he was crap. He just couldn't stop himself from laughing as I just watched on in amusement.

"Hang on. I'm just going to get another drink. I'll bring the bottle in whilst I'm at it since we're all drinking the same thing." I then got up and started walking to the kitchen whilst saying, "It saves me getting off my ass or yours for that matter!"

"You are rubbish at play fighting you know."

"Oh really." Max then got up and stood behind Rachel because he had a bit of a theory. Something to level the playing field. He had to admit, he was rubbish at play fighting but he could make up for that. He didn't do anything for a while before jolting Rachel in the side (which made her jump and laugh even more) before he started tickling her. Turns out Rachel Mason is extremely ticklish! She turned around, trying to break away before she'd end up doing something she'd later on regret (anyone who is ticklish knows that they cannot be held responsible for any injuries!) and managed to stop him. That's when he took her by surprise again as he put a hand on her shoulder and, very lightly, kissed her. It was over as quick as it started as Rachel pulled away in disbelief but she knew that she liked it. Max then realised he had just been flirting with Rachel Mason.