Poppy awoke early the following morning. Thankfully for her, Rachel was already up and making herself a cup of tea in the kitchen. "Good morning Poppy" Rachel said with a smile as she saw Poppy making her way towards her. "How did you sleep?"

"Fine." Poppy answered.

"I was going to put you in our spare room but you were asleep by the time I came to get you." Poppy was silent as she sat down at the kitchen table. Rachel handed her a cup of tea. "What do you want for breakfast, Poppy?"

"I don't normally eat breakfast." Poppy answered. Silence fell on the kitchen again. "Have you heard anything about Jessica?" Poppy questioned.

"No, sweetheart. I'll tell you if I do." Poppy fell silent again. Rachel was pleased to hear the chatter of Olivia, Lauren and Madi as they made their way down the stairs and into the kitchen. "Good morning girls!" Rachel said cheerfully. "Kettle's just boiled, who wants a brew?" No one answered with a yes so Rachel continued. "This is Poppy, the one I told you about last night." The three girls sat around the table and began talking to Poppy. Poppy was wise beyond her years and could contribute into conversations aimed at those much older than her.

Not long after breakfast, everyone was dressed and ready to face the day. Olivia, Lauren and Madi made a point including Poppy when they were doing their hair and re doing their nails from the night before. It was the first day on the summer holidays and Madi and Lauren were staying until the afternoon. The girls were busy upstairs when the phone rang. Rachel answered to an unexpectedly upset voice.

"Hello? Rachel Mason speaking."

"Rachel? It's me, Chris."

"Hi Chris. How's Jessica?"

"Not well. They're not entirely sure what's wrong with her. There is a swelling on her brain and she has slipped into a coma. She's in the intensive care unit now. They don't know when – if ever – she will wake up. If she does, it's not looking soon."

"Chris, I'm sorry. Is there anything I can do?"

"It's okay Rachel. I don't know how I'm going to get Poppy or Sophie. I can't leave Jessica. Sophie's grandparents have already agreed to have Sophie for longer. How am I going to look after two kids and be with Jessica?"

"Don't worry, Chris. I'll keep Poppy here for as long as it takes. Has she got a house key? She's going to need more things if she's here longer."

"No, but she knows how to get one. Thanks, Rachel. I really appreciate it."

"It's okay. Poppy will be fine. I'll get her to call you later. She's busy with Olivia, Lauren Andrews and Madi Diamond. They're doing nails or something."

"Okay. Thanks again Rachel. Bye."

"Bye"

Rachel replaced the phone to its cradle. How was she going to tell Poppy? How would Olivia get on with Poppy living with them for a little while? Questions filled Rachel's head as she called Poppy downstairs. Poppy arrived downstairs and she could tell that something was wrong by the look of shock on Rachel's face. "Poppy, that was Chris on the phone." Poppy looked uncertain. Rachel continued, "Jessica is very ill, they don't know how long it will take for her to get better. She's sleeping at the moment and isn't waking up yet. It's called a coma."

"I know what a coma is. Sometimes people never wake up from them." Poppy said worriedly.

"Chris can't look after you or Sophie at the moment. Sophie is staying at her grandparent's house, and I said that you can stay with me and Olivia. Is that okay?" Slowly, Poppy nodded her head. This was not the news she wanted to hear. She so desperately wanted to close her eyes and find out that none of this had happened. Poppy stared into space as Rachel came and gave her a hug. "We've got to get some of your things from Chris and Jessica's house for when you stay here. Shall we go back upstairs and tell Olivia?"

Rachel and Poppy went up the stairs to break the news to Olivia. Poppy was very distant from everything that was going on. The three girls were very sympathetic towards Poppy as said that they'd stay and help Poppy settle in when Rachel and her had collected some of her things. Poppy didn't want to collect any of her things. She wanted Chris and Jessica. How can her world change, just like that?