The end of the day arrived. Lindsay was going to stay over at Paul's tonight, telling her mum she would be at Amy's with Lauren. She decided to go home to see Poppy, who was coming home this evening. Kyle decided to stay at home to think about what he should do. Hannah had no option as she was grounded and Emily was going over to Scout's to work on their homework. The twins were also coming back from their grandparents.
Lindsay, Emily, Kyle and Hannah arrived home to find Poppy in the lounge. She had a pink cast on both her arm and leg. She also had a wheelchair and walking stick to get about for the next couple of months. All she could manage to wear is a pair of jogging bottoms and a jumper, to her disappointment as Poppy liked wearing leggings, skinny jeans and t-shirts. Poppy was frightened about the Coopers Park kids, so she had pretended she had forgotten their names. They knew what school Poppy was at and they wouldn't get into serious trouble, perhaps a caution or supervision of a social worker.
''Poppy!'' Hannah smiled, giving her sister a huge hug
''Y'alright, Pops.'' Kyle gave her a light, playful punch
''Hey.'' Emily gave her a small grin
''Hi.'' Poppy croaked as her voice was recovering from having a tube down her throat ''I'm OK.''
''Dad.'' Katie piped up ''I know now isn't the most convenient time, but I want to start Waterloo Road.''
John looked at Mrs James ''Yes. I don't see why not. I'll phone up tomorrow.''
It was 7pm and Kyle was in his room, staring at his ceiling. He skipped his tea, to the surprise of John as it was his favourite-lasagne and Kyle is the one who eats the most in the family. Mrs James reckoned she knew why and went upstairs to check on her stepson.
''Hi. Can I come in?'' Asked Mrs James
''Sure.'' Muttered Kyle as he sat up
''What's the matter?'' Mrs James wondered
''Nothing.'' Kyle sighed, holding his head in his hands
''Is it Shannon?'' Mrs James asked and Kyle nodded
''It's not fair. She said I have until tomorrow and she says to pretend we go out. But I love Rhona. Even though I don't know Lilly, I don't want to loose her either.''
''Maybe, it would help if we told your dad.'' Mrs James suggested ''You won't be alone as I would do the same for Lindsay and Emily and your sisters and brother.''
''Thanks.'' Kyle felt much better and gave Mrs James a hug
5 minutes later, Kyle was ready to face his dad and hoped he wouldn't go beserk. He was shaking with nerves on how to tell his dad. Katie, Hannah and Poppy were watching a movie upstairs, giving them a perfect opportunity.
''Hi hun.'' John smiled, patting the seat ''Hi Kyle.''
''John.'' Mrs James took a deep breath ''Kyle wants me to explain something to you.''
''Right?'' John was slightly worried
''Promise me you won't get angry.'' Mrs James began ''For Kyle and the sake of the others. It was a big mistake and he is suffering right now.''
''What is it?'' John asked
''Kyle.'' Mrs James began nervously ''Kyle has a kid.''
''I know.'' John said, thinking she was referring to Logan
''She means another kid.'' Kyle began ''I have a daughter aswell.''
There was an awkward atmosphere as Kyle waited for his dad to blow a fuse, but instead he got a disappointing ''Oh Kyle.''
''Aren't you angry?'' Kyle asked
''Well of course I am angry.'' John said more sternly ''I thought you weren't stupid to make the same mistake again. Who is it?''
''Shannon. The kid's called Lilly.'' Kyle replied
''Last time, I said you'd be on your own.'' John began ''But, because you've had the guts to come clean about and I don't want to loose any of my kids again, I suppose it's OK. You're grounded for a month however.''
''Thanks dad.'' Kyle was deeply relieved, now all he had to do was tell Rhona
''I'll phone this Shannon tomorrow and clear things up with her dad. You, young man, are not wriggling out of responsibility.'' John told Kyle
''Yes dad.'' Kyle said
At Paul's, Lindsay was curled up with Paul on the sofa, eating Paul's home made vegetable curry and rice. Paul reached into his pocket and then dropped onto one knee.
''Paul?'' Lindsay wondered
''Lindsay.'' Paul began ''You complete me and I know I want to spend my life with you. Will you marry me?''
Lindsay blushed and gasped at the ring Paul picked out-it was gold with 3 diamonds. Lindsay knew Paul was the one ''Yes!''
Paul smiled and threw his arms round Lindsay. They were both happy and so pleased.